This school believes that students should see 'academic honesty' as an integral part of the school. One of the attributes to which A level learners are held is to behave in a 'principled' manner and as such, academic honesty is an expectation of all students at KIS.
Academic honesty may be achieved through the avoidance of such malpractices as copying the homework of another student, colluding with others to allow their work to be copied, or plagiarising the work of others. The school defines plagiarism as an act in which a student presents someone else's ideas, words or creative expressions as their own.
Cambridge and AQA provide very clear instruction on how malpractice is defined and the consequences of such actions. KIS believes it is vital that students should be taught how to avoid both accidental malpractice and the ethical misjudgement involved in deliberate malpractice.
To implement this policy, KIS defined academic honesty in behavioural terms. Each age group will be taught through both departmental and regular lessons what is expected of them in terms of academic honesty.
The following provides a checklist of expectations for academic honesty.
acknowledge in an appropriate manner help from parents, older students and friends.
acknowledge the source of direct quotations.
acknowledge in an appropriate manner information taken from books, digital sources, and the Internet.
understand and abide by the schools rules concerning cheating.
use notes during a test unless allowed by the teacher.
copy from another student during a test.
copy the homework of another student.
hand in writing as his/her own which has been copied.
submit work completed by another person.
give another student his/her work to copy.
do homework for another student.
use electronic aids when these are not allowed.
simple paraphrasing of course material,
ways to acknowledge the provenance of information, informally in writing and speech,
simple ways to acknowledge information derived from electronic sources,
what constitutes cheating.
Students to sit at separate desks, or spaced out appropriately.
Teacher to provide assessment papers and answer papers to students.
Students required to leave bags in a place where they are not accessible during the in class assessment.
Only required materials are to be left on the desk or the surrounding area - no pencil cases/books/notes etc.
Teacher to circulate around the room frequently during the assessment.
Teacher to ensure that students have a bathroom break before assessments begins.
Assessments where possible, should limit the number of multiple choice questions, but instead include questions that require more higher level thinking.
In order to get the most out of school, your child should aim to have an excellent school attendance record. However there may be times when they are unwell and unable to attend school. In these circumstances, it is essential that the school is informed by telephone on the morning of the absence.
Parents - or your appointed guardian - should call the General Office at 2569 5500 and send an email to the School Attendance Officer Ms. Amy Lam (alam@kis.edu.hk).
Punctuality is equally important, both in term of arriving at school and being on time for lessons. Registration is at 12:35pm (Y9-13) & 12:45pm (Y7&8) each morning and takes place during tutor time each day.
To be fully prepared for the day, it is advisable for students to be at school by 12:30pm.
Students will be considered to be late if they arrive after 12:35pm (Y9-13) & 12:45pm (Y7&8) to registration. If the total number of lates exceeds 3 in a 30-day period then they will receive a level 1 sanction (see behavioural policy). If the number of lates exceeds a further 3 in the same 30-day period then a level 3 sanction will be applied.
When students are late to school, they must complete a sign-in procedure in the General Office (Room 107)
If students have three unexcused lates, then students may be placed in an after-school detention.
In Order to Sign Out:
Parents should email the tutor at least 24 hours before the requested date of early leave.
Students must then sign out of the school at the General Office with the School Attendance Officer (Ms. Amy Lam.)
Students should then present the slip to the Guard Station to exit the campus.
KIS aims to publicly recognise the achievements of out students in the belief that success breeds success. Whilst the school emphasises the benefits of positive reinforcement, it is accepted that a clearly identified set of consequences is required to help effect behavioural change where it is required.
The aims of the consequences issued by the school are: to produce constructive reflection on the part of the students; to signal to both students and parents the need for behavioural improvement; and to produce the desired change. Clear and regular communication between Form Tutors, Heads of Departments, Subject Teachers, SLT and parents is vital.
KIS believes it is the duty of all members of staff to expect appropriate uniform, behaviour, courtesy and a positive work ethic from all students and that it is their responsibility to undertake initial proactive consequences with students to achieve this.
N.B If any offence is deemed serious enough, a student can enter the consequence procedure at any level considered appropriate.
Reprimand and Lunchtime Detention
All staff should use verbal reprimand or arrange their own detention for minor offences.
If a member of staff wishes to hold a private lunchtime detention it should be held as soon as possible after the incident. Due regard should be paid to the activities and time allowed for students to eat. If further action is required, the student's Tutor should be informed.
In more persistent and serious cases, students are referred to the HOD or The Head of Secondary. If such action fails to produce the desired effects, or the 'offence' is more serious, then students will be moved up to level 2.
If the member of staff feels that their own consequences have failed to modify the student's behaviour significantly and they still have a cause for concern, the HOD or Tutor should take whatever action they feel is appropriate to effect the change in behaviour. The Deputy Head of Secondary/Head of Secondary should also be informed.
If such an action fails to produce the desired effect, or if the 'offence' is more serious, then the student will move to Level 3.
After-School Detention
After-School detention is for persistent and serious offence and for lateness (see attendance policy), and should only be used after referral to the HOD or Head of Secondary.
The HOD or Head of Secondary should make arrangements for an after-school detention. The staff issuing the detention will fill out a detention letter and send it home to parents. The letter contains a parental acknowledgement slip.
The parent should return the slip.
The detention slip should go to the HOD or Head of Secondary for final conformation and filing in the student's personal file.
The HOD or Head of Secondary will monitor detentions and follow up with students who fail to appear.
Students should be given 48 hours notice of a school detention wherever possible, and a minimum of 24 hours. They should report to the detention room as mentioned in the Student Message Board. The member of staff on duty should collect the detention list and sign to confirm the detention has been done. It is the responsibility of the member of staff instigating the detention to ensure that the student has suitable work to do. No devices are permitted during detentions. A rota for detention duty supervised by Teachers, HODs or Head of Secondary will be published.
Report
Persistent lack of effort or unacceptable behaviour could result in a student being put on report. The HOD or Head of Secondary will ensure that:
The student is aware of the reasons for being put on report.
The parents are informed.
The Tutor/Advisor fills out the daily report form at the beginning of each day.
The student carries the report to each lesson each day and all the relevant signatures are collected.
The Tutor sees the student, with the form, at 3:05pm each day for comment.
The Head of Secondary will see the student at the onset and conclusion of the reporting period and, in conjunction with the Tutor/Advisor, will decide when to end the reporting.
A school detention or report might not be the most appropriate or suitable consequence for all cases of inappropriate behaviour considered to be a level 3 offence and in such situations, other consequences may be issued.
The consequences may include (but are not limited to):
Mediation between students or between student and teacher.
Apology (verbal or in writing.)
Letter of reflection.
Community service related work if appropriate.
Meeting or phone call with parents regarding offence.
Letter to parent documenting misbehaviour, confirming consequences issued and any further consequences in case of further misbehaviour.
Follow up supportive action may include meetings with the school counsellor, Tutor/Advisor, HOD or Head of Secondary.
Level 3 Disciplinary Procedures
Any serious Level 3 offences will be handled as follows:
Students involved requested to write down statement outlining their version of events. This should be dated and signed.
Tutor/Advisor, Subject Teacher, HOD or Head of Secondary to interview student(s) involved and any other involved persons to determine details of event.
HOD and Tutor/Advisor to confer with Head of Secondary to determine consequences.
Student and parents informed of consequences either in person, by phone, or in writing by Tutor/Advisor, HOD or Head of Secondary. Incident and consequences recorded and added to student file.
Follow up supportive action may include meetings with the school counsellor, Tutor/Advisor or Head of Secondary.
If such action fail to produce the desired effect, or if the 'offence' is more serious, then the student will move to Level 4.
In-school withdrawal from classes, Suspension and Contract
Serious breaches of discipline can result in an in school withdrawal from classes, suspension or a contract. Although each case is considered on it's individual merits, the following offences would normally results in withdrawal from class or a suspension.
Serious examples of bullying or harassment - either physical or verbal, including sexual harassment.
Use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs on the school premises, at a school-sponsored event, or whilst wearing school uniform.
Any act bringing the school into disrepute.
Petty theft.
Truancy.
Bringing inappropriate items or materials on to the school campus.
Serious cases of violent or aggressive behaviour.
Vandalism.
Other serious offences or repeated infractions over a period of time.
Withdrawal from classes: In cases of a students being withdrawn from classes as a consequences for their behaviour, the student will be located in an appropriate place and will be required to continue with school work during the school day. Students will have different break and lunchtime on those day(s). Teachers are not under any obligation to set work for the students being withdrawn from classes. Tutors and the school counsellors will use of this time to discuss the relevant issues with the student and provide them with an opportunity to learn from the situation.
Suspension: In cases of a student being suspended from school, students may be asked to complete the suspension at home or in school depending on the severity and seriousness of the offence.
The decision to enforce a withdrawal from classes or to suspend a student from school with be taken by the Head of Secondary. Relevant staff will be notified of such a withdrawal or suspension.
On occasion, students who have behaved inappropriately may be placed on a Contract. The Contract will clearly state the requirements necessary for the student to remain at KIS. Both the student and his/her parents/guardian are required to sign the Contract.
Being withdrawn from classes, suspended and/or being placed on a Contract is the final sign to a student that their behaviour has been unacceptable and that, should there be any repetition or more cause for concern, the student may be asked to leave the school.
Procedures in dealing with Level 4 offences will be the same as those for Level 3 offences.
Withdrawal or Expulsion
For serious cases of misbehaviour or repeated contraventions of the school policies, expectations or rules, a student may be expelled.
At the discretion of the Head of Secondary or Principal, parents may be asked to withdraw a student from school.
Level 5 Disciplinary Procedures
Any serious cases that may lead to a Level 5 consequences being imposed will be handled as followed:
The students involved will be asked to write a statement outlining their version of events. This should be dated, signed and a copy filed.
The students involved will be interviewed by the Head of Secondary, together with the Tutor. The interview will be conducted in a manner than cannot be misconstrued as coercive. The interview may also be recorded.
Parents will be informed by phone and then by email of their child's involvement in the incident and provided with a copy of their child's statement.
The parents of younger children may be asked to pick up their child and take them home. In this event, the child will remain at home until the Disciplinary Team has made a decision on the consequences to be imposed.
Parents will then be invited to the school to speak to the Disciplinary Team, made up of the Principal, Head of Secondary and Tutor/Advisor. This meeting will provide parents with an opportunity to offer their perspective on the incident.
After this, the Disciplinary Team will meet to reach a final decision on the consequence to be imposed and will be communicated to all parties as soon as possible.
If, as a result, a student is to be asked to leave the school parents may be offered the option of withdrawing their child from the school, rather than having an 'expulsion' on the student record.
Following up procedures:
If the student is allowed to remain in school, consideration will be given to:
The issuance of a final warning and Behavioural Contract signed by both parent and student.
2. The Head of Secondary may, if appropriate, give consideration as to how the incident may be used as an educational experience to reflect upon.
Parents should understand that the school reserves the right to require parents to obtain counselling for students. KIS currently provides a free counselling services. It maintains the right to suspend a student until it is assured the student is receiving the necessary help and is not a risk to others in the school, as determined by a trained professional.
Bullying, in all forms, has no place at Korean International School.
Our school seeks and affirms each student's worth and dignity. Bullying undermines these values and can negatively inhibit a student's development and their quest to reach for excellence. It is the responsibility of everyone in the KIS community to prevent bullying in all its forms.
Bullying, including cyber bullying, is the misuse of power, position and privilege. It is done to hurt, intimidate, coerce, frighten and to control.
To provide a safe, happy and secure learning environment for our students.
To counter views that bullying is an inevitable part of school life.
To create a supportive climate where students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying and are comfortable about doing so.
To provide a support system for victims of bullying
To provide suitable counselling for the student carrying out the bullying.
Watch for early signs of distress in students. This could be evident in any aspect of school life.
All instances of bullying observed and reported should be clearly recorded, with all relevant information and action taken. This should be handed to the Tutor/Advisor or HOD for thorough investigation. A copy of this report will be included in the student's file.
Offer the victim immediate support and help and outline what will now happen. Be aware that dealing with incidents with both parties present at the same time may be inappropriate.
Use students as a positive resource in countering bullying and take time to discuss the problem in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) sessions.
All students upon entry to KIS will be educated about the KIS Bullying Policy.
Education for all years will occur in the PSHE programme and formal assemblies throughout the year.
Parents will be informed of our Bullying Policy.
Tutors, HODs and SLT will, from time to time, select and review suitable material.
Procedures for bullying incidents on campus:
Students should be encouraged to report all incidents of bullying, including cyber bullying, to a trusted teacher, Tutor, Advisor, HOD, SLT or peer, even if they are not directly involved. Never be tempted to retaliate or reply.
Respect others. Be careful what you say online and in text messages and think before you send. Whatever you send can be made public very quickly - image if you would be happy if it were also sent to your parents and teachers.
If an incident is reported, students will be required to record the events in writing and through an interview process.
Both parties will be required to discuss the incidents with the Tutor/Advisor, HOD or SLT. This interview will normally occur at the same time. A report will be formulated by the SLT.
The parents of the students involved will be informed of the outcomes of the investigation and a formal letter will be attached to the student's file.
Bullies may be required to apologise to the victim. This may be in the form of a written or verbal apology.
In more serious cases, where a severe consequence is to be imposed, the Tutor/Advisor, HOD or SLT will meet with parents to outline the the incidents and repercussions.
Procedure for bullying incidents off campus on school-sponsored trips:
The Teacher-in-Charge, along with other senior teachers present, will investigate the alleged incident.
Parents of a child found to be bullying another student, may be asked to collect their child or the child sent home if this is feasible.
Watch for signs of distress in your child. There could be an unwillingness to attend school, a pattern of headaches or stomach aches, equipment that has gone missing, request for extra pocket money, damaged clothing or bruising. Early contact is essential at this point.
Take an active interest in your child's school life. Be aware, your child may as likely be a cyberbully as be a target. Be alert to your child seeming upset after using the internet or their mobile phone - particularly to changes in relationships with their friends. Talk with them and understand the ways in which they are using the internet and their mobile phones.
If you think your child is being bullied inform the Tutor/Advisor, HOD or SLT.
Keep a written record if the bullying persists: Who, What, Where and When?
Advise your child to tell a trusted teacher.
Do NOT encourage your child to hit back or respond verbally.
KIS aims to promote a drug free and safe environment for all our students through a considered application of the following policy. Issues concerning alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse are tackled through discussion and occasional visiting speakers as part of our PSHE programme.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Students are not permitted to have either alcohol or tobacco on site at any time. Students found to have alcohol in their possession, caught consuming alcohol or found to be under the influence of alcohol on site, or in the vicinity of school, or whilst in school uniform or on a school sponsored trip, will be subject to Level 4 or 5 consequences (please see behavioural policy).
Students caught smoking on site, in the vicinity of school, whilst wearing school uniform or on a school - sponsored trip, will be subject to Level 4 consequences.
Illegal Substances
Possession: If a student in fond to have an illegal substance in his/her possession in school, immediate suspension will ensue and, following and investigation, parents may be asked to withdraw the student.
Distribution/Dealing:
If it is proved that a student is dealing, or distributing illegal substances to other students, then he/she will be withdrawn from school immediately.
Subject to law and the circumstances, the Headmaster may be required to inform the police. In all cases, we will endeavor to ensure confidentiality.
Illegal substance abuse/under the influence of illegal substances:
If a student is suspected of illegal substance abuse, the Tutor/Advisor, HOD or SLT will monitor the student very closely and if the suspicion is justified, our approach will be supportive rather than punitive.
If a student is under suspicion of using illegal substances in school, or of being under the influence of illegal substances in school, the following procedure will be followed:
Students would be interview by their Tutor/Advisor, HOD or SLT regarding illegal substances use. The school reserves the right to respectfully ask students to empty their bags, lockers, clothes, pockets and to let them know they may be searched.
Parents are requested to come into school and will be asked to witness or sanction the collection of a hair sample for the purpose of testing. Every effort will be made to contact the parents but in the event that they cannot be contacted, the authorisation form signed by the parents and held at school, signifies consent. (Costs will be born by the parents whether the result is positive or negative).
If it is proved that an illegal substance has been used, the parents would be required to meet with the Head of Secondary to discuss the matter.
If the decision is made that the student will be able to continue in school then the student would need to undergo professional external counselling/treatment (at the parents expense) and sign a contract that stipulates:
There will be regular meetings with the school counsellor.
The school will liaise with the recommended external counsellor to ensure the student is attending and to consider application of suitable support strategies for the student.
Further illegal substances tests may be administered randomly and without warning at the parents expense.
Any positive return will result in the student being asked to leave the school.
If the parents refuse to arrange professional counselling/treatment for their child, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child.