CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY POLICY IN THE SIXTH FORM

Our Environment.

We are justifiably proud to be based in a grade 1 Listed Building. Collectively we are all responsible for keeping the House and grounds in perfect condition. It is not acceptable to drop litter and it is also not acceptable to walk past litter.

We are constantly striving to improve student study and social facilities. If we have high standards of environmental care then we will have high standards in all other aspects of our work together.

This summer new furniture has been purchased for the grounds at considerable cost. Please treat this with respect and do not move any from designated areas.

Any accidental damage should be reported to the sixth form team immediately.

Dress code.

The general rule for dress in the sixth form is office smart. Students should not wear denim, combat style trousers, trainers or logo t-shirts.

Attendance.

Sixth form students are expected to:

• Attend all lessons
• Be punctual at all times
• Attend assemblies
• Attend all guidance interviews
• Inform the school as soon as possible of any unexpected absence

If the level of attendance falls below 90% it is likely that academic progress will be impaired and therefore an automatic interview with the tutor is triggered. Parents may be informed and it may also result in a student being required to pay for their examination entries.

Year 12 to 13 progression can be seriously effected by poor attendance.

Diaries

• Sixth form students are expected to have an academic diary.

Movement around and access to the House.

• Student access to the House is via the Courtyard only.
• Under no circumstances do students use the main wooden staircase.
• Hot food is not allowed to be brought onto the first floor.
• No cars may be brought on site without a valid parking permit, available from Mrs Weightman in room 60.
• All student cars must be parked in the main car park at the front of the House.
• It is essential that students follow the 5 mph speed limit and drive safely at all times.

Sixth Form Work/Life Balance.

We recognise that many sixth form students choose to take part-time paid employment whilst pursuing their academic studies. However, in our professional capacity and based on our experience we feel it is appropriate and necessary to issue the following guidelines:

• No paid employment must be undertaken during school hours, and this includes Wednesday afternoons.
• Students should work no more than 15 hours a week during term time.
• The demands of academic work must take priority at all times.

If it becomes clear that a student’s academic progress is being impaired by excessive paid employment then we reserve the right to insist on a reduction.

A strong feature of Hinchingbrooke sixth form is the range of extra curricular activities available to our students. These include sport, drama and music. Participation in these activities is encouraged. However, students need to manage their time carefully in order to ensure that their academic progress is not impaired.

Similarly, whilst we encourage students to make use of our excellent grounds for social and recreational purposes during their free time, it is unacceptable for any student to be doing this if they have outstanding academic work.

Use of internet and e-mail.

• All sixth form students must sign the Responsible Users form before they are allowed to access the internet and e-mail.

• The school operates a white list policy however students are encouraged to let teaching staff know of educational sites which they find useful for their academic studies.
• Sixth form students are required to check and respond to, where appropriate, their e-mails at least once every working day.
• Under no circumstances must students play music in the ICT rooms without the use of earphones.
• The content of e-mail is regularly monitored. Any form of bullying, harassment, prejudicial comments and inappropriate use of language will be regarded as serious disciplinary offences.
• A number of laptops are available from JN’s office for student use.

Games.

• A variety of outdoor games are available from room 61 (JN).
• Ball games can only be played between the Rose Garden and the Terrace.
• Under no circumstances can any balls be used on the Terrace or in the House.
• Card games may be played for fun but gambling is strictly forbidden.
• A paid for Pool Table is available in the Locker Room, with the proceeds going to the sixth form fund and will be used to improve student facilities. It is expected that all students will treat this facility with respect. Students will be informed of the times this facility is open. Cues and the cue ball must always be returned to JN’s office.

Students’ use of rooms in Hinchingbrooke House.

• H1 and H2 are designated social areas for Year 13 only.
• H3 (Old Dining Room) is to be used as a Private Study and quiet social area for both years 12 and 13.
• H5 is the media room to be used in A level lessons under the supervision of a member of staff.
• H6 is an ICT room for student use.
• H7 (Montagu room) is a Private Study and quiet social area for both years 12 and 13.
• H8 is a computer study area.
• H9 is a private study room.
• H10 is a private study room and archive room. It is also used by the Buddy group. Key available from JN.

All rooms must be treated with utmost respect

Sixth Form Disciplinary Policy.

Our expectation is that high standards of behaviour are considered the norm in Hinchingbrooke 6th form. In addition all students must sign a Student/School Agreement before entry into the 6th form. If a students’ conduct falls below expectations the following procedure will apply.

Level 1: A student will receive a verbal warning from a Professional Tutor regarding their standards of behaviour.

 This will then be passed on, by e mail, to the Assistant Headteacher and/or the Guidance Manager.

Level 2: A student will receive a verbal warning from the Assistant Headteacher and/or Guidance Manager. Targets for future behaviour will be agreed upon.

Level 3: A student will receive a written warning, signed by the Assistant Headteacher and/or the Guidance Manager, which will be copied to parents and put in the student’s file.

Level 4: A student will receive a final written warning in the presence of their parent(s)/guardian(s). A written contract will be established and signed by all parties. Failure to comply with the terms of the contract will lead to dismissal from the sixth form.

A student will have the right to appeal to the Headteacher and Governing Body.