AGFS Underlying Principles
The underlying principles of the Ark Greenwich Free School behaviour policy are:
a. Develop a culture whereby scholars demonstrate scholarly behaviour consistently, take responsibility of their behaviour and self-regulate their behaviour
b. Ensure AGFS is a safe and supportive environment for all scholars, teachers and, anyone else who comes into the school
c. Ensure AGFS’s culture for learning is to an exemplary standard, scholars learn the reasons why behaving in specific ways are conducive to learning, allowing teachers to deliver excellent lessons
d. Ensure that all members of the school community are shown respect and show respect for others
e. Encourage a positive approach to behaviour by always displaying the behaviour we wish to see from our scholars, and by praising and rewarding good behaviour
f. Ensure that when behaviour falls short of acceptable standards, procedures are followed, and interventions are applied fairly and consistently
g. Ensure that all interventions are combined with a restorative approach that seeks to maintain and develop positive relationships between scholars and staff, and to support scholars in modifying their behaviour
The scholar code of conduct outlines the expected standards of behaviour and can be found below.
The role of praise and reward
For both scholars and staff to succeed, we have robust rules, routines and rituals which permeate throughout the school. The school operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to any poor behaviour to ensure our classrooms are free of bullying or disruption. This means that teachers at this school spend all their time on what matters most – planning and delivering excellent lessons. ‘Pupils demonstrate the school’s agreed scholarly behaviours in lessons. They waste no time in settling down and engaging in their learning. Low-level disruption is rarely seen. When it does occur, it is dealt with swiftly and effectively.’ (OFSTED, 2023)
At AGFS we believe that good behaviour is best promoted and developed by drawing attention to and rewarding well-behaved scholars.
Our teachers acknowledge the importance of informal praise – for example, verbal praise given in lessons, comments in exercise books.
The praise and reward system at AGFS centres around the Golden Ticket System: scholars can earn Golden Tickets for good behaviour, effort or achievement, or for displaying our school values of Ambition, Growth, Fellowship and Scholarship
How will scholars be rewarded?
Staff will issue Golden Tickets to any scholar showing one of the school’s values, being polite and courteous, and for being loud and proud. Golden Tickets can be traded in at the stationary shop for food vouchers to spend in the canteen or stationary. Golden Tickets also increase your chances of being rewarded in one of the ways below:
|
Rewards Event |
How to achieve |
What will you receive? |
|
Weekly tutor group competition |
Tutor groups with the highest attendance and highest net points |
A cup for the tutor group and a prize for each member of the tutor group |
|
Fortnightly rewards assemblies |
High numbers of Golden Tickets |
£5, £10, £20 Vouchers |
|
Half-termly rewards event |
100% attendance and less than 10 behaviour points |
An afternoon off timetable having a treat such as a movie afternoon or trip to the park |
|
Termly celebration assemblies |
Show the schools values in your lessons |
Bundles of prizes for the biggest awards £5, £10, £20 Vouchers |
|
Annual Prize Giving Event |
Scholars are nominated by staff for exceptional work in each subject |
Vouchers and other prizes |
|
Annual Thorpe Park Trip |
Highest net points in the year group at the end of the year |
A free trip to Thorpe Park |
Key Rules and Expectations
At Ark Greenwich we have clear rules and expectations in place. This is to ensure that our community is safe, everyone feels welcome, and the environment is optimum for maximum learning to take place. A full list can be found in the behaviour policy, here are some of the most pertinent rules:
|
Rule |
Supportive intervention should this rule not be met |
|
No mobile phones to be brought on site |
Phone confiscated until the end of term or for 6 weeks |
|
No banned items to be brought to school |
Banned item confiscated until the end of term and 30 minute intervention |
|
No touching other scholars (grabbing/pushing/pulling/play fighting) |
30 minute intervention |
|
Transition in single file, in silence on the RHS |
30 minute intervention |
|
Work to the best of your ability |
30 minute intervention |
|
Adhere to SCHOLAR at all times |
30 minute intervention |
|
Wear the full AGFS school uniform with pride |
30 minute intervention |
|
Be prepared for learning with the full equipment |
30 minute intervention |
|
Take pride in the presentation of your work and your exercise books |
30 minute intervention |
|
Always bring your PE kit |
1 hour intervention |
|
Be on time for school and lessons |
1 hour intervention (+no.mins late) for lateness to school 2 hour intervention if persistent lateness 30 minute intervention if late to lessons |
|
Show respect for every member of the AGFS community, including online. |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Avoid behaviour that is threatening, unkind, or bullying. |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Behaviour in lessons should allow all members of the class to learn |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Complete all independent learning and submit this on time |
2 hour intervention |
|
No misuse of the school IT systems |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Be respectful and courteous outside of school |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Respect the environment and property of the school |
Up to 2 hour intervention or a placement in the reflection room/other if repeated or serious |
|
Never take food or disposable water bottles out of the canteen |
1 hour intervention |
|
Always attend interventions |
Placement in the reflection room/other |
Please note that receiving 3 or more behaviour points in a day will result in a 2 hour intervention. Persistent breaches of school rules may result in a suspension.
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly PROHIBITED from being on site:
These items will be confiscated and the scholar’s Tutor and Head of Year informed
- Mobile phones
- Sweets and fizzy drinks (any other high sugar foods or drinks)
- Chewing gum
- Tippex
- Non-wired Headphones
- Personal stereo equipment
- Ipods/Ipads
- Chocolate/Cakes/Crisps
- Any toy or item deemed by the school to cause unnecessary distraction
- Any item or implement that can be used to damage or vandalise school property
- Offensive weapons: any conventional weapon or makeshift weapon brought or forged or in possession to cause harm
- Anything dangerous including Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, Lighters, drugs, alcohol
- Laser pens
- Metal Afro Combs
- Tasers
- Non-school issued laptops
- Gaming devices
If these are found they will be confiscated. Food items will be disposed of and electrical items will be kept for half a term. After which parents will be invited to collect the item from school in person. Banned items that remain uncollected will be discarded in accordance with the law after a reasonable period of time. Ark Greenwich Free School is a mobile free zone; it takes no responsibility for any mobile device.