Pastoral Care

Discipline

A detailed policy on school discipline and a set of school rules are available to parents on request from the headmaster. A copy is included in the Day Book for pupils and parents to see.

The school has always enjoyed a high standard of discipline and the policy is based on the following assumptions and principles:

• Children and adults have a right to be respected.
• Good discipline is best promoted by a curriculum and teaching method which are appropriate to pupils' needs
• Unacceptable behaviour can be changed.

The policy is implemented by the pastoral staff (section heads and form teachers) and/or by academic staff (Heads of department and class teachers) and if necessary by Vice Principal and the Headmaster.

The school is justly proud of the happy environment and the excellent relationships that exist among pupils and between staff and pupils. A Day Book helps pupils, parents and teachers to be better informed about daily progress and to make them aware of quality of work, punctuality, behaviour and other notable achievements/practices. By the end of a school year, the Day Book will hopefully contain records about which each pupil and parent will be justly proud.

To help fulfil the school aims all teachers have responsibility for the pastoral care of pupils but in addition a form teacher is given specific responsibility for the welfare of a class group. He/She will liase with parents, monitor academic process, counsel pupils and deliver the Personal and Social Education program.

Parents' evenings are arranged for all seven year groups so that teachers, parents and pupils can discuss progress. Reports on pupil attainment are also sent twice eyarly. Parents may, at any mutually convenient time, make an appointment to talk to staff about any concerns they may have. Form teachers play a pivotal role in the partnership between parents, staff and pupils.

Religious Studies

In Religious Studies pupils have two periods a week in years 8-10 and the CCEA GCSE course in Religious Studies is taught in Years 11 and 12. An A level is available in Years 13 and 14. Parents who do not wish their children to participate in Religious Studies classes, morning assemblies or special services should make such a request in writing to the Headmaster, who will make alternative arrangements for these pupils.

* Child Protection

The school shall refer any concerns about the well-being of its pupils to the Social Services Department to protect pupils in it's care and to comply with the Department of Education (NI) regulations. Pupils may speak to the Designated Teacher for Child Protection - Mrs McCaughey or the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection - Mrs Stewart.

* Anti-Bullying Policy

Aim

To make the school an environment in which everyone can feel safe, so that all pupils will be able to benefit from the opportunities available at the school.

Definition

Bullying is the persistent, wilful, conscious desire to hurt, frighten or threaten another person and put him/her under stress. The bully knows it is wrong and gains satisfaction and sometimes status from it. It is learnt behaviour and can be unlearned

As appropriate, sanctions may be imposed by the class teacher, form teacher, section head, vice principal or principal.

* Drug and Solvent Abuse

Policy on Substance Misuse

The aims of the school as set out in the Prospectus and in the Staff Handbook promote positive attitudes in the academic, social, physical, creative and pastoral experiences of all pupils. The school policy on Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug and Volatile Substances Misuse revolves around prevention and response and springs from the pastoral dimension.

Prevention

Strabane Grammar School aims to prevent the misuse of substances (tobacco, alcohol, volatile substances, illegal drugs and prescription drugs) through its school rules, smoking policy and drugs eduction programme. The School Rules regarding substance misuse will be available to pupils at all times (eg in the Day Books).

Response

Each member of staff in Strabane Grammar School has been made aware of the problems, signs and symptoms of drug and solvent abuse and has a responsibility to adhere to and promote this policy. Opportunities will be created to regularly update staff in the battle against drug and solvent abuse and parents will be provided with relevant literature when necessary.

Mr Birkett is the teacher with responsibility for drugs education. Any questions or queries with resgard to school policy can be referred directly to Mr Birkett.

* Full copies of policies on Child Protection, Anti-Bullying, Substance Misuse, Special Neeeds and Discipline are available from the school office.