Code of Conduct

Preamble

 * 1) A Code of Conduct is an essential document for the successful running of a School. It is based on democratic principles and fundamental rights, such as non-discrimination, non-violence, equity and participation.
 * 2) Parents or legal guardians, Pupils and Educators are in a partnership to ensure that Beaulieu College is properly governed and that discipline is maintained.
 * 3) The Code of Conduct is a set of rules which regulates the conduct of pupils at the College. Good behaviour from pupils is expected in the classrooms, on the sports fields, on the College property and when representing the College. Pupils are representatives of Beaulieu College and as such should uphold the values of the College i.e. honesty, courtesy and respect for themselves and others. Principles, Rights and Responsibilities

Every pupil has the responsibility to uphold this contract. It is each pupil’s right:


 * 1) To develop to his/her full potential and to make use of all the opportunities offered at the College;
 * 2) To have the right of his/her own convictions and cultural traditions and it is his/her responsibility to respect the convictions and cultural traditions of others; where it does not clash with the culture and rules of the school;
 * 3) To dignity, equity and fair treatment and it is his/her responsibility to treat others in a fair and just manner;
 * 4) To a disciplined environment and it is his/her responsibility to uphold discipline by acting in a mature, responsible manner;
 * 5) To good interpersonal relationships and it is his/her responsibility to be courteous, well-mannered, honest, tolerant and to have compassion for his/her peers;
 * 6) To respect and maintain the property of others and the College’s property and to be afforded the same respect;
 * 7) To learn and it is his/her responsibility to support the learning process actively;
 * 8) To be protected from any form of abuse, be it physical or verbal and it is his/her responsibility to refrain from the above; to react to any provocation in a mature manner, and to protect others from such abuse by reporting it to the relevant authorities.

Rehabilitation

 * 1) The College accepts that it has a responsibility, along with the parents and pupils, to attempt to rehabilitate pupils who are found to be guilty of serious offences such as substance abuse, assault and theft. Such a responsibility will be performed through the College’s Grade Tutors system as well as professional agencies.
 * 2) The responsibility of rehabilitation, however, is limited by the requirements of the law and by the need to promote the greater good of the majority within the College community.

Suspension and expulsion from College

 * 1) The College will issue three written warnings for deviant behaviour (level 1 and 2 offences), the third of which is a final warning.
 * 2) The College’s undertaking to issue a series of three official warnings falls away, however, when:
 * 3) The behaviour of a pupil, in the opinion of the Head or Deputy Head: Pupil Matters is of such a nature that it detrimentally affects the moral and disciplinary standards of the College or the emotional and physical wellbeing of other pupils.
 * 4) The behaviour of the pupil is related to matters where criminal charges may be laid.
 * 5) The Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing may after a fair hearing recommend to the Board that the pupil be suspended, for no more than a week, where the pupil has been found guilty of contravening the Code of Conduct. This suspension may be internal or external, at the discretion of the the Head of the College
 * 6) Should the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing recommend that a pupil be suspended for longer than a week or expelled this recommendation will be referred to the Board of Governors for ratification. Suspension may result from a single serious breach of the code of conduct or repeated minor breaches of the code of conduct.

Internal Suspension
May be used when the pupil being suspended is considered not to constitute a threat to fellow pupils and/or staff or when the pupils presence on the property is considered not to compromise or endanger the integrity of any disciplinary proceedings which may follow: Should take place in the Grade Tutor's room – He/she to be kept in isolation, doing work, and be given different break time to the other pupils. Parents to be informed that their son/daughter is out of lessons for the day.

Parents then to come in to school to discuss the matter with the Grade Tutor/Deputy Head: Pastoral Care.

This will be accompanied by a Headmaster's Detention and/or further disciplinary action.

External Suspension
May be used when the pupil being suspended is considered a threat to fellow pupils and/or staff or when the pupils presence on the property may compromise or endanger the integrity of any disciplinary proceedings which may follow: Parents required to remove their son/daughter from the property and the pupil is required to stay at home for the duration of the suspension. External suspension may also be used as a form of sanction after a pupil has been found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct in a disciplinary hearing.

Sport

 * 1) If he/she is on internal suspension, he/she should still be at co-curricular activities in the afternoon.
 * 2) If he/she is on an External suspension, he/she should/will not be allowed to participate in co-curricular activities.

Due process

 * 1) Due process guarantees a pupil a fair hearing before an appropriate punishment is decided upon.
 * 2) Any pupil alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct must be brought to the Grade Tutor. The Grade Tutor in consultation with the Deputy Head: Pupil Matters will arrange for a fair hearing. They will decide whether to inform the parents in writing of the proposed action. If it is deemed necessary to refer the matter to the Executive Committee the parents are to be informed and may attend such hearings.
 * 3) Once the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing has punished a pupil, the pupil and/or the parents of the pupil have the right to appeal to the Board of Governors if aggrieved by the decision of the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing.
 * 4) Serious misconduct, which may include offences according to the law, may be reported to the Police.

Denial, loss of privileges and/or recognition

 * 1) The following action may be taken over and above the routine disciplinary measures that have been put into place:
 * 2) Participating in extra mural activities, going on tours and excursion will be denied to those pupils whose behaviour record is unsatisfactory.
 * 3) Good behaviour is a criterion for all honours and awards accorded to pupils at the College. A pupil whose behaviour record is unsatisfactory will not be considered to such honours and awards. Furthermore, a pupil who has been awarded an honour or award and who behaves in a manner which brings disgrace on that honour or award will immediately forfeit it temporarily or permanently.
 * 4) The verbal abuse of a teacher, any form of substance abuse, assault, theft and behaviour that brings discredit to the College are examples of serious offences that will lead to the loss of privileges.
 * 5) Where a pupil has been punished through the denial/ loss of privileges/ recognition, the situation will be reviewed after a period of eight College weeks and at the discretion of the Dean of Boys/Girls and/or the Disciplinary Committee. The pupil may be permitted to regain the loss.

Respect for Learning
Pupils are expected to:


 * 1) Respect every individual's right to learn. Turn off all electronic devices that may otherwise cause an interruption to the learning process.
 * 2) Take responsibility for their learning potential.
 * 3) Be honest. Pupils are expected to complete their academic tasks with integrity and honesty. Dishonesty is considered a serious offence.
 * 4) Be punctual and attend class every day. Refrain from leaving school during the course of the day, unless in emergency circumstances. In this case, pupils must be signed out by their Grade Tutor. Pupils who are able to should inform their Grade Tutor in advance if they are aware they will miss school. A pupil must bring a letter from their parent or guardian if they miss school for any reason. A pupil must bring a doctor's certificate if they have been absent for three or more days, or if they need to be excused from an assessment. If a pupil arrives late and misses registration, they must be signed in at reception. Grade Tutors will contact parents or legal guardians if absenteeism becomes frequent.
 * 5) Comply with all classroom rules and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
 * 6) Complete classwork and homework assignments by their due dates.
 * 7) Participate constructively and willingly in class.

Respect for Staff
Pupils are expected to:


 * 1) Respect staff members in both behaviour and language. Pupils must not enter the staff room or administrative offices without permission.
 * 2) Obey all reasonable instructions from a member of staff.
 * 3) Be courteous and polite to all members of staff. Pupils should stand and greet a staff member who enters a classroom.

Respect for the School
Pupils are expected to:


 * 1) Uphold and obey the Policies of the College. These policies are available on the Intranet site for public viewing.
 * 2) Keep the buildings, equipment and materials clean, and in good condition. No ball games may be played in or close to the School buildings. Vandalism (including graffiti) and the wilful destruction of property is unacceptable. Litter and refuse must be disposed of in a bin or recycling bin. Pupils should not eat or drink in classrooms, nor chew gum while at school.
 * 3) Take proper care of textbooks, equipment and lockers.
 * 4) Conduct themselves in a manner which shows their respect for their school.

Respect for Others
Pupils are expected to:


 * 1) Walk quietly in the corridors and refrain from pushing, shoving, blocking walkways, or causing disturbances. Pupils should stand back and allow adults and visitors to pass through doorways and along corridors first. Pupils should also be aware that learning might be happening around the school and are reminded to be respectful of this and move quietly when near classrooms. Pupils should keep to the left in the corridor, should not loiter and should not run. Do not sit in the corridors or on the railings. Pupils may not rollerblade, skateboard or similar on the school property.
 * 2) Be helpful and polite to visitors to the School. Pupils should stand and greet all adults who visit the school, whether they are strangers or people who are well known to them.
 * 3) Refrain from making threats and harassing others. Sexist and racist behaviour and language will not be tolerated.
 * 4) Resolve differences and conflicts in a peaceful manner.
 * 5) Respect the possessions of others. Minimise the chances for theft by not bringing expensive items to school, by not carrying large amounts of monies while at school, marking all personal items with their names, and not leaving bags lying on the corridors.
 * 6) Exhibit good character.
 * 7) Use appropriate language at school.
 * 8) Refrain from hazing and bullying and report it when it happens. Bullying will not be tolerated. It includes unkind remarks or actions. Standing by when someone else is being bullied is supporting the bullying. All instances of bullying should be reported to a staff member immediately. Verbal harassment is defined as threats, gestures or verbal attacks which are discriminatory in practice. Teasing is regarded as a form of bullying. Physical and mental aggression will be dealt with seriously.
 * 9) Respect seniors and the elected Councillors. Seniors should earn respect through their example and by the way they uphold the values of the College. The Councillors have been elected by their peers and have been put in a position of authority which is to be respected.
 * 10) Operate their vehicles or motorcycles in a safe manner on the campus. Pupils may only bring their vehicles or motorcycles onto the College property if they are legally licenced to drive and their vehicle is legally licenced. A valid copy of the pupil's driver's licence must given to the Grade Tutor and be kept on file. Bicycles must be secured in the designated areas and may not be used to ride around the school campus. Pupils' vehicles must park in designated parking areas.

Respect for Self
Pupils are expected to:


 * 1) Wear their school uniforms correctly and with dignity, in accordance with the Uniform Regulations. Pupils may not hitchhike in uniform or in the company of pupils in uniform.
 * 2) Maintain high personal standards of behaviour while on campus. Intimate physical contact is not acceptable behaviour. Possession and distribution of pornography (in any form) is not permitted.
 * 3) Be truthful when interacting with all faculty, staff, administrators, and pupils.
 * 4) Attend assigned detentions and complete other assigned punishments.

Discipline Structure
There are various levels of disciplinary procedure at Beaulieu College:


 * 1) Counselling with the pupil/verbal Reprimand
 * 2) Councillor's Detention or Deputy Head's Detention
 * 3) Counselling with the pupil and parent(s)/Official written warning/ Head's Detention
 * 4) Suspension
 * 5) Expulsion

Categories of Offences and Possible Actions are listed below

Categories of Offences and Possible Actions
It is impossible to list every offence and every possible action to be followed. Where an offence is committed that is in violation of the Code of Conduct as laid out above, but which is not directly mentioned below, it will be dealt with by using comparable offences as guidelines.

Category 1 Offences
Pupils may receive a verbal reprimand or action may be immediately taken. Actions may include


 * Referral to Grade Tutor
 * Verbal reprimand
 * Written punishment
 * Detention (at break or at time suitable to the teacher)
 * Cleaning of classroom – where appropriate
 * Inform parents or legal guardians

Additional possible sanctions are given in brackets where appropriate.

Repeated offences will lead to a Deputies detention.

Examples of Category 1 Offences

 * 1) Required materials (including books, stationery, worksheets, etc.) left at home
 * 2) Homework copied
 * 3) Homework incomplete or late
 * 4) Assignments overdue (marks to be deducted in accordance with assessment policy of department)
 * 5) Non-attendance at practice/co-curricular activity without a valid excuse to teacher or coach (Exclusion from teams and games or activities for a specific period of time)
 * 6) Refusal to obey a reasonable instruction
 * 7) Disruption of lessons
 * 8) Chewing gum or eating / drinking in class without permission.
 * 9) Late arrival
 * 10) Littering
 * 11) Uniform infringements - See Uniform Policy
 * 12) Inappropriate public displays of affection indicating lack of respect

Examples of Category 2 Offences
The pupils will be reported to the Grade Tutor. Actions may include detention, informing the parents or legal guardians, official written warning. Additional possible sanctions are given in brackets where appropriate.


 * 1) Dishonesty in assessment (Zero for the assessment)
 * 2) Defacing or Damaging property, Vandalism, Graffiti
 * 3) Repeatedly disruptive/ uncooperative in class
 * 4) Portfolio work not completed
 * 5) Repeated Uniform Regulation infringements
 * 6) Insolence
 * 7) Foul, inappropriate or offensive or threatening language (verbal, written, physical or electronic)
 * 8) Fighting and/or bullying (verbal, electronic or physical)
 * 9) Truancy, Bunking, Leaving class without permission, failure to attend a compulsory school event without permission
 * 10) Assigned punishment not completed: (Punishment is doubled)
 * 11) Harassment, conduct that induces fear or harm, or threatening behaviour (verbal, written, physical or electronic)
 * 12) Intimidation (verbal, written, physical or electronic)
 * 13) Possession of undesirable material in electronic or hardcopy format
 * 14) Behaviour that harms the image of the school - including intimate bahaviour

Examples of Category 3 Offences
The pupils will be sent to the Grade Tutor who will consult with the relevant Deputy Head: Pastoral Care.

It will then be decided on the suspension/ isolation of the pupil pending investigation of the offence and/or holding of a disciplinary hearing. The parents or legal guardians will be informed by the Grade Tutor/Deputy Head: Pastoral Care.

Once all evidence and facts have been collected the Head may make the decision as to the sanction or may refer the matter to a disciplinary hearing in which case the outcome of the hearing and the suggested sanction will be communicated to the Head and to the Board of Governors for ratification. The College may inform the SAPS in instances of criminal behaviour.

Category 3 offences may lead directly to a final written warning or disciplinary hearing the outcome of which may be a final written warning, suspension or expulsion.


 * 1) Assault (physical or verbal)
 * 2) Racist remarks or behaviour
 * 3) Cheating in exams or standardised tests (Zero for the exam/test)
 * 4) Cheating in matric exams (Referral to IEB)
 * 5) Forgery of documents
 * 6) Repeated category 2 offences
 * 7) Chronic absenteeism
 * 8) Sexual assault, harassment or abuse
 * 9) Sexual activity on the school property
 * 10) In possession of/use of/distribution of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or any illegal substances - see Drug Policy
 * 11) Possession/distribution of pornographic material
 * 12) Theft
 * 13) Reckless/unlicensed driving on school property
 * 14) Possession of weapons

All procedures are at the discretion of the Head, Executive Committee and Grade Tutor as well as the Board of Governors, and will be conducted by him, her or them.