School Rules
Taking up a place in this school indicates acceptance of the School Rules by yourself and your daughter. Rules are founded on courtesy, respect for others and the need to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the school.
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance is required. Girls are required to register before morning school.
In the event of illness, parents must notify the school by 8.30am on each day of absence by telephoning 08442 393 299 or texting 07624 816 018 and always send a written explanation with your daughter on her return.
Parents are advised not to book holidays during school time. If, however, this is absolutely unavoidable, girls should obtain the appropriate 'Leave of Absence' form from the Pupil Achievement Leaders. Please note that the maximum allowance in law is two weeks absence and that any absence is detrimental to pupil progress. Please also note that coursework and examinations cannot be rescheduled. Parents are responsible for ensuring that any missed work is copied up.
Routine appointments for the dentist, optician and doctor should not be made in school time.
During the school day girls in Years 7-11 must stay within the school grounds.
Conduct and Uniform
The following rules apply on school premises, on the journey to and from school and on school visits.
Courteous behaviour to all members of the school community and to visitors is required of all girls. Good behaviour is expected at any stage on the journey to and from school and on school visits.
Girls are expected to look after the property and fabric of the school and should not deface the building or school property. They may be charged for any damage. Girls are not to drop litter.
Girls in Years 7 - 11 are required to wear the uniform of the school and to come to school neatly dressed; the only jewellery allowed is one pair of small plain stud earring in the ear lobe only (gold or silver) and a watch. Any religious emblem must be worn under the blouse and removed in physical education lessons. As a concession, girls in Years 10 and 11 are allowed to wear a discreet ring.
Sixth Form girls are required to follow the Sixth Form dress code.
Extreme hair fashions are not allowed, including the wearing of hair gel etc. Hair should be of a natural colour and not more than one colour.
Chewing gum is not permitted on the school premises, or on school visits.
Drugs, Drink and Tobacco
Girls are not allowed to smoke on the school premises, on the journey to and from school or on school visits, and must not have cigarettes, lighters or matches in their possession.
Girls may not possess or consume alcohol on the school premises, on the journey to and from school or on school visits, and must not have alcohol in their possession.
They may not enter licensed premises without the permission of a member of staff on school visits.
The possession, sale or use of illegal drugs is prohibited on the school premises, on the journey to and from school, and on school visits.
On residential visits, girls are not permitted to enter bedrooms belonging to members of the opposite sex or to invite males into their bedrooms.
Homework
Pupils are expected to approach their academic work in class conscientiously and to co-operate willingly with their teachers and fellow pupils.
Homework is set regularly and should normally be completed at home. It must be well prepared. Written work must be handed in by the date required.
Parents are responsible for checking that homework is done, deadlines are met and that the diary is completed and signed weekly.
Parents are notified if homework is regularly late, missing or unsatisfactory.
Personal Property
All school uniform and property brought to the school must be clearly marked with the owner's name.
If large sums of money must be brought in to school they must be handed into the office in a sealed, labelled envelope for safe keeping. The rest of the time, we ask that girls only bring necessary money to school which should be kept on their person in a clearly named purse.
Valuable items e.g. jewellery, iPods, MP3 players may not be brought into school.
Mobile ‘phones are to be switched off during the school day and kept in the girl’s locker. If an emergency arises, your daughter should see her Pupil Achievement Leader.
No sharp objects should be brought into school e.g. knives. Only blunt safety scissors are allowed in school.
Personal Details
The school should be informed at once of any change of address and/or emergency contact numbers or other personal information held by the school.
Rewards
The school operates a reward system that reflects our ethos of achievement and recognition of achievement, both academic and extra-curricular.
Pupil Achievement Leaders operate a merit system to reward girls for contributions to school life, or in some cases for academic or personal achievement.
Each department operates its own merit policy to reward high quality work and significant improvements.
Some departments also have their own merit postcards which are used to inform parents of excellent work or improvement. This is under review.
Certificates are awarded to recognise achievements in curricular and extra-curricular activities, such as: sport, house competitions, responsibilities, charity, attendance and service to the school and community.
Merit assemblies are held regularly to award girls with certificates earned in and out of school and to recognise girls’ achievements more widely.
Once a year the school holds its annual Speech Day. Prizes are awarded for achievements in a variety of academic area, and for attainment in external examinations. There is also an annual Sports Awards Evening to recognise and reward Sporting achievement and participation.
The school’s Record of Achievement system provides opportunities for girls to record their achievements.
Sanctions
Everything possible will be done to avoid the use of sanctions. Parents will be notified of any serious sanctions either by telephone or in writing where appropriate. The following are an indication of sanctions available to teachers.
Lunch time detention - this is usually to enable girls to complete work which is late or unsatisfactory.
After school detention - on very rare occasions a girl may be detained after school. The Headmistress is always involved if this is the case. Parents are always given adequate warning.
Confiscation - for a period of up to one week e.g. unauthorised jewellery, and personal stereos. Mobile phones will be confiscated for seven days. Confiscated property will be kept in a secure place.
Punishment tasks - these are used where appropriate.
Withdrawal of privileges, e.g. study leave.
Girls may be put "on report" for either behavioural or work problems.
Exclusion is the decision of the Headmistress. It can be temporary or, in very serious cases, permanent.
