Brook Hill School Policies

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Brook Hill School Policies

Admissions Policy

Children from the ages of three to eighteen are admitted to Brook Hill International School without

prejudice as to disability, gender, race, colour or creed, as befits a non-denominational school with a strong

international base. We expect our students and their families to support the School's ethos as outlined in the

Prospectus and Student Handbook.

Prospective students and their parents/carers are encouraged to visit the School and to acquaint themselves

with its approach to education. During the visit, the Head of School will assess how well a prospective

student is likely to integrate into our School Community and to help in this parents/carers will be expected to

present previous school records and comment upon their child's academic progress to date. When more

information is required an Educational Psychologists report may be asked for.

Because of the variety of courses on offer and the varying educational backgrounds/requirements of our

students, we are flexible as to when a student arrives during the academic year. Staff are experienced in

helping students to settle in quickly, both academically and pastorally. Upon entry, all students undergo

English testing to ascertain their level of proficiency so that appropriate lessons/support can be timetabled.

Thus, a students level of English is not a barrier to entry.

The first stage in the admissions process is for the registration form to be returned with the students latest

academic reports or statement of results and the requisite registration fee and deposit paid. The registration

fee is non-returnable and the deposit is held for the duration of the students course and then credited to their

final account. The registration deposit confirms the place for the student and the fees are then payable termly

(or by alternative arrangement) in advance on the first day of each term.

Each application is considered by the Head of School on an individual basis and where an application is

successful the School will issue a letter of acceptance accompanied by a handbook and transportation form.

The School has the final decision in all cases of admissions.

Anti-Bullying Policy

We believe that all students have the right to live and be educated in an environment which is supportive,

caring and safe, and where there is mutual respect and co-operation. Bullying is anti-social behaviour which

threatens the fundamental principles of the School, and it will not be tolerated. Bullying is deliberately

hurtful behaviour to someone over a period of time. It can take the form of either, or both, physical

aggression or verbal abuse. Often it includes one or more of the following: intimidation, exclusion, rumour-

spreading, name-calling, anonymous messages, damage to or theft of personal property. The most likely

causes are racial prejudice, perceived disability or abnormality, or envy. The victim may react by becoming

silent or withdrawn, feigning illness, missing lessons, not eating, or not working. The potentially serious

consequences of bullying should not be underestimated.


To help us tackle this practice students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying to any member of the

staff who inspires their confidence.

The following procedures and recommendations are intended to discourage bullying in all its forms.

Unauthorised absence from class will be reported by the teacher to a Form Tutor or Head of School.

Poor academic performance will be monitored and investigated by the Head of School.

Form Tutors will see any member of their tutor group, by appointment, during the school day, who wishes to discuss any personal problem with them.

Form Tutors will be informed by the Head of School of anyone in their tutor group who has reported or is suspected of being bullied or bullying, and asked to monitor the situation.

Catering staff will report anyone who is absenting themselves from meals or not eating normally.

The issue of bullying and anti-social behaviour will be addressed at appropriate times in form groups and assemblies.

Form Tutors will be vigilant around the School at all times. Any student whose behaviour is a cause for concern will be discussed at our weekly Form Tutors meeting.

The School will discourage the formation of racial cliques and insist on the use of English in and out of lessons.

Students are advised that anyone who feels that they are being bullied, or who knows that someone else is being bullied, should tell any member of the staff.

All complaints of bullying will be taken seriously, will be investigated, and will be dealt with appropriately, effectively and sensitively.

Anyone proved to be systematically bullying one or more others will be given a warning to stop immediately. If they continue, their parents will be informed and if the practice is not stopped

immediately they will be asked to leave the School.

Cyber-Bullying: Preventative Measures

All students are required to adhere to our Acceptable Use of IT Policy for the safe use of the internet. Certain sites are blocked by our filtering system and staff monitor students use.

Sanctions may be imposed for the misuse or attempted misuse of the internet.

In PSHE lessons and in assemblies, guidance is offered on the safe use of social networking sites and cyber-bullying. This guidance will cover blocking, removing contacts from friends lists and sharing personal data. This is also included in our Acceptable Use of IT Policy.

Guidance is offered on the safe-keeping of names, addresses, passwords, mobile telephone numbers and other personal details.

Mobile telephones are to be used with discretion and not in lessons. The use of cameras on mobile telephones is not allowed in lessons or in swimming and changing areas.

Behaviour Management Policy

Good behaviour is essential to living and working in an international school community and of maintaining

a safe and secure environment for everyone. Students at Brook Hill are expected to display high standards of


behaviour and take increasing responsibility for self-discipline. Therefore we expect good manners, good

behaviour and good will from all members of our community, knowing that high expectations characterise a

good school and make a vital contribution to the development of individual self-confidence. We employ a

fair and consistent, though suitably flexible, system of rewards and sanctions, which addresses the needs of

individual students, as well as those of the whole School community.

It is our intention to recognise and appreciate achievement in all aspects of School life through assemblies,

classroom rewards, appointments to positions of responsibility and the award of commendations and prizes,

but where necessary we will also punish. The healing of the harm done by bad behaviour to the individual

concerned and reconciliation with others are at the heart of our behaviour management policy, to which a

willingness to forgive is also integral. An individuals acknowledgement of their fault is clearly a help in this, and owning up to wrongdoing will be taken into account in any punishment given. High standards of

behaviour and consideration for other are maintained through:

Expectation that all members of our community will treat each other with respect and kindness

Clear expectations of staff, students and parents as expressed in the Handbook

Clear, consistent consequences for unacceptable behaviour

Reinforcement of expectations in assemblies and form groups

Promotion of respect, courtesy and kindness in all aspects of School life

Provision of courses that are stimulating, challenging, well prepared and appropriate to all

Close communication and involvement with parents and guardians

Periodic professional development days

Fostering a positive attitude towards the School through praise, rewards and attention to the individual

progress of every student.

Our students are expected to uphold the good name and reputation of Brook Hill at all times, whether they

are at, or away from, School. They are also expected to take part conscientiously in classes, tutorials, sports

and other extracurricular activities. This involves politely and promptly obeying all directions of staff.

Behaviour must at all times show respect for self and others.

Our code of conduct is outlined in our Student Handbook and students are expected to familiarise

themselves with this.

Expectations

At Brook Hill we want our students to feel respected and safe at all times.

We expect:

Courtesy, understanding, and respect for others at all times, including travelling to and from School

All students to aim to achieve their full potential

All students to be organised and punctual, remembering to bring necessary equipment to their

lessons


Homework and coursework to be completed on time

Student Planners to be kept up to date

Appropriate clothes to be worn properly, at all times

Students to care for, and look after, the School buildings, the environment, and the School

equipment. Therefore, the chewing of gum is not permitted. Litter should be placed in the bins

provided.

Students to move sensibly round the School.

Breaches of School Discipline

Expulsion: A student is liable to expulsion for a grave breach of School discipline, for example, a serious

criminal offence or some wilful act calculated to cause serious damage to the School or any of its members.

Formal expulsion implies that the students name will be removed from the roll of the School and reference

to the facts and circumstances will be made in response to every request for a reference. All outstanding fees

up to and including the term of expulsion shall be payable and any deposit shall be retained by the School.

The Head of School will decide whether or not to expel a student after consulting all members of the School

Management Team.

Suspension: A student may be suspended for a period of up to a week while a complaint is investigated or

as a sanction in its own right. This may be extended in serious circumstances. School privileges may be

withdrawn during the period of suspension at the discretion of the Head of School.

Detention: A student may be placed in detention for a breach of School discipline. This will be agreed upon

by the School Management Team and Head of School, who will inform the student's parents and give them

one day's notice of such. The detention will normally take place after the last lesson of a School day and will

last for one hour. Appropriate work will be given during this time. In the case of repeated detentions a letter

will be issued to the student's parents or guardians warning the student's future at the School is under serious

consideration.

Other sanctions: The Head of School may prescribe and authorise the use of such other sanctions as comply

with good educational practice. Such sanctions may include withdrawing student privileges, requiring a

student to complete a piece of written work, or requiring a student to enter into a behaviour contract with the

School.

Use of restraint

Any use of restraint by staff will be by reasonable and non-injurious means, and will only be used when

immediately necessary and for the minimum time necessary to prevent injury to self or others or very

serious damage to property. Where restraint is used by staff, this is recorded in writing.


A record will be kept of all punishments administered to students.

Rewards

Commendations

Awards at Presentation Day.

Appreciation

Form Tutors and Subject Teachers, with their excellent knowledge of individual students, have an important

role to play in boosting confidence and rewarding students with verbal praise when they achieve their

personal best. It is important this is not used to 'bribe' students or given for something that we would expect

from all students as a matter of course.

Bullying:

See Bullying Policy and advice in Student Handbook.

Confidentiality

If a student asks to speak to a member of staff about confidential issues, the adult should say the following:

If you tell me something, and I feel someone is at risk of getting hurt in some way I will have to pass it on.

If the student chooses to disclose sensitive information on the following topics the teacher needs to follow

the guidelines below:

1. A child protection issue such as physical, sexual, emotional abuse

Listen to students disclosure in full

If necessary keep the student with you or in a safe place

Inform the Head of School

Write up a statement of the disclosure (sign & date/time) as soon as possible and pass to the Head of School.

2. Substance Misuse (drugs, alcohol)

Listen to students disclosure in full.

If under the influence of substances take him/her to a safe place.

Inform the Head of School or Form Tutor

Brook Hill has a zero tolerance drugs policy.


3. Criminal Activity

Listen to students disclosure in full.

Refer to the Head of School as soon as possible.

4. Self-Harm

If a student discloses that s/he or someone else is self-harming, inform the Head of School as soon as possible.

The Confidentiality of Student Information

Please make sure when speaking to another member of staff or on the phone about a student that you cannot

be overheard. Also make sure that any written information on students is not left out for others to view.

APPENDIX 1

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS

During Class

Pay attention, be positive and polite, bring required equipment

Aim to complete all set tasks to the best of your ability

Treat the teacher and students in your classes with respect: there should be no calling out

Mobiles and i-pods may not be used in academic time

No food and drink allowed in the classroom, other than small bottles of cold water

Leave bags in appropriate places only

Food or drinks should only be consumed in the dining areas.

Dining areas

Queue in a single file and do not queue jump!

Sit at the table and converse with others politely

Speak in English

Clear your eating area when finished.

APPEARANCE

Look tidy and dress appropriately in academic time, showing self -respect and respect for others

No flip-flops, low cut tops, skimpy shorts or short skirts (girls)

Hats should only be worn outside

Body piercings are discouraged and should not be visible.


APPENDIX 2

COMMENDATIONS

Commendations are given for especially good pieces of work/ test/ presentations in a subject or for really

good effort.

Commendations are also awarded for extra-curricular involvement or for leadership. Staff are invited to

recommend individual students or small groups for commendation. The following list gives an idea of the

criteria which could apply:

An exceptional piece of work (for that particular student)

An achievement worthy of special commendation

A generous public-spirited act

Noteworthy effort in any aspect of School life

Achievement against the odds.

The Head of School will then see the student and congratulate him/her. An entry is then made in our

Commendations Book.

Curriculum Policy

Student Body

Our courses reflect the academic and pastoral needs of each individual without discrimination in relation to

age, gender, nationality, colour, religion or disability.

Courses

Brook Hill follows the UK National Curriculum and offers a wide range of Cambridge Examinations

courses. For students who do not speak any English or very little we offer Intensive English courses to help

them cope in the classroom and in examinations.

Timetable

This should meet the needs of all our students in terms of their ability and expectations. The majority of our

students will have limited experience of British educational qualifications and of learning the English

language and culture. Therefore, subject courses take account of this.

Staff

Without discrimination based upon age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, colour, religion, age or

disability, all staff are required to be proven specialists in their field. At interview, new staff are assessed for

their ability to teach and all staff are part of the programme of developmental lesson observations.


Due to the breadth of the curriculum and small student body, a significant proportion of teachers will be part

time. These staff are expected to develop their subject areas as effectively as full time colleagues and play an

active role in cross-curricular discussion.

All teaching staff should make the best effort to learn students strengths and weaknesses through discussion

with the students and colleagues.

Subjects

Because of the size of the School, many subjects are taught by a single teacher. Teachers should take every

opportunity to share educational ideas and knowledge about their students and to develop informal cross

curricular links. The content of courses should accord with the requirements of the relevant awarding bodies.

When devising the scheme of work for a course, account should be taken of the students experience and

abilities. All subjects should include opportunities for the students to be successful within their level of

ability and should be designed to challenge and extend each student to their limit within a supportive

atmosphere. Schemes of work must be produced to indicate what is being taught and when.

Lessons

All lessons should include a range of techniques for teaching and learning tailored to particular classes. Use

of a range of available resources is encouraged. Where resources are unavailable, subject staff should pass

requests to the Head of School.

Assessment

A range of assessment tasks will be given each half-term, with one formal test each term. Marking should

include summative and formative elements that provide each student with:

A clear vision of where they are in their learning

A good understanding of why they are at this point

A concise route to take them beyond their current position.

A range of internal assessments will be used to establish half termly and termly averages.

Wider curriculum

A range of academic, cultural, social, leisure and sporting activities is offered. For each of these, relevant

health and safety guidelines should be followed and be matched to the students taking part. Links with the

community are pursued through sports and other less formal ongoing and one-off events.

Activities are offered by staff who are encouraged to volunteer their expertise and passions to support the

programme.

Responsibilities

The Head of School and School Management Team will develop and implement the values of the School,

identifying its aims and providing clear direction in this. They will create an environment in which students

have the opportunity to fulfil potential into which the curriculum fits, overseeing the work of the School in

conjunction with relevant staff.


Teachers will record marks in line with School assessment policy and follow all procedures outlined by the

School Management Team and Head of School.

The Examinations Officer and person responsible for UCAS will take collective responsibility for these

areas.

Tutors will help deliver the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) programme.

Drugs Policy

At Brook Hill we take health education very seriously and are keen to ensure that the school is a drug free

environment where students can learn in safety.

Aims:

to ensure that Brook Hill is free from illegal drugs (and solvents)

to educate students on the effects of drugs (and solvents) on the mind and body

to provide opportunities for students to practise the personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations involving drugs

to explain the legal situation with regard to the use and misuse of drugs

to enable young people to identify sources of appropriate personal support.

Brook Hill operates a zero tolerance policy regarding substance abuse. In addition, where it has been

brought to the attention of the Head of School that a student has been formally cautioned by the police for

the possession of an illegal drug, the School reserves the right to exclude him/her.

The topic of drug abuse is also covered in PSHE and Biology lessons, as appropriate.

Tobacco

Smoking is not allowed in the School or in its grounds.

Alcohol

Students must not bring alcohol

to the School buildings or grounds

to school outings and trips.

Students found in possession of alcohol can expect to be suspended.

Child Protection Policy

Brook Hill recognises it has a duty to ensure arrangements are in place for safeguarding and promoting the

welfare of all our students.

Our policy applies to all staff working in the College.


There are five main elements to our policy:

Ensuring we practise safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with the students

Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping students with the skills needed to keep them safe

Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases of abuse through regular training for all staff.

We recognise that because of the day-to-day contact with students, School staff are well placed to observe

the outward signs of abuse.

The School will therefore:

Establish and maintain an environment where students feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to

Ensure students know that there are adults in the School whom they can approach if they are worried

Ensure an anti-bullying policy is in place

Include opportunities in the PSHE curriculum for students to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse

Physical intervention policy is understood by all staff

Whistle-blowing procedures are understood by students and staff.

We recognise that staff working in the School who have become involved with a student who has suffered

harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm, may find the situation stressful and upsetting. We will support

such staff by providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the Head of School and to seek

further support as appropriate.

Allegations Against Staff

We understand that a student may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is

made, the member of staff receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Head of School. The Head

on all such occasions will discuss the issue with the School Management Team.

Admission Policy Regarding Special Educational Needs

The School's Admissions Policy makes provision for the disclosure of disability and special needs and the

commitment of the School to deal appropriately and supportively in the admissions assessment process. A

failure of a parent to divulge SEN/disability at this time may cause the School to re-consider the student's

placement. Where a parent requests confidentiality regarding a SEN/disability, this request would limit what

the School could provide in making reasonable adjustments. Under these circumstances, the School has the


right to decide the balance of confidentiality and possible and reasonable adjustments for inclusion. No

student should be discriminated against on entry into the School because of their individual needs. Brook

Hill is prepared to accept students who have Specific Learning Difficulties but this will depend on the

severity of the disability and whether we have the facilities and staff in place to offer appropriate help.

Unauthorised Absence Policy

It is essential for students to attend all their timetabled lessons if they are to achieve the best they are capable

of in internal and external examinations. It is the expectation and right of parents to feel confident that their

offspring are being required to attend the lessons for which they are paying. It is the responsibility of

individual teachers to report when a student is missing or late, of the School Office to ascertain whether

there is a legitimate reason i.e. sickness or educational trip, and of the School Management Team to arrange

for the missed time to be made up.

Tutors register all students each day and authorised absences will be listed on the staffroom notice board by

a member of the office staff at the start of period 1.

Teachers must report any unauthorised absence during other periods by immediately informing the School

Office staff. Unauthorised absences will require the student to provide an explanation and to catch up on

missed work in he/her own time. If a student persists in absenting themselves from timetabled lessons,

parents will be informed of the issue and consequent concerns about academic progress. More serious

punishment will be arranged by the School Management Team and Head of School.

Complaints Policy

1. Complaints made to the School will be listened to and acted upon.

2. Complaints will be investigated thoroughly, fairly and promptly.

3. A member of the School Management Team will respond to complaints made by parents within 14 days.

4. Complaints made by students will normally be dealt with by the Head of School.

5. When the complaint is directed at a senior member of staff, the Head of School will always deal with the

matter.

6. When there is a formal complaint against the Head of School the Governors will be informed.


7. Complainants will not suffer as a result of a complaint.

Complaints Procedure

Most complaints are easily resolved informally by discussion with the appropriate member of staff at the

School. More difficult or complex concerns may involve more than one discussion.

Stage 1 Informal

Procedure for initial contact by members of staff:

1. Listen to the basic details of the complaint.

2. inform a member of the School Management Team.

Action to be taken:

1. Speak to those involved in complaint.

2. Speak to witnesses if required.

3. Take written statements if required.

If possible, collect sufficient evidence to make an objective decision about the complaint. Is the matter

concluded? If yes, agree action, communicate with complainant. If no, refer to higher authority or repeat

procedure.

If the complaint is not resolved at this stage, the parent, guardian or agent, as appropriate, should be

informed about how to move on to the formal stage of the complaints procedure by making a written

complaint to the Head of School.

The Head of School will carry out an investigation and respond to the complainant. The complaint will be

acknowledged within 2 working days of receipt during term time, and a target date for providing a response

will be given. This will normally be within 14 days during term time. The Head of School may meet the

complainant to gain further information relevant to the complaint. Statements from witnesses will be

collected where necessary. When all the relevant facts have been established, the Principal will produce a

written response to the complainant.

Stage 2 Formal

If the complaint is not resolved, the Governors of the School will be involved and expected to help decide

the outcome.

Documents

Brook Hill School Policies