Policy-School Rules and Consequences

The Hvitfeldtska IB community embraces the IB Learner Profile* and we support one another to strive to demonstrate a balance of all 10 of the attributes. By embracing and demonstrating the LP attributes, we work proactively towards a respectful community that values learning together.

However, there are some actions we must outline which are not to be tolerated by any member of our IB school community or those actions which must simply be followed. By their nature, these actions work against the Learner Profile Attributes and the mission for learning we have in the program.

IB Program Rules

We do not tolerate:

• Offensive behavior on the grounds of any of the 7 grounds for discrimination, according to Swedish law.

• Offensive behavior that results in a person or persons feeling de-valued or disrespected.

• Knives or other weapons being brought to school.

• Stealing or harboring stolen goods

• The use or possession of drugs such as narcotics, anabolic steroids, or alcohol at school, or anyone being under the influence of drugs during school hours.

• Smoking on the school premises, including vaping or e-cigarettes.

• Mobile phones that are disrupting the learning atmosphere (one’s own or others).

• Putting up posters or advertising without permission.

• Unauthorized students or other visitors on the school ground.

• Graffiti, littering or damage.

• Gambling.

• Academic Dishonesty.  (See also the IB Academic Honesty Policy)

• Everyone is obliged to:

• • Take note of and follow given rules and safety regulations, use prescribed protective devices as instructed by school staff.

  • Follow instructions from the school staff, including instructions about keeping the work space clean and tidy.

  • Understand where and how to reference the IB Program Policies and Important information.

Consequences:

• In cases of repeated failure to follow school rules, or even in a first case of a very serious offense (which is something that very negatively effects a calm study environment), the following can immediately be applied, as per School Law*, Chapter 5, paragraphs 6-23: 

o Physically intervene to prevent violence, abuse or other disturbances.

o Expulsion from the teaching premises/classroom

o Detention

o Temporary relocation

o Temporary placement outside of the program

o Suspension

o Disposal of objects

o Written warning whereby guardians are informed as well (if student is under 18)

• Regarding discrimination or offensive treatment/behavior: We follow our Plan against discrimination and offensive treatment for the IB Program.

  • • This plan currently states: Anyone who violates current rules or otherwise sabotages the working climate will be subject to measures in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act ch. 5. "The principal or a teacher may take the immediate and temporary measures that are justified to ensure the students' safety and study peace or to deal with a student's disruptive behavior." 

• Regarding any violation of Swedish law: we report to the police. Burglary of personal spaces and thefts of personal belongings are reported by the person who has been exposed to the crime. In agreement with the victim, the school can help with reporting.

• In case of suspicion of storage of drugs, alcohol, weapons, stolen goods or other things that are contrary to Swedish law: the school management has the option to open the locker and confiscate these contents.

• In cases of damage, graffiti, littering: Liability for compensation exists.

• In the school cafeteria: students behaving unacceptably or repeatedly disregard the school rules can be suspended from the school lunch.

• In cases of Academic Dishonesty: we follow the Academic Honesty Policy.

Note: Consequences are always intended to support students to improve and to ensure a safe, calm, healthy working environment for all stakeholders.

*Note: Swedish School Law applies only to Grade 10/Pre-Diploma Year. When consequences/measures must be taken in the Diploma Program, they are the same as in the Swedish system, however, there is no basis for them in Swedish School Law. Nonetheless, we must uphold the integrity of the program in the IB Diploma and ensure everyone’s right to a calm and peaceful study environment. The same measures will be employed, but there are no grounds for appeal in the Swedish system. Instead it is the IB policies which are the grounds for the measures we take, whereby these school rules are a complement to our school’s Inclusion Policy.

Crime prevention effort

As part of our work with a drug-free school, drug dogs may be used for preventive purposes, without suspicion of crime, to search the school's premises. This takes place outside regular schedule hours.

POLICE REPORT 

Suspected violations of Swedish law will be reported to the police by the school. Burglary of personal spaces and thefts of personal belongings are reported by the person who has been exposed to the crime. In agreement with the victim, the school can help with reporting.

IB learner profile *

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. As IB learners we strive to be:

Inquirers

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

Knowledgeable

 We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global signi­cance.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

 Communicators

We express ourselves confi­dently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

Principled

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Open-Minded

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring

We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

Risk-takers

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives: intellectual, physical, and emotional: to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Reflective

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

The IB learner pro­le represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities

(IBO, 2013)

Latest update: May 5, 2023