What is Conduct for Learning?

• a clear set of expectations for students and staff, with praise for good conduct and 
• consequences where conduct does not meet expectations; 
• a process to maintain a safe learning environment; 
• a consistent approach to classroom management; 
• a series of prescribed outcomes (positive and negative) that are clearly understood 
• by all within the College community. 

How does Conduct for Learning benefit the students?

• improves the motivation and outcomes of students; 
• improves students’ ability to engage in learning; 
• reduces classroom disruption; 
• improves attendance and punctuality; 
• improves homework; 
• improves standards of appearance and uniform; 
• develops independent learning skills; 
• prevents aggression and foul or abusive language; 
• prevents damage to property and the learning environment; 
• increases respect between students for themselves, others and their environment; 
• engenders a happier learning environment with high levels of self belief. 

Conduct for Learning gives us:

• a consistent approach to rewarding positive conduct and challenging unacceptable behaviour; 
• a shared responsibility for managing student behaviour; 
• improved relationships between students, staff and parents; 
• a high quality, safe, learning environment for all.

Mobile phones and devices

The College is a mobile device-free environment. Mobile phones and other smart devices
are not required for learning and are prohibited throughout the school day in line with
Department for Education statutory guidance.

What devices are covered?

This policy applies to all personal electronic devices capable of communication, recording or
accessing online content, including:

• mobile phones/smartphones;
• smart watches;
• tablets;
•  iPods and media players;
• wireless headphones and earbuds;
• handheld gaming devices;
• any other device capable of connecting to the internet or a mobile network, recording audio or video, sending or receiving messages, or playing games.

Why do we have this policy?

A mobile phone-free environment helps students to:

• focus fully on learning;
• minimise distractions and maximise learning time;
• develop positive face-to-face relationships;
• improve wellbeing and social interaction;
• reduce opportunities for bullying, filming, recording or inappropriate online activity during the school day;
• create a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment.

When does the policy apply?

The policy applies:

• at ALL times inside the College building and from 8:30-3:10pm (4pm for Year 11) while on the school site.

Student expectations

All smart devices should be left at home if however, a phone is required these must be:

• switched off (not on silent or vibrate);
• stored securely in students' bags throughout the school day.

Students must not:

• make or receive calls;
• send or receive messages;
• access the internet in any way;
• listen to music;
• wear headphones or earbuds;
• take photographs or videos;
• use smart watches or any other smart technology capable of communication, recording or accessing online services.

Sixth Form

Recognising the greater independence expected of Sixth Form students, mobile phones may be used only within the Sixth Form Centre during break and lunchtime. Mobile phones must not be used elsewhere on the College site or in view of younger students. Headphones may also be used only within the Sixth Form Centre during these times.

Exceptions

Exceptions will only be made where there is an identified medical, safeguarding or additional
need which has been authorised by the College. Any agreed adjustment will be recorded
and communicated to relevant staff.

Contacting home

Parents and carers should not contact students directly during the school day.
If a parent or carer needs to contact their child urgently, they should telephone Reception on
01752 201020. Where a student needs to contact home, a member of staff will assess the request and,
where appropriate, the student will be given access to a College telephone.

"See it, Hear it, Take it"

The College operates a See it, Hear it, Take it approach.

If a mobile phone or smart device is noticed on a student’s person, heard or used anywhere on the College site during the school day, it will be confiscated immediately and stored securely to be collected from Admin reception at the end of the day.

Breaches of this policy will result in:

•  First offence - Confiscation of mobile phone and the setting of a detention. Phones can be collected from their Head of Year at the end of the day.
• Second offence - Confiscation of mobile phone and a day in Reset the following day. Phones can be collected from their Head of Year at the end of the day.
• Further breaches and student must hand their phone in each morning to the Hub, collecting it at the end of the day.

Refusal to hand phone to a member of staff:

• Should a student refusal to hand a phone over to a member of staff they should be directed to the Hub. Hub members of staff will ring parents and explain that should the student not hand their phone to them then they will be suspended. Once the phone has been confiscated the student will then sit a full day in Reset the following day.
• Should a student refuse to hand their phone over after a phone call home they will be suspended.