1-8 Handbook

We should like to take this opportunity to remind you that the language children use to describe activities in the playground can give an inaccurate impression. Someone being touched or bumped in a chasing game can complain that "he hit me", someone stumbling can become "he punched me;" a friend not listening becomes "he won't play with me." The staff listen, sympathise, suggest alternatives and step in where necessary. All staff are involved in the pastoral care of the boys. Their work is co-ordinated by the Pastoral Care Group, which is led by the Deputy Head and also includes the Head of Pre-Prep, the Heads of House, School Nurse and Senior Assistant. This group represents all sections of the school and ensures effective communication and co-ordination of pastoral care issues.

The House System

On entering Year 3, boys are assigned to one of the four Houses: - Johnson (Yellow) , Livingstone (Green), Newton (Blue) and Wren (Red) . Brothers are automatically put in the same House to allow family support for one House. Regular House Meetings are held, and boys are involved in various teams, events and competitions. House Captains and Vice Captains are elected by boys in the House, and the tutors responsible for their House. House competitions include all major sports, non-sporting events, and the day-to-day accumulation of House Points.

Incentives and Sanctions

IIn Years 1 and 2 our positive approach to behaviour management is reinforced by the use of range of incentives including individual stickers and class or team points. These are often related to the characteristics of our learning friends. The pupils have weekly Golden Time for 30 minutes on a Friday. This is a time for free play as a reward for remembering our Fair Rules and making appropriate behaviour choices. Any small lapses or misdemeanours can result in individuals losing a minute of this time and a warning is always given before this happens. This promotes the important skill of self-regulation. In Years 3-8 , House Points are regularly given by staff for effort or achievement, or behaviour in line with our learning dispositions. Accumulating 100 House Points in a term will earn a Merit badge; 150 is a Double Merit, which is a coveted award. There are awards for forms, tutor groups and individuals who gain the most House Points. Pupils have a weekly Privilege Time of 30 minutes. This is a timetabled period of free play, and a reward