Vision, values and aims

Highlands School aims to provide a world-class education to all students through high-quality teaching and learning, and a vast range of extra-curricular opportunities.

We are committed to creating an environment where exemplary behaviour is at the heart of school life so that all students can achieve their full potential.

The aim of our behaviour policy is consistent with our wider school aims to develop students who are kind and caring towards themselves, each other, their community and the wider world. We expect our students' behaviour and attitudes to embody the Highlands School DARE values (determination, aspiration, respect and equality).

Equal opportunity is central to everything we do at Highlands School. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and discrimination of any kind. All staff and students are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of behaviour and conduct while looking out for each other and always reporting unkind or discriminatory behaviour.

Our approach to behaviour management is prevention before sanction. This approach promotes exemplary behaviour, with the aim that students do not reach the point where their behaviour results in a sanction. This means that we prioritise the consistent application of rules and expectations, early interventions and a nurturing pastoral curriculum that teaches students the core principles of self-discipline and positive relationships.

Praise and reward are important aspects of our behaviour policy. We believe that recognition for positive behaviour builds confidence, builds self-efficacy and motivation. Our behaviour policy ensures that there are a variety of opportunities and methods for praise and reward.

We understand that students may make mistakes and will sometimes challenge our expectations and rules. Our approach to sanctions is that they have a restorative element to them and do not simply sanction in a punitive manner. Nurturing and supporting students to behave in a positive manner is central to our approach to behaviour management.

• To create a culture of exceptionally good behaviour for learning, for the community and for life.

• To outline how students are expected to behave.

• To provide all staff with a framework for building positive, supportive and nurturing relationships with students.

• To provide a consistent approach to behaviour management that prioritises high expectations and following instructions.

• To define what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour.

• To outline our system of rewards and sanctions.

• To clarify roles and responsibilities of different people in the school community with regards to behaviour management.

• To reduce internal and fixed term exclusions.

• To ensure that all learners are treated fairly, shown respect and to promote good relationships.

• To help learners take control over their behaviour and be responsible for the consequences of it.

• To build a community which values kindness, care, empathy and respect.

• To promote community cohesion through improved relationships.