Student Values 

We have developed our Student Values to support students in making responsible choices that will equip them in their futures as successful lifelong learners. Our Student Values provide students guidance in making sensible decisions about their behaviour; enabling learning to take place in a positive, nurturing environment.

Student Values

At BIS we have high expectations of how all members of our community conduct themselves. We all have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards. Teachers will support students in meeting these high standards and will provide  consistent positive encouragement and feedback. Should students  choose not to adhere to the student values, interventions will be carried out calmly, consistently and in a timely manner. 

Student Values are printed in all student diaries and supported by 

●     Rewards

●     Student Interventions

Our Student Values have been devised by our Student Council. They codify the positive attitudes and behaviours we expect of all members of our school community across all areas of school life.

Rewards

The school rewards good work, good performance and positive behaviour by use of:

●     praise;

●     commendations;

●     positive notes and telephone calls home;

●     certificates;

●     annual awards and trophies.

Commendations 

The Commendation System is a means by which teachers can recognise and reward a wide range of student achievement and positive behaviour.

There are two types of Commendation:

Academic Commendations

●     An outstanding piece of work / homework

●     Consistent achievement 

●     Outstanding effort with class work or homework

Community Commendations

●     Contributions to the school by taking part in special events/ activities

●     Helping out in the school community and help others without necessarily being asked

●     Helping in school to organise/contribute to service and charity events

The accumulation of Commendations takes place throughout the academic year, with Certificates, awarded in assembly.

Annual Awards and Trophies

Annual awards are presented at the summer term Prize Giving.  Student names are engraved on the main trophy and students receive a small trophy to keep.

Although all awards are typically made annually, the school reserves the option to withhold an award if there is no suitable candidate.

Dux Scholaris

An academic prize awarded to one Year 13 student who achieves the best IB Diploma Programme score.

Sixth Form Award

Awarded to one student from Year 12 or 13 for outstanding contribution to the life of the Sixth Form.

Internationalism Award

Awarded to one student for being a good representative of his/her own country, possessing a positive attitude toward the life and culture of others and for being able to converse in at least two languages. For having the ability to bring differing people together into a sense of community, thus furthering the cause of international understanding and for being a contributing force in the life of the school at all times.

Hammerskjold trophy

The Hammarskjöld Trophy is a Model United Nations award recognising a student who has shown exceptional understanding of global issues, dedication to the principles of diplomacy, as well as leadership. The award recognises a student who has shown outstanding debate skills, public speaking, team-working and an ability to build consensus and to fight for a fairer and more just world.

Victor Ludorum / Victrix Ludorum

Prizes for the outstanding school sportsman and woman annually in extracurricular participation, school teams and sporting excellence.

Head Teacher’s Award

Awarded to one student from any year for outstanding all round contribution to the school.  Typically a Year 13 student.

Community Award

Awarded to one student from any year for showing sustained commitment to school community service projects.

Athletics Trophies (2)

Awarded to the top boy and girl athlete (track & field) from any year group.

Swimming Trophies (2)

Awarded to the top boy and girl swimmer from any year group.

Basketball Trophies (2)

Awarded to the top boy and girl basketball players from any year group.

Football Trophies (2)

Awarded to the top boy and girl footballer from any year group.

Performing Arts Trophies (2)

Awarded to two students in any year making the best contribution to drama or music (typically one of each).  This is for contribution to school productions or performances rather than drama or music as taught subjects.

Student interventions

At BIS we are a community of students, staff and parents working together to provide an environment in which every student feels safe, happy and valued; where each student is able to maximise their academic potential and develop their personal qualities in order to lead fruitful lives.

The set of procedures informs students and parents of the ways in which the school works to ensure the most appropriate behaviour from its students.

We recognise that skills, characteristics or habits such as self-discipline, tenacity and resilience are vitally important in life and are key determinants of educational outcomes and, moreover, that they are learned and learnable.  

We believe that effective and appropriate behaviour is best achieved when students and their parents have a very clear understanding of our expectations and also of the consequences of failing to meet these expectations. 

Our expectations are high and are articulated to students and parents prior to them joining BIS and are reinforced clearly and consistently throughout their time at the school. It is important that parents share these expectations and work to support them.

We recognise and value every student as an individual and will endeavour to respond in the most appropriate way to their needs. However, on occasion difficult decisions can arise when there is a conflict between the best course of action for an individual and the best course of action for the school community as a whole. When such tensions arise the considerations of the community will usually supersede those of the individual. 

We shall in the organisation and delivery of the curriculum ensure that all our students are appropriately engaged, challenged and motivated. We shall ensure that their holistic progress is monitored and that there is a well co-ordinated system of welfare and guidance for all students.

We will recognise and praise good behaviour both privately and publicly, for example by word of mouth, the commendation system, appointment to positions of responsibility, letters to students and their parents/carers, in assemblies, notices, newsletters. 

Jurisdiction

The school’s behaviour policy applies:

●     to students while in school, travelling to and from school or at other times when in uniform or school kit; 

●      to students on trips, exchanges or when representing the school; 

●  to behaviour outside school if there is a clear link between that behaviour and maintaining good behaviour and discipline among the student body as a whole.

Bullying

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our students so they can learn in a productive and secure atmosphere. 

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, all students know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively as outlined in our Anti-Bullying Policy. 

We are a telling school. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell an adult. 

Who to tell in the first instance:

●     Form Teacher

●     Heads of Year

●     Head of Lower Secondary, Middle Secondary or Sixth Form

●     Deputy Head Welfare & Guidance

Our zero tolerance to bullying is regularly re-enforced through assemblies, form activities and the International Life Skills Curriculum.