Praise and Discipline

It is important that pupils are praised for good work and good effort. Merit marks are an important and public way of praising pupils. When given, they should be written in the exercise book and collected by the pupil at an appropriate time. They can be given for other types of good performance. Pupils are responsible for sticking the merit marks on the appropriate sheet kept by the Form tutor. When a pupil has collected 50 merit marks, he/she receives a Headmaster’s commendation.

Headmaster's commendations are also given for particularly praiseworthy achievements, especially excellent pieces of work which have involved sustained effort over a number of lessons. Where a piece of work is thought worthy of commendation, discuss with the Head first. If he agrees, the Head will send for the pupil, congratulate her/him, and present a Commendation certificate. A record will be made in the pupil's file.

Other rewards that may be given are:

• Service stickers (yellow) for help, assistance given, usually regularly over a period of time.
• Homework stickers (green) for regular completion of homework over the course of one term. These are given in the week before the end of term. When a pupil has collected a full set (one for each subject), he/she receives a -
• Credit sticker (silver) from the Year Head.

Verbal praise should be plentiful during lessons as and when appropriate.

Occasionally punishments will be necessary, although well-prepared lessons usually make for good discipline. Discipline is to do with learning (Latin: disco = I learn).

For misbehaviour, persistent failure to do homework, frequent lateness in arriving at lessons, we do have a detention system. This has already been described in the section entitled "Homework Policy".

In the case of pupils who fail to respond to detentions, the problem should be discussed with the HOD. Behavioural problems might need to be referred to the Head of Year.

Actions beyond these are outlined in Guidelines and are matters for HODs, HOYs, deputy heads and Headmaster. They would include removal from lessons, reprimand by the Head, Internal Suspension or, for some behavioural problems, even external suspension. It is important that all cases of serious trouble are fully documented and the details handed to the HOD or HOY for filing.