School Discipline
The discipline system in Doon Academy is designed to ensure that the environment within the Academy is one which gives all pupils the opportunity to fully realise their potential.
It is based on the notion of "self-discipline" where pupils are encouraged to see the need for an ordered and disciplined environment and are provided withopportunities to contribute to the creation of such an environment.
The support and encouragement of parents is crucial in ensuring that all the students in the Academy conform to the standards set out in the Code of Pupil Behaviour. This indicates what is expected of pupils at Doon Academy.
We operate a ‘Triple A’ scheme which aims to recognise that the vast majority of pupils co-operate fully with class teachers and contribute to a positive learning environment.
Key features of the Discipline System in Doon Academy
There is a clearly stated policy on discipline; there is a clear procedure for communicating information concerning pupil conduct; the welfare of the pupil is at the heart of the system.
Learning Support and Guidance Staff play a key role.
Parents are fully involved at an early stage and are encouraged to act in partnership with the school - the school is only one of many influences on the young person.
The emphasis is on early identification of problems so that preventative measures can be taken.
External agencies are involved at an early stage as and when required in order to provide the necessary support for pupils, through the Extended Guidance Team, Community Education, Social Work, Psychological Services.
Sanctions are applied which are appropriate to the misconduct; clear channels of referral exist between staff in the Academy.
A school does not work unless parents, pupils and teachers co-operate to the full. The code of pupil behaviour, the provision of educational activities which are appropriate to the needs, abilities and interests of each pupil, and the support of parents all contribute to the right kind of atmosphere - one which allows all pupils to benefit fully from what is on offer. It is necessary to enforce school rules and procedures in the interests of all the pupils in the Academy. Parents are requested to work in partnership with the school by ensuring that their children follow the simple code of behaviour as shown on the following page.
THE DOON ACADEMY CODE OF PUPIL BEHAVIOUR
Show consideration for others at all times, in the way you speak and in the way you behave. At all times give due consideration to the health and welfare of everyone in the Academy;
Attend school regularly. Do not leave school during school hours without permission. Bring a note on return from absence;
Always be punctual for registration, assembly and class. If late, follow the procedures for latecoming;
Take a pride in your school. Keep it litter and graffiti free to ensure that the Academy remains an attractive and pleasant place for everyone to be in and to work in;
Take a pride in your dress and personal appearance;
When moving around the school, do so in an orderly fashion, following the indicated traffic flow directions and using the correct doors;
Take full advantage of the facilities and opportunities which the school offers and, at all times, give of your very best.
The role of the Class Teacher in the discipline system
A number of sanctions may be employed by the class teacher:
- Verbal reprimand
- Re-seating within classroom
- Written punishment exercise
- Temporary removal from classroom
- Interval/lunchtime support
- Recording of a demerit/merit in Click and Go
More serious breaches of classroom discipline may result in a pupil being referred to the Principal Teacher, either at the end of the period or immediately if the situation demands such action. Form R2 is used for the purpose of referral to the Principal Teacher.
The role of the Principal Teacher in the discipline system:
The Principal Teacher may then apply a range of sanctions including temporarily removing the pupil from the classroom or increasing the length of punishment exercises. Although serious at this stage, pupils can still avoid the matter being referred to the Depute Head Teacher (DHT).
If a pupil does not respond to sanctions and continues to misbehave then he or she will be referred by the Principal Teacher to the DHT with responsibility for the Year Group to which the pupil belongs. The form R2 is passed to the DHT by the Principal Teacher for the purpose of further referral.
The role of the Depute Head Teachers in the discipline system
The Depute Head Teacher will consider all documentation relating to all incidents of misbehaviour and will then consider which of a number of sanctions will be applied. These include :-
Pupil Support
Parental contact - telephone or letter
The Depute Head Teacher may also refer the matter to the Head Teacher
The role of the Head Teacher in the discipline system
The Head Teacher may consider the following :
Pupil sent home - formal suspension, usually 1, 2 or 3 days
Formal suspension - usually 5 days but can be up to 30 days in any one session
Formal exclusion - refer to the Depute Director of Education
If the Head Teacher is not in school any decision to exclude a pupil from school will be taken by the Senior Depute Head Teacher.
Misbehaviour Outside Class
In such instances, the member of staff will issue a verbal warning. If the pupil does not respond or the incident is of a more serious nature then the pupil will be referred to the Depute Head Teacher. The procedures will then be the same as those outlined above for classroom misconduct.
The aim of the discipline system is to act early in order to nip any misbehaviour in the bud. The early involvement and support of parents is crucial and it is only in very rare and serious situations that the formal suspension stage is reached. The co-operation of parents is always appreciated.