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 college, and it will not be tolerated. Students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying to any member of the academic or pastoral staff who inspires their confidence. That member of staff will then follow the Child Protection Policy.

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 of 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 The victim may react by becoming silent or withdrawn, feigning illness, missing lessons, not eating, or not working.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 potential serious consequences of bullying should not be underestimated.

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 the house staff, and will then be followed up by the Deputy Principal.
• Poor academic performance is monitored and addressed by the Deputy Principal.
• Personal tutors will see any member of their tutor group, by appointment, during the school day, who wishes to discuss any personal problem with them.
• Personal tutors will be informed 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 periodically addressed in Morning Meetings, Tutor groups, and the PSHE programme.
• The pastoral team will be vigilant around college at all times. Any student whose behaviour is a cause for concern will be discussed at the weekly meeting between the Principal, Deputy Principal, house staff and college nurse.
• The college 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 academic staff, or the house staff.   The disclosure will be passed on to and dealt with by the Child Protection Officer in the first instance.
• 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 they will be asked to leave the college.

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 covering 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 unless expressly for teaching purposes, as directed by the teacher.
• The use of cameras on mobile telephones is not allowed in lessons (unless with express permission) nor in washing and changing areas.

 

Updated: August 2012