Student+Behaviour+and+Discipline+Policy

__**Student Behaviour and Displine policy**__

The overriding principle which governs the behaviour and discipline policy at Society High is that prevention is better than cure. With this in mind, Society High believes that it is important to understand the psychological mechanisms that drive unwanted behaviour. Internal control psychology for example helps us to understand why students make the behavioural choices they make. A child who comes to school ‘looking for a fight’ has developed the perception that fighting is the best way he can satisfy his need for power and self-worth at school. The only way to ensure long-term change in this child’s behaviour is to teach him through reflection that his need for power and self-worth is very natural but that it can be met through non-destructive means. In addition to this teachers frequently proactively educate students about expected behaviours in an attempt to avoid relying on reactive disciplinary measures.

At Society High we do however understand and acknowledge that students do inevitably make mistakes in the learning process and that effective disciplinary sanctions need to be used. Regular training sessions are held for staff to ensure a shared understanding of the behaviours necessitating disciplinary sanctions. Society High uses a wide range of sanctions which are graded according to the seriousness of the misbehaviour. All sanctions aim to maintain dignity and are to be delivered consistently and fairly. Examples of sanctions include: removal from the group/class; withdrawal of access to IT system (e.g. if the pupil misuses it by accessing an inappropriate website); withholding participation in a school trip or sports event that is not an essential part of the curriculum; withdrawal of break or lunchtime privileges; carrying out a useful task in the school; a variety of forms of detention.

Society High recognises that rewarding good behaviour is far more effective at eliminating misbehaviour and as such aims for a reward:sanction ratio of 5:1. Examples of rewards include: frequent use of encouraging language or gestures; a system of merits and prizes and personalised letters to parents; 'positive contributions to the school' certificates and special privileges.

Society High also values the contribution made by parents in ensuring good behaviour in their children. With this in mind it is important that parents are informed on a regular basis about the behavioural expectations and discipline techniques used by the school. Parent teacher meetings are also seen as a valuable forum for discussion about misbehaviour and finding solutions to improve behaviour for the long term.

Finally, Society High strongly encourages its students, teachers, parents and the wider community to be involved in ensuring effective discipline through open and constructive communication with respect for oneself and others.

References

http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/behaviour-guidance-explains-how-to-create-effective-policy-2241

http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/replacing-punishment-with-education-3262