Behaviour, Rules, Rewards, and Sanctions Policy

Person responsible: College Principals, The King’s School, Canterbury International College
Policy dated May 2022. To be reviewed August 2023.

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 The King’s School, Canterbury International College

Behaviour, Rules, Rewards and Sanctions

Expected Behaviour

The whole of the King’s School, Canterbury, is a community where the welfare of all is protected and promoted.
It is important that all members of the community take responsibility for their contribution to it, that they should
have an awareness of the needs and sensitivities of others, and that they play their part in creating a kind, tolerant
and mutually supportive environment. In particular, the School should always be conscious of the fact that we
share our environment with many who have no formal connection with the School.

The School expects the behaviour of its pupils to reflect the values that lie at the core of its philosophy. These
include:
• a sense of responsibility
• self-discipline
• a proper regard for authority
• an awareness of and sensitivity towards the needs and perspectives of others
• respect for, and celebration of, difference in others
• a sense of service to the community

It places emphasis on the positive behaviour to be expected and rewarded, as well as prevention of what is
unacceptable. At its heart is the promotion of a good learning and teaching atmosphere in which all pupils can
realise their potential. The policy safeguards and promotes the welfare of all pupils, protecting them from
discrimination and harassment on any grounds. It relies on a culture of mutual respect between parents, pupils
and staff, and it has been drawn up in consultation with the school community.

International College Rules

These Rules are intended to impose only such restrictions as are necessary for the general well-being of students
and teachers in the International College. Rules and conditions remain binding on students throughout their time
at the College, or when travelling to or from the College, regardless of age. Bringing the College’s reputation
into disrepute (by defamatory or other words or deeds) constitutes a serious breach of discipline at any time and
could lead to expulsion.

The College Principals are responsible for the care and the discipline of the students and for the management of
the College. If a student fails to comply with the College Rules and any regulations made from time to time,
they may require the student to be removed, without a refund of the current term’s fees. They also reserve the
right to ask parents to withdraw any student who is, in their opinion, not making sufficient progress to warrant
(in the student’s own interest) his or her retention in the College, or to withdraw a student from a particular
examination subject if, in their opinion, that is also in the student’s own interest.

**During the coronavirus pandemic, a number of the rules listed below will necessarily be superseded by other
measures intended to keep all students and staff safe. The complete list can be found in the International
College Covid Rules document.**

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1. Bounds (permitted areas for students)
The College Community shares the Malthouse Site with:
- Cottage residents
- The Senior School
- External Sports
- External Theatres

It is therefore important that students move around the Site respectfully and without making any undue noise at
all times.

With a diverse community and many different languages spoken around the College, swearing in any language is
forbidden and will be sanctioned.

Students are expected to be inside the walls of the College building after Curfew at 17:00 and until Supper,
unless permission has been granted for them to attend special lessons or activities during this time.

The Sports Hall may only be used after prep and if accompanied by a tutor or member of staff. The MUGA and
outdoor table tennis areas may be used before 17:00 and outside of lessons.

The following places are out of bounds without permission from a College Principal, Senior Tutor, or the Deputy
or Assistant Houseparents:

1.1 Any place beyond the bounds shown on the maps displayed in the College (including the Dane John
Gardens), plus the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey.
1.2 The Kingsmead playing field, and the riverside path and underpass on that side beyond the Sainsbury’s
bridge.
1.3 The City / Off Malthouse Campus except in pairs on agreed “town afternoons” per year group until
16:30 and after signing out clearly in the Sign Out Book in College, with each student individually
providing their name and signing their time of departure and destination legibly. Upon return, the sign
in time must also be provided. Leave to visit the City on Sundays will be determined by the member of
staff on duty on a week by week basis, taking into account activities and trips.
1.4 The South Side of the Cathedral, along with the Great Cloister and approaches thereto, after 18:00
(unless on the way to a Cathedral event).
1.5 The Cathedral Herb Garden and the Campanile Garden.
1.6 College and school kitchens.
1.7 The roofs of all buildings (including the Cathedral).
1.8 All pubs, bars, betting shops and amusement arcades.
1.9 Private houses, including the houses of The King’s School day pupils.
1.10 Cinemas, theatres and other places of public entertainment unless part of a school excursion.
1.11 The river and all boats on the river, sea or lakes (except when participating in a supervised school
activity).

2. Order
2.1 Paid Private Tuition requires the prior consent of parents and the College Principals.
2.2 No student may be driven in a private car by any other King’s pupil, nor by anybody who is not an
employee of the College or The King’s School, unless the driver is the guardian or a member of the
student’s own family, or the written consent of parents and the permission of the College Principals has
been obtained.
2.3 The following are forbidden:
a) The possession or use of weapons, replica weapons, firearms or explosives of any kind (including
BB guns, fireworks, all sharp knives and penknives)
b) The unauthorised use or possession of any aerosol or solvent-based glue
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 c) The possession or use of laser pens
d) The possession and/or use of ‘hoverboards’, segways, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades etc.
e) Busking
f) Walking outdoors in bare feet
g) Hitch-hiking
h) The possession or use of computer games, by anyone under age according to their classification in
England
i) The possession or drinking of alcohol
j) The possession or use of drugs and legal highs including edibles
k) The possession or use of smoking paraphernalia, including vaping equipment
l) Personal weight training equipment

2.4 Students should not bring back to College items of significant monetary or emotional value, nor any
item that (by its ostentatious nature or worth) might cause division or jealousy amongst peers.
2.5 Paid employment is forbidden during term time.
2.6 Apart from minor transactions, buying and selling among students, and the lending of money, must have
the College Principals’ permission.
2.7 No student may obtain credit at any town shop or restaurant, except with parents’ permission and the
knowledge of the College Principals.
2.8 No one may miss a College-provided meal without permission from the College Principals, Deputy or
Assistant Housemistress, or Senior Tutor.
2.9 It is forbidden to remove food, drink, cutlery or crockery from any School or College dining hall.
2.10 No food or drink may be consumed outdoors in the streets.
2.11 The chewing of gum is forbidden.
2.12 Students may not gather in large groups on any roads or pathways where they may inconvenience
residents and visitors.
2.13 Personal possessions (books, files, clothing, etc.) may not be left outside rooms and buildings except in
the storage provided and should be in some suitable bag.
2.14 Students may use the College address to have parcels and packages sent to them. These will be received
at reception and opened in the presence of a member of staff by the student themselves. During term
time, students may not order any items to a different address, or receive and bring into College any
packages that have been sent to them at a different address.

3. Mobile Phones, Headphones, Earphones

3.1 Mobile phones, earphones, or headphones may normally only be used in leisure time, discreetly, and
not in School buildings or public places within the College and Malthouse site (except with permission).
3.2 They must not be used when crossing roads or walking around the site or town.
3.3 They should only be used in lessons and study time where the teacher on duty gives permissions.
3.4 Phone numbers must be registered with the College Principals, and any changes in the number recorded.
3.5 Offensive messages sent to others will be regarded as a serious breach of College discipline.
3.6 Misuse will lead to confiscation as well as to other sanctions.
3.7 Students may be required by the staff to hand in their mobile phones at night.
3.8 The photographing, filming, or recording of others (students or adults) without their permission is not
permitted at any time.

4. Meals Out & Saturday Leaves

4.1 Students may only miss roll-call or meals at the weekend if the College Principals or Deputy or Assistant
Housemistress have given permission.
4.2 On a weekday evening, students may be allowed to go out for a meal with their own parents with the
prior approval of the College Principals or Deputy or Assistant Houseparents, at whose discretion two
or three other students from the College (only) may attend, if so wished.

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5. Dress and Appearance
The purpose of these rules is to maintain the good reputation and high standard of the College. At all times
clothes must be clean, neat, tidy and in good repair. More detailed guidelines will be issued from time to
time. Regard for the spirit of these regulations is as important as regard for their letter.
5.1 College uniform for boys is a black school jacket at all times, a black jumper with The King’s School
crest worn under the blazer is optional, King’s pinstripe trousers, white shirt and International College
tie, black or grey socks and plain black polished leather shoes. Jewellery, non-School or College lapel
badges and other unsuitable ornaments are forbidden, as are tattoos.
For girls, College uniform is a black school jacket at all times, black jumper or black cardigan with the
King’s School crest, with a knee-length King’s pinstripe dress or pinstripe trousers, College white blouse,
plain black tights and plain black polished leather low-heeled shoes of sensible shape and weight, without
ornaments.
5.2 Make-up, if worn, must be discreet. Only small studs, one per ear-lobe, are permitted, but not nose,
tongue or other studs, dangling earrings, rings, bracelets, chunky necklaces, tattoos, fake nails, or
coloured nail varnish. Non-School or College lapel badges and other unsuitable ornaments are forbidden.
5.3 College uniform is to be worn:
a) until all time-tabled lessons have finished for the day (including the tutor period), unless the rules
are relaxed during hot weather or other specific permission is given;
c) on appropriate King’s School and College occasions, which include such events as Parents’
Meetings, King’s School talks (unless otherwise advertised), King’s and College Plays and
Concerts, and any other event at which parents may be present. N.B. Jackets, not jumpers or
cardigans, must be worn and must not be taken off at concerts, lectures or similar occasions unless
permission is specifically given.
5.4 With all uniform, only a King’s School-issue coat or plain black or navy-blue overcoat or rain-coat of
suitable length may be worn, and only a black, King’s School or Boat Club scarf. No jackets should have
fur trimmings.
5.5 ‘Formal Clothing’: every student must always have available at least one set of smart clothes for formal
occasions. Such dress might be required for some trips, dinners or other special occasions.
5.6 ‘Casual Clothing’ (‘home clothes’) must be clean, in good repair, and without embellishments of any
sort. Jewellery should always remain discreet. Home clothes must not sport any pictures or messages
offensive in any way, and should be of a suitably modest nature, i.e. not too revealing in any way.
5.7 Hair styles must be consistent with the College uniform. Bizarre or extravagant styles are forbidden.
This includes extravagant colours. Girls should have the means to tie their hair back if so required. Boys
must be clean shaven, with their hair off the collar, but no shorter than ‘Grade 3’. Any dyed hair should
be discreet. Students may be required to have their hairstyles altered by a hairdresser, if they are too
extravagant.
5.8 Hats should not be worn indoors.
5.9 Headphones and earphones should not be worn when moving around the College site, The King’s School
or the City.
5.10 Only official King’s School games clothes and/or track suits may be worn for organised sports lessons.

6. Bicycles
Students are not permitted to keep bikes while at the College, nor are they allowed to cycle on any bikes
outside of official school activities.

7. Residential Rules
The following rules apply at all times to all students:
7.1 Boys are not permitted to visit the girls’ floor, nor girls to visit the boys’ floor at any time. The girls’
floor and the boys’ floor are separated by alarmed doors and corridors covered by CCTV.
7.2 When invited, students may visit other boarding houses after lessons, games and during free time. As
guests, they must announce themselves politely to staff and adhere to all rules of the respective house,
including the areas in which they are allowed to stay.
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7.3 As a matter of courtesy, students should, wherever possible, obtain the permission of the College
Principals and Housemaster or Housemistress when visiting another House. All visitors to the College
or House at any time must sign in and out.
7.4 All pupil visitors to the College must inform a member of College staff on their arrival. Additionally,
they should sign the Visitors’ Book on arrival and departure, and they must remain on the ground floor.
Visits are only allowed between 16:30 and 19:00. Any visits outside of these times must be agreed with
one of the College Principals or Deputy and Assistant Housemistress . All visitors must remain on the
ground floor at all times.
7.5 Outsiders may not visit the College or a King’s House without the permission of the College Principals
or Houseparents. If he or she or a member of staff acting in his or her stead is not available, no visit may
take place. It is the duty of the student being visited to ensure that permission has been obtained.
7.6 Electrical appliances may be used in rooms and studies only with the College Principals’ consent and in
accordance with the regulations on this matter. All appliances must be PAT tested by the school estates
team, or will otherwise be confiscated. Cooking equipment may only be used in the common room and
when a member of staff is present to supervise. Any cooking equipment, including kettles, found outside
of the common room, will be confiscated.
7.7 Music, radios, computer games, etc. must not be played during lesson or prep time, nor after 10.00
p.m., unless earphones are used; nor at any time that might cause a nuisance to others.
7.8 Computer games, DVDs, and streamed films, etc. may not be played or watched during lesson or prep
time, nor after lights out, nor at other times as determined by the College Principals.
7.9 No one may be absent from prep without leave from the College Principals or Deputy or Assistant
Houseparents.
7.10 All students must be ready for a House Meeting at 19:00. After prep, students may only leave the College
building to go to the sports hall.
7.11 Students should never put themselves to bed in the course of the day without first seeing the Matron.
7.12 Students should be respectful of their surroundings at all times and not damage or misuse any items or
furniture in their rooms, as well as the wider College. Any damage or malfunction should be reported
to a member of staff immediately and parents may be charged for any necessary repairs.
7.13 Doors that requir access with a swipe card should only be accessed with a swipe card and not forced.

Rewards and sanctions

Rewards and encouragement are used extensively in the College. On the occasions when sanctions must be
applied, this is done so with regard to the rules set out above.

Rewards
Level 1
Verbal praise by teachers or College boarding staff for good behaviour, academic work, or attitude. Teachers
are encouraged to find their own methods of rewarding day to day successes, appropriate to the age of students
(e.g. stickers, positive written feedback, group points). Additionally, tutors and teachers are encouraged to
feedback to parents at any point good news about their child’s successes.

Level 2
Level 2 Teachers record examples of excellent work by awarding Merits for anything that warrants immediate
positive recognition. Tutors should check their tutees’ record of Merits once a week on iSAMS and use this
information to congratulate their tutees.

Level 3
An accumulation of Merits will be rewarded with vouchers that can be spent in town – these are awarded
publicly in assembly.

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Level 4
At the end of the Autumn Term, each class teacher awards a subject prize certificate in Year 11. In Year 9 and
Year 10, there are prizes for “most improved student” and “student with best exam performance”. In the life of
the College, the house team also award a “most helpful” and “greatest contribution to the community”. Where
appropriate, extraordinary co-curricular contribution are also recognised. These take the form of a
congratulatory certificate.

Level 5
At the end of the academic year, prizes are publicly awarded at the Graduation Ceremony following the model
outlined above, but with book prizes in addition to the certificates.

Sanctions
Level 1
Verbal admonishments backed up by the authority of staff within the College. This covers, for example, one-
off uniform infractions, minor lateness, and forgotten equipment, minor disruptive behaviour in class or
around the College. Admonishing a student is often as effective as any formal sanction and should be the first
recourse of any member of staff: it should be the exception rather than the rule that things are taken ‘higher’,
or lead to specific ‘punishment’.

Level 2
More serious misdemeanours or repeat offences of the above should be recorded as a ‘sanction’ on iSAMS, and
students should be informed of this verbally by the member of staff. This leads to a short detention after
evening prep the same day. Tutors are encouraged to keep an eye on any iSAMS entries and follow these up in
discussion with tutees. If three Level 2s are amassed in one week, the third detention will be converted into a
Level 3 mid-week detention. Level 2 sanctions are also given for egregious lateness to class, forgotten
homework, and failure to bring important notes/equipment to class. Lateness in house (to meals or meetings)
is recorded in the tick-in app. Three house lates will also lead to a mid-week Level 3 sanction.

Level 3
For continuing low level offences (three Level 2 sanctions in a week or being late to three College tick ins in a
week) or poor effort or behaviour (e.g. rudeness or play fighting), as well as missing games, an activity, or a
lesson, students are either put into a mid-week afternoon detention, or, where appropriate, on a report card
for a suitable length of time.

Level 4
The first hour of a ‘College Saturday Evening Detention’ will be given for more serious one-off offences such
as very poor behaviour, fighting or intentional aggression, behaviour that endangers the safety of others, being
caught smoking or vaping nicotine once, or with smoking paraphernalia a first alcohol offence involving beer,
wine, or similar. Level 4s are recorded on iSAMS and the senior tutor or a member of the house team will
inform parents of any Level 4 offences by email.

Level 5
A full three-hour ‘College Saturday Evening Detention’ is given in the case of a second offence
involving smoking, vaping nicotine, or possessing smoking paraphernalia, drinking or possessing beer, wine or
similar, or a first offence involving spirits, bullying, wanton damage, dangerous or reckless behaviour, or any
behaviour that falls far short of the expected behaviour of students at the College, including dishonesty, deceit,
or theft. Parents will be informed by email by the senior tutor or a member of the house team. This is
recorded on iSAMS.

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Level 6
Offences surpassing Level 5 will lead to suspension, requirement to leave, or expulsion depending on the
nature and the circumstances of the offence. These include, but are not limited to, the possession and use of
legal highs, THC vaping equipment, or drugs. This will be decided in conversation between the College
Principals and the Headmaster and will be recorded on iSAMS.

Policy and Sanctions with regard to:

Drugs
The King’s Schools consider that the use of illegal drugs and so-called ‘legal highs’ (including nitrous oxide,
edibles, THC infused vaping liquids and any performance-enhancing drugs) is likely to be damaging to a young
person’s health, safety, independence and respect of the law; and will also damage the integrity of the School
and College communities by possibly exposing others to temptation and to the risk of criminal proceedings.
A programme of education about drugs will involve pupils during their time at the College. The programme
will be arranged through the established curriculum, through the PSHEC syllabus and through specially invited
external speakers.

It is the policy of the School and College to discourage the use of illegal drugs and ‘legal highs’. Any cases of
the use or possession by students of such substances or of any drugs paraphernalia will be treated as a very
serious breach of discipline and those involved should expect to be expelled.

A student becoming involved with drug misuse must expect to leave the College; those who have acted as a
source of supply will be expelled automatically. Where there is reasonable cause for suspicion that a student
may be involved with drugs, a student may be questioned and rooms and personal possessions searched and
then confiscated. A saliva or urine test may be taken and sent for analysis by an independent and approved
agent. Testing is the best possible protection for the innocent as well as compelling evidence against those who
would put others at risk. Refusal to take a test will be regarded as a disciplinary offence and the College may
proceed as if there had been a positive result. The College has the right to inform the police of the possession,
consumption or supplying of an illegal drug, as it constitutes a criminal offence.

This policy is seen as being in the best interests of all pupils.

Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol at any time and in any circumstances is forbidden. The possession of any alcoholic
drink is also forbidden. This includes alcohol in the form of cooking wine.

The effects on health of alcohol and its social implications will be taught and discussed as part of the
curriculum, in the PSHEC course. Help and advice is also available via The King’s School’s medical practice
and counselling service. There are breathalysers available at the College.

Smoking and Vaping

Students are forbidden to smoke and vape. The effects on physical and mental health of both will be taught and
discussed as part of the curriculum, in the PSHEC course. Help and advice is also available through the
School’s medical practice and counselling service. Where there is reasonable cause for suspicion that a student
may be smoking, a student may be questioned and rooms and personal possessions searched and any
smoking/vaping equipment confiscated. Students may be asked to blow into a carbon monoxide monitor to
test if they have been smoking. Testing is the best possible protection for the innocent as well as compelling
evidence against those who would put others at risk. Refusal to take a test will be regarded as a disciplinary
offence and the College may proceed as if there had been a positive result.

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Dietary Supplements
The King’s School prides itself on its sporting ethos and commitment to fair play and honesty. Medical and
sports coaching advice is that a balanced diet, good hydration, well-organised training and a healthy lifestyle
should be all any sports player needs to develop and grow in a healthy way. The School and College therefore
discourages the use of dietary supplements (such as protein or whey powders) to enhance levels of physical or
sporting achievement, in the belief that they are of no benefit to the physical or sporting performance of the
vast majority of students and can, at worst, create an unhealthy attitude towards body image.

The following advice is given for students who wish to maximise their sporting performance:
a) You should always have a water bottle with you at training – hydration is crucially important.
b) You should aim to get at least 8 hours sleep or more after hard sessions.
c) You should stretch at least 2 to 3 times a week.
d) You should always eat 3 main meals per day (breakfast is crucial) with 2 snack-meals in between if
required.
e) You should try to eat plenty of fish and white meat such as chicken (provided these form part of your
normal and existing diet), plenty of fresh vegetables and salad and plenty of pasta, potatoes and rice. Such a
diet is quite possible if you attend meals as provided by the School and/or College each day.

No student should take any form of protein supplement. If such supplements are found by College staff, they
will be confiscated and returned to the parents. The use of supplements by students in the gym, at the
Recreation Centre or at the Malthouse Sports Centre are not permitted.

Personal Relationships
Positive relationships are essential for the well-being of the community and for individuals. At all times the
guiding principle must be respect for others. This includes respecting those who have different values and
opinions. It also includes behaving in a considerate way which includes the feelings of all: for this reason,
excessive displays of affection in public, going beyond normal greetings, are not allowed. Sexual relationships
are forbidden in any circumstances. Students who are found to be in breach of this rule, or who are judged to
be so, should expect to be required to leave the College.

Bullying
The King’s School and International College are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe
environment for all of its students so that they can learn and develop in the College, at King’s and in all extra-
curricular areas in a relaxed and secure environment. Any attempt to interfere with this safe environment will
be treated most seriously. An atmosphere is encouraged in which all students should be able to tell a member
of staff or another student if they feel bullied, knowing that the incident will be investigated promptly and
effectively.

The College recognises that bullying can occur between pupils, between members of staff, and between staff
and pupils.

Bullying is an intentional abuse of power by an individual or group, usually repeated over time. In bullying
there is a conscious desire to hurt, to threaten or to frighten.

Bullying takes many forms:

a) Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching or any other use of violence.
b) Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, comments on disability, teasing, insulting or spreading rumours.
c) Emotional: exclusion, tormenting (for example, hiding books or belongings), threatening gestures, racial
taunts, unfriendliness, cultural insensitivity, graffiti or gestures.
d) Sexual: unwanted physical contact or abusive comments about gender or sexuality.

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e) Cyber: defined as the ‘sending or posting of harmful or cruel text or images using the internet or other
digital communication devices’. Types of cyberbullying, range from abusive text messages, emails and
phone calls, to bullying in internet chatrooms, social networking sites and instant messaging.

It is not bullying when, for example, two people have the odd dispute or when senior pupils are given
responsibility to supervise others in order to ensure the smooth running of the College and the School.

The School and College aim to provide:

a) An open, positive, friendly and caring atmosphere which helps to build positive self-images among pupils
and fosters appropriate behaviour in all areas.
b) The encouragement of positive role-models across the school community.
c) A PSHEC programme within the curriculum which aims at developing personal and inter-personal skills as
well as dealing specifically with the issue of bullying.
d) Student guidelines, including a complaints procedure.
e) A peer mentoring group.
f) Reassurance that all senior students with some responsibility for younger pupils receive regular support
from Tutors.

Incidents that could appear to involve bullying should be reported to the relevant tutor and senior tutor at the
earliest opportunity.

The appropriate member of staff will interview the relevant people in a sensitive and appropriate manner;
following this investigation, incidents that are found to have involved bullying will be recorded in writing and
details passed to the College Principals and the Deputy Head (Pastoral) of The King’s School.

Any student who is being bullied will be given support and protection as well as assistance to develop positive
coping strategies and self-assertion.

Students who are bullying will also be given support and assistance to change their pattern of behaviour.

It will be emphasised that any bullying behaviour must cease immediately.

In serious cases of bullying, the parents of both parties will be informed of what has happened and how it has
been dealt with. Where appropriate, colleagues will be informed and urged to be vigilant.

If the bullying behaviour continues and counselling of all involved has not worked, then appropriate sanctions,
determined by College Principals in consultation with other relevant staff, will follow. In persistent and/or
serious cases, suspension or expulsion will be considered.

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