Work-Life Balance

We have an expectation that students will arrive at school physically and mentally prepared to work hard every day. This includes having completed all required homework. We understand that many students want to have a part time job and have hectic social lives, but we strongly recommend that these activities be limited to Friday evenings and Saturdays in order to prevent them interfering with your academic progress.

Drugs and Alcohol

  • Students may not smoke at any time during the school day or during their journey to and from school

  • Students may not bring alcohol onto the school site and may not consume alcohol during the school day

  • Students may not be under the influence of drugs and alcohol on the school site

  • The school has a clearly defined drugs policy which applies to all Sixth Form students. Under no circumstances may students bring drugs into school.

There is no doubt that it takes a long time to recover from the consumption of alcohol. Events such as 18th birthday parties can have a detrimental affect on the academic performance of those who attend them for several days afterwards. We hope that all students will have the good sense to avoid this kind of situation.

Jobs

Part time jobs can provide valuable financial rewards, useful life skills and worthwhile experience of life beyond school. However, it is essential that students do not take on a level of employment that means they cannot sustain their academic studies at an appropriate level. We recommend that, if possible, no part time employment be carried out between Sunday and Thursday.

Technology

The use of technology is widespread in life today and it brings many benefits. However, it can have detrimental affects if you aren’t careful.

A few tips:

  • Leave your phone downstairs when you go to sleep. One of the biggest culprits for inadequate and disturbed sleep is technology because exposure to the light from the screen stops you getting to sleep and you may be awakened later by someone contacting you. Try to ignore any peer pressure to be ‘on call’ 24/7. It’s not healthy to be responding to messages all night. Equally, don’t apply that pressure to others.

  • Be protective of your identity. As you grow up you will use online services for everything from banking to booking tickets. Get in the habit of setting strong passwords and remembering them.

  • Be aware of your digital footprint. There is no division between real life and the virtual world anymore and you should make your online presence an extension of your real, positive, personality.

  • Remember that communication online (be it Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat or any other IM system) lacks context and nuance. The reader may not spot any intended irony. Misinterpretation is common and can cause unintended distress.