Pastoral Care

All staff have a continuing responsibility for the welfare of the students they teach, and are, therefore, involved in pastoral care.However, specific issues and the general oversight of the progress, development, relationships and behaviour of individual students are the responsibility of the form tutor. The work of the form tutor is co-ordinated by the respective Head of Year, who meets regularly with the relevant Key Stage Co-ordinator.It is important that the form tutor is the first point of contact for matters of a pastoral concern.

Our aim is to develop self discipline in young people based upon mutual respect and understanding.A student who persistently fails to co-operate with teachers or is unable to relate to other students in a civilised manner, is referred to the Head of Year for guidance.Serious matters of indiscipline are always brought to the attention of parents who will be invited into the College to discuss the action proposed by the staff.

Poor behaviour is discouraged through a variety of sanctions including loss of free time, being placed on a daily or weekly report, College Detention or isolation from normal classes.Very serious indiscipline can result in exclusion from the College. The emphasis on the pastoral system is upon the encouragement and reward of good behaviour and the development of responsibility, co-operation with others and self-discipline.A system of merit awards at Key Stage Three operates to reinforce the positive ethos of the College.A system of Senior Merits operates at Key Stage Four.

College Classroom Rules

Students are expected to take note of, and abide by, the following simple rules, which are designed to ensure the most effective learning environment possible for all students in each lesson:

-      Listen carefully in class, and you will be listened to

-      Remember to bring the correct equipment to your lessons

-      Arrive on time to each lesson

-      Do not eat or drink while a lesson is in progress

-      Always follow your teachers' instructions carefully

Student Movement around the College

As a result of the large increase in numbers of students in recent years, the College has clarified rules which students must apply to movement around, and to and from the College.The College is bound by Health and Safety regulations, and we wish to ensure that students are safe.

-      It is important that the appearance of the College is maintained at the highest level.

-      It is important that visitors to the College are welcomed and looked after with the care and attention which they should expect at any large organisation of the size of Sawtry Community College.

-      The image and reputation of the College in the community must be maintained at the highest level.

The following areas are out of bounds:

-      The grassed pond area, at all times, unless supervised by a member of staff.

-      The entire area at the front of the College, except when arriving at, or leaving the College, unless by permission of a member of staff.

-      The Sports Centre, during the College day, unless supervised by a member of staff.

-      The area behind the Sports Centre except for entering or leaving the College.

-      The main Sports Field during recreation periods.

Students who have school lunch must eat it in the Refectory.Those who bring sandwiches may eat them in the Refectory or outside.There should be no eating or drinking in any other areas of the College.During lunchtime students must ensure they do not disturb lessons that are in progress across the College.

No student should be in any classroom without supervision, except students in the Sixth Form, who may with the permission of a member of staff.

The College Reception area and corridors, from the main ICT suite and the Hall to the Reception area, must only be used by students to move between one part of the school and another. It is not a waiting area for students.

The College sports field (behind the Sixth Form Centre) may be used by the students at break and lunchtime at the discretion of the Principal and students will be advised when it may be used.The main College sports field is always out of bounds at break and lunchtime.

Students are not allowed on the Maths corridor, the English and Languages Block, Art Block or Science Block corridors at break and lunchtime, unless seeing, or being supervised by, a member of staff.Students must use the stairs near the Pastoral Office to go down from the Maths corridor and the stairs by the Conference Room to go up to the Maths corridor.

Students must not leave the College during the school day, including lunch and break. Only if parental permission and acceptance of responsibility has been received in writing by the College, may students go home at lunchtime.Sixth Form students may only leave the premises if they sign out, stating their reason for leaving the site.

Students must never run inside the buildings. Neither should they drop litter anywhere on the College site.

Prevention of Bullying

Bullying is a serious matter.Every individual has the right to be treated with respect and the prevention of bullying is the responsibility of all staff, students and parents.All students are encouraged to report incidents to any member of staff.It is vital to the success of the College policy on bullying that students do report all incidents however minor.Parents, likewise, can contact their child's form tutor or Head of Year at any time, if they feel it to be necessary.Tutors and Heads of Year will follow up all reported incidents and take the appropriate action.

College Detention

In the event of serious breaches of discipline, students may be placed in detention after school.In this case parents will be advised at least 24 hours in advance and the detention will not last longer than one hour.These detentions are supervised by a senior member of the College staff.Recent legislation reinforces the College policy that, where a child has been placed in detention and due notification has been given, it is the responsibility of the parents to arrange transport home.College Detention is held every Wednesday from 3.30 to 4.30 pm.

Health

There is a medical room for emergencies and minor sicknesses.A sick student should not be sent to school.It is important that the school is informed if any student is on a course of medication for any reason. Should medication be required by your child during the school day, please contact the College for the necessary form.School medical inspections are carried out by the School Doctor and parents are invited to be present.Dental inspections also take place.The treatment may be either at the County Dental Clinic or with the child's own dentist.In the case of First Aid emergency or illness, emergency home contact procedures will be followed.It is essential, therefore, that parents take responsibility to ensure the College database holds current contact details.

Problems and Concerns

Any difficulties that are likely to affect the well-being and progress of the individual student are a matter of concern for the College, and parents should not hesitate to make contact with the College if it is appropriate.Parents are, wherever possible, contacted by staff when issues arise in the College.The College has effective and regular contact with other statutory agencies in the community.