Pastoral Care at John Spence
BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING
Our most recent Ofsted Report identified student behaviour as one of the strengths of John Spence Community High School. We are justifiably proud of the behaviour and achievements of our students.
In order to maintain a positive learning environment the school operates a policy called Behaviour for Learning (BfL). This policy aims to teach, encourage and reward good behaviour. Poor behaviour is dealt with by a clearly defined set of consequences which are imposed by the school, rather than by individual teachers.
The school’s aims and the Behaviour for Learning programme underpin the central importance of creating and maintaining a calm, well ordered and peaceful teaching environment in which teachers are allowed to teach and students are allowed to learn.
Behaviour for Learning begins with a belief that assertive behaviour and ‘light touch’ indications of what is expected by the teacher will normally maintain a calm working atmosphere in the classroom. Where the teacher feels it is necessary to invoke sanctions it is important that a CONSISTENT procedure is followed by all staff.
"Students... enjoy school where the atmosphere is one of calm, order, interest and industry. Behaviour ...is good overall. Frequently it is exemplary."
Ofsted 2006
Classroom Rules, Rewards and Consequences
- The code is based on 5 simple rules which are applicable in all classrooms. [Additional specific rules are left to each department - to meet their own needs].
- Supporting these rules are a series of 5 rewards to be gained for responsible behaviour and 5 sanctions to be applied in cases of inappropriate behaviour.
Rules:
Be fully prepared for every lesson
- Equipment, materials, kit, books, homework due, forms returned, coats off, on time AND the correct mental attitude to begin work.
Show respect for all staff and other pupils
- Good manners, hands raised when asking or answering, politeness of speech, non-interference, awareness of feelings of others.
Follow instructions the first time given
- Stressing the importance of obedience within all classroom situations.
Take care of the classroom environment
- The meaning of “environment” must be taught and learnt by all: includes damage to walls, desks, equipment and books. Litter in bins, chewing gum out and tidy up.
Always do your best to work hard and make progress
- The elements of work, expectations, targets for progress, assessments, marks.
These rules carry equal ‘weight’ and as well as being displayed in every teaching area are in force at all times.
Rewards
Praise
- Either immediate (spoken) or comment on work (written), on successful completion of piece of work, good marks
- Merits awarded
- Recognition by teacher for pupil and parent to see normal expectations are fulfilled.
Certificates presented
- Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus according to level of attainment in Key Stage 3 and Merit Rewards
- Merit Rewards in Key Stage 4
Attendance Awards
- Recognition is given to good attendance through termly prize draws, full term and full year attendance awards and non-uniform days.
Special Awards
- Special awards covering all aspects of pupil achievement and development are made annually following a system of staff nominations.
Merit System
The awarding of ‘merits’ is a key part of the positive reinforcement of work and behaviour in John Spence.
In Key Stage 3 merits are awarded lesson by lesson using a merit ‘stamp’.
Merits can also be awarded for positive out of class behaviour – being helpful, opening doors etc.
Pupils can also receive merits for attendance at out of hours activities – PE practices and fixtures, computer club, chess club etc.
Certificates are awarded according to the following totals
| Bronze | 500 |
| Silver | 800 |
| Gold | 1200 |
| Platinum | 1500 |
| Platinum Plus | 1750 |
A list of rewards has been introduced that can be worked towards or ‘cashed in’ at various times during the year.
The rewards are as follows :
| Non uniform day | 350 merits |
| Early lunch pass for 1 week | 350 merits |
| Free Period on the Astro for Football / Rounders | 500 merits |
| Computer period | 500 merits |
Use of Sports facilities in the Sports Hall for an afternoon |
700 merits |
Wet n Wild Ticket |
1800 merits |
| Sports College Polo shirt | 2000 merits |
| Pair of Odeon cinema tickets | 2500 merits |
| HMV voucher (£10) | 2500 merits |
| W H Smith voucher (£10) | 2500 merits |
| Trip to Lightwater Valley | 3000 merits |
| Sports College Sweatshirt | 3000 merits |
| Sports College Tracksuit bottoms | 3000 merits |
| Sports College Rain Jacket | 3300 merits |
In Key Stage 4 Merits are awarded at the end of a half term period.
As in KS3, Year 10 and 11 pupils can also be awarded merits for out of class behaviour and out of hours activities.
Merit totals reflect the difference in workload for KS4 pupils with merits also awarded for completed coursework.
The rewards list for KS4 pupils is similar to that of KS3, with reduced totals.
Consequences
Warning
- short, personal, calm, controlled with direct eye contact.
Relocation
- Either temporary relocation in the classroom or to another classroom in the Department
Call Back (up to 10 minutes)
- return (or stay) to speak with teacher at a time convenient to the teacher.
Detention
- choice of 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Detentions held centrally Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and staffed on a rota basis.
- Referral to the Head of Department / Head of Year
‘Standby’
- immediate removal from class situation to permanently supervised room via Emergency Red Card System
Exclusion
Exclusions will follow :
- In response to a serious breach of the school’s discipline policy and
- When other strategies and sanctions have failed and
- Where allowing the pupil to remain would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others in the school
