Positive Behaviour Policy Policy Responsibility: Pastoral Vice Principal
Date Ratified: June 2026
Ratified by: Board of Governors
Next Reviewed Date: June 2029
Contents Contents .....................................................................................................................................2 1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................3 2. Aim .........................................................................................................................................4 3. Objective ................................................................................................................................4 4. Rewards ..................................................................................................................................4 5. Interventions ..........................................................................................................................5 6. Detention and Exclusion ........................................................................................................8 7. Monitoring and Evaluation.....................................................................................................9 Appendix A Links to Other Policies ....................................................................................9 Appendix B Responsibility of Pupils (Pupil Code of Conduct) – updated below .............10 Appendix C Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians ...................................................12 Appendix D Responsibilities of Staff ................................................................................13 Appendix E Guidance for Staff .........................................................................................14 Appendix F Role of Prefects .............................................................................................19 Appendix G Organisation of Friday Detentions ...............................................................20
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1. Introduction Our Ethos At Methodist College Belfast, we are committed to nurturing academic excellence, responsibility, and strong community values in a caring and supportive environment. We aim to provide a truly unique and positive life changing experience so that every Collegian can flourish in school and beyond. Through commitment to personal and intellectual growth, we empower all Collegians to achieve their highest ambitions. Integrity, humility, kindness and stewardship are the guiding principles that shape our conduct. We take seriously our responsibility to make positive contributions both within the College and broader community. Whether in the classroom or beyond, Methody pupils embrace challenges with initiative, perseverance and teamwork. We honour the progressive traditions of our institution while embracing new possibilities. An atmosphere of mutual understanding and appreciation of differences fosters the wellbeing of each individual and unity of the student body as a whole. It is through upholding our proud heritage and living by the CREST values that we will nurture future leaders of tomorrow. At the College, academic excellence and strength of character go hand in hand as we guide pupils to fulfil their fullest potential and make their mark on the world. We believe that we offer life changing opportunities for everyone.
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We believe that good behaviour should be regarded as the norm and should be universally understood as such. All members of the College community have a responsibility in ensuring that the principles of respect for oneself, for others and for our environment pervade all that we do.
2. Aim To create a positive, productive and caring environment, where each pupil feels valued and respected, and can achieve their potential.
3. Objective To provide clear guidelines to all pupils, parents/guardians and staff on the behaviour expected of pupils and associated procedures.
4. Rewards The ethos of encouragement is central to the promotion of positive behaviour in the College and all staff have a collective responsibility to contribute to positive behaviour management. Pupils in Methody are encouraged to wear their CREST with pride. Our values are the principles, beliefs and standards that help shape our decisions, guide our actions and manifest in our behaviours as Collegians. Pupils know that staff have high expectations of the pupils they teach. Pupils are respected and valued as individuals and their achievements are recognised. The following are rewards used in the College: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Verbal praise from staff; Positive comments from staff in the homework diary; Positive comments on reports and at parents’ consultations; Phonecalls home praising behaviour; Postcards sent home; Displays of pupils’ work in the classroom, in the Department and in the wider school; Department Pupil of the Month; Recognition of achievements in Form assemblies or Tutor groups; Recognition of achievements in main assembly, on College reports and in school publications and website or other social media platforms; Prize Days; Selection as Prefects or Senior Prefects; The award of colours, honours and special awards for non-academic achievement; Form assemblies highlighting full or improved attendance or punctuality;
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• • • •
Attendance rewards such as a card which allows a pupil to go to the front of the lunch queue for a limited period; House tokens/points; Breaktime with the Principal; Recording of positive behaviour on Bromcom (when introduced)
Positive behaviour is promoted through the: a) Pupil Code of Conduct (See Appendix B) which is printed in the homework diary; b) Main assemblies, Form assemblies and Tutor Groups; c) Personal Development Programme; d) Teaching and extra-curricular staff.
5. Interventions The vast majority of pupils in Methody behave positively. Pupils who do not behave appropriately may have privileges withdrawn or sanctions applied. Guidance for teachers (see Appendix E) as to which type of sanction is appropriate for different misdemeanors is based on a hierarchy of misconduct. However, the specific context of the inappropriate behaviour has to be taken into account and professional judgement of staff is required accordingly. There is a set of procedures and sanctions for dealing with unacceptable behaviour. These sanctions include (but are not limited to): a. b. c. d. e. f. g.
Verbal warnings repeated or extra work, community service; Note made in Homework Diary (or other communication with parents/guardians) Departmental detentions at break or lunchtimes; 45 minute and 90 minute Friday detention; Principal’s detention; Suspension; Expulsion.
Further details of levels of behaviour and interventions are outlined in Appendix E. At each stage it will be made clear to pupils why the sanction has been issued and that a record of their conduct may be kept. Please note that the College cannot disclose data or information about individuals, including sanctions which have been applied to pupils; in line with the principles of natural justice as well the right to privacy under article 8 of the ECHR, sanctions or disciplinary action are confidential. The Data Protection Act 2018 provides a statutory basis to ensure that personal data is protected. Disclosing disciplinary sanctions, or circumstances that surround the basis for the sanction, would place the school in breach of this statutory duty. There is no legitimate basis to publicly disclose details about a disciplinary process, including any sanction (this would constitute unlawful data processing).
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The following will be regarded as serious offences (this list is not exhaustive) and will likely lead to one of the above sanctions being imposed. Respecting oneself: Examples may include: •
Persistent lateness or truancy
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Misconduct during examinations
•
Repeated failure to adhere to uniform expectations
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Possession of inappropriate or offensive material
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Smoking, vaping or possession of vaping devices/liquids
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Possession or use of alcohol, drugs or solvents
Respecting others: Examples may include: •
Use of inappropriate or offensive language (spoken or written)
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Use of racist, sectarian or discriminatory language (spoken or written)
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Disrespectful behaviour or the sharing of offensive content
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Lack of consideration towards others
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Displaying bullying behaviour
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Engaging in physical confrontation with others
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Interfering with the property of others
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Possession of a weapon or engaging in dangerous behaviour
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Supplying or distributing alcohol, drugs or solvents
Respecting the environment (both inside and outside the College): Examples may include: •
Failure to respect the school environment
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Vandalism or damage to property
•
Graffiti or defacing College facilities
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Failure to complete a sanction may lead to a more serious sanction being applied. Unacceptable behaviour leading to the issuing of a detention will be recorded and monitored (by Form Staff) with ‘points’ assigned as follows: • • •
45 minute (Stage 1) Friday detention 90 minute (Stage 2) Friday detention Principal’s detention (Stage 3)
1 point 3 points 9 points
A Principal’s detention takes place at a time when other pupils are not in school, for example during a half day, Saturday morning or staff development day. (Two Stage 1 detentions on the same day become a Stage 2 detention but accrue 2 rather than 3 points) Interviews: In a single school year: • • • •
any pupil accumulating 6 points will be interviewed by the relevant Head of Form any pupil accumulating 10 points will be interviewed by the appropriate Head of Section and Head of Form. any pupil issued with a Principal’s Detention will be interviewed by the Principal. (or the Pastoral Vice Principal acting on behalf of the Principal) any pupil accruing more than 15 points will be interviewed and monitored by the Head of Section and Pastoral Vice Principal in order to provide support to them to effect an improvement in their behaviour. Should the required improvement not be evident and the pupil accrues behaviour points beyond 21 the Principal will conduct an interview with the pupil and their parents/guardians. This may result in a more serious sanction being issued.
Persistent Lateness The College regards punctuality as essential and views parental support in this matter as key. Procedures are in place to monitor pupil punctuality and to deal with persistent lateness. The number of minutes late may have an impact on the sanction issued. An L code indicates that a pupil has been less than an hour late. A U code indicates that a pupil has been over an hour late. During a term for L codes: • •
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lateness on 5 occasions will result in a 30 minute detention from 8.10 – 8.40am lateness on 10 occasions will result in a 45 minute Stage 1 detention on Friday afternoon from 3.20 – 4.05pm
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During a term for U codes: •
lateness on 3 occasions will result in a Stage 1 detention on Friday afternoon from 3.20 – 4.05pm
•
lateness on 5 occasions will result in a Stage 2 detention on Friday afternoon from 3.20 – 4.50pm Failure to address the matter will result in further escalation of detentions.
6. Detention and Exclusion Friday Detention Friday Detention is a serious sanction. Pupils may be given either a 45 minute detention or a 90 minute detention. A pupil may be put in a 45 minute detention by any member of staff; they may be put in a 90 minute detention by Heads of Department, Heads of Form or senior staff. Principal’s Detention A Principal’s Detention is a severe sanction issued by the Principal and will be held at a time and location, on College property, convenient to the Principal or delegated senior member of staff. It may take place during school holidays, Saturday morning or designated staff/school development days. Suspension Suspension is used for extremely serious breaches of discipline and can only be applied by the Principal, or Vice Principal in the Principal’s absence. An initial period of suspension shall not exceed five school days and the number of days will be determined by the Principal. Expulsion The Board of Governors may expel a pupil and this is a sanction which will only take place following the correct procedures as outlined by DENI. Referral System On a day-to-day basis, each member of staff is responsible for promoting positive behaviour. Issues relating to academic or other matters are dealt with by the teacher in charge in the first instance. If the matter cannot be resolved, or is of a more serious nature, it is referred to the appropriate Head of Department or Head of Form. If a problem continues, staff consult the relevant Head of Section or Pastoral Vice Principal and agree the action to be taken and by whom. Heads of Section refer issues to the Senior Leadership Team when appropriate. METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
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7. Monitoring and Evaluation On a day-to-day basis the Pastoral Vice Principal monitors the implementation of the policy which is reviewed at least once every three years by the Pastoral Vice Principal. The policy will be altered to reflect changes in educational legislation and practice as appropriate. The effectiveness of this policy will be evaluated using behaviour data, attendance, pupil voice, parent/guardian feedback and staff review. Appendix A Links to Other Policies The Positive Behaviour Policy takes cognisance of the following College documents and policies: a. Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy b. E-safety policy and Acceptable Use of ICT Policy c. SEN Policy d. Pupil Attendance Policy e. Misuse of Substance (Drugs) Policy f. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy g. Health and Safety Policy h. Homework Policy i. Safe Handling Policy j. Bring Your Own Device Policy k. Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers l. Complaints Policy m. Educational Trips and Visits Policy n. Uniform Regulations o. Mobile Phone Policy p. CCTV Policy
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Appendix B Responsibility of Pupils (Pupil Code of Conduct) – updated below At Methodist College Belfast, we want everyone to feel safe, respected and ready to learn. This Code of Conduct sets out clear expectations so that pupils know what is expected of them and understand how their choices affect others. This is based on respect, responsibility and kindness and is strongly aligned with our CREST values. ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY Pupils are expected to: •
Attend school every day unless they are unwell or permission has been given in advance.
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Arrive on site no earlier than 8.15am, unless attending a supervised school activity.
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Be in Tutor Group by 8.40am each morning.
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Ensure a schoolcomms is sent from a parent or guardian for every absence.
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Attend all timetabled lessons, assemblies, Games and activities.
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Stay on the school site for the full school day (Sixth Form pupils may leave at lunchtime but must return promptly).
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Leave the College grounds within 10 minutes of their final supervised activity.
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If feeling ill during the day, report to the School Nurse – pupils must not leave without permission from the Nurse or a senior member of staff.
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Provide a parent/guardian note if unable to take part in Games or PE.
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Request permission from staff before missing any lesson (eg music lesson)
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Wear correct College uniform at all times.
ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR We expect pupils to behave in a way that reflects pride in themselves and in Methodist College to keep everyone safe and ensure a positive learning environment Pupils should: •
Treat everyone with courtesy, fairness and respect.
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Take responsibility for their behaviour, attitude and appearance.
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Follow instructions from teaching staff, support staff and College Prefects.
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Arrive to lessons on time, prepared, and ready to learn. METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST 10
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Complete homework and preparation tasks to the best of their ability.
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Act safely and follow all safety instructions.
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Respect school property and the belongings of others.
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Clearly label personal property and look after valuables brought to school.
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Report accidents, damage or breakages immediately to a member of staff.
Pupils must not: •
Use offensive, racist, sexist, homophobic or threatening language in school or in online communication with other pupils.
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Behave in a violent, aggressive or intimidating way.
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Bring alcohol, illegal drugs or any harmful substances into school.
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Smoke or vape (including e-cigarettes) at any time, whether on school grounds, travelling to and from school, or at school events.
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Take or use another person’s property without permission.
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Deliberately damage school buildings, equipment or property.
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Eat or drink in classrooms, corridors, assemblies, locker areas, toilets or study spaces (still water may be allowed in class with staff permission).
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Use mobile phones or electronic devices on school premises unless specifically permitted by a member of staff.
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Take photos, videos or audio recordings without permission from staff and those involved.
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Bring knives, weapons or dangerous items into school.
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Tamper with fire alarms, extinguishers or safety equipment.
RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSEQUENCES Pupils are expected to make positive choices and learn from their mistakes. If the Code of Conduct is not followed: •
Staff will investigate incidents fairly and consistently.
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Sanctions may be applied in line with the Positive Behaviour Policy.
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Parents/Guardians will be informed where appropriate.
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Support and guidance will be offered to help pupils improve their behaviour.
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Appendix C Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians The role of parents/guardians in the educational development of pupils is critical. The College shares with each parent/guardian the aspiration that all pupils will attain their educational potential in the widest sense. In this spirit of partnership, it is hoped that parents/guardians will co-operate fully with the College in ensuring that their child(ren) conform to the Positive Behaviour Policy. The following points require particular attention and co-operation from parents/guardians: a. punctual attendance every day, with illness or prior leave as the only grounds for absence; b. submit a text via Schoolcomms or the Gateway App to explain why a pupil is not in school c. communication via the Gateway App (for parent/guardian use only); d. the wearing by pupils of school uniform and neat general appearance as outlined in the Uniform Regulations e. appropriate behaviour of pupils at all times both in school, at bus stops and on the way to and from school; f. the completion by pupils of homework in accordance with deadlines set by teachers; g. checking and countersigning of homework diary by parents/guardians (Forms 1 – 3) on a weekly basis; h. attendance by pupils, as required, at College events, sometimes out of school hours; i. participation by pupils in Games (including on Saturdays, if required) unless excused; j. proper fulfilment of obligations voluntarily assumed by pupils, e.g. rehearsals for school plays or concerts; k. keeping Form and Pastoral teams informed regarding issues which may affect the wellbeing of pupils; l. attendance at meetings with teachers to discuss pupils’ progress and support for College functions; m. the clear marking of all clothing and belongings brought into the College by pupils with the owner’s name; n. respect by pupils for the property of others; o. pupils’ care of, and respect for, College property, with unlawful damages being paid for; p. ensuring that pupils in Forms 1 – U6 are not left off or collected inside the grounds of the College between 8am and 4pm; q. reading Methody Matters for information on events in the College
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Appendix D Responsibilities of Staff All staff play a key role in promoting positive behaviour and effective learning, irrespective of their role, or experience, and abide by the Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers. The specific procedures for promoting and maintaining positive behaviour are outlined in the relevant section of the policy, but the following general points are relevant to all staff, who: a. act as role models for pupils through professional conduct and appearance; b. regularly reinforce the College’s expectations of what constitutes good behaviour; c. treat pupils with respect at all times and acknowledge and praise pupils’ efforts and achievements as often as possible; d. advise and encourage pupils to behave in a positive manner; e. inform parents/guardians about pupils’ efforts and achievements as relevant; f. involve parents/guardians at an early stage to resolve behavioural issues when they arise; g. maintain a consistent approach to pupil issues when dealing with both positive and negative aspects of behaviour.
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Appendix E Guidance for Staff Guidance for teachers, as shown below, as to which type of sanction is appropriate for different misconduct is based on a hierarchy of misconduct. However, the specific context, including but not limited to any aggravating and mitigating factors, of the misconduct has to be taken into account in determining the appropriate intervention. Accordingly, staff must use their professional judgement in the exercise of their discretion as to the appropriate sanction to be issued. Nevertheless, once a sanction is determined in line with the Positive Behaviour Policy, it should be applied consistently and is not open to negotiation with pupils and/or parents/guardians.
Level 1 - may include the following:
Interventions
o Not staying in seat
o A reminder of rules
o Interrupting
o Non-verbal signals
o Chatting
o A verbal warning
o Turning round
o A note made in homework diary
o Failure to bring books/equipment/homework once
o Contacting parents/guardians
o Unacceptable standard of classwork or homework o Eating or drinking anything apart from water unless permitted by teacher o Consuming energy drinks in school o Low level disrespect o Low level disruption
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Level 2 - may include the following: o Persistent Level 1 behaviour (Level 1 interventions should have been tried first) o Inappropriate remarks o Answering back o Inconsiderate behaviour to other pupils o Failure to meet homework/assignment deadlines
Interventions o A note made in homework diary o Moving seat o Second warning o Recording on Bromcom (when introduced) o Related sanction, e.g. imposition, cleaning up mess, loss of privilege o Supervised short detention
o Failure to use homework diary properly
o Repeating work which has been poorly presented
o Lack of application to classwork
o Setting additional work
o Littering
o Contacting parents/guardians
o Chewing gum
o Make-up to be removed in cloakrooms; nail varnish etc to be removed
o Unacceptable uniform or appearance e.g. hair, jewellery, make-up etc o Lateness to Tutor Group, Assemblies or class o Failure to register attendance o Queue jumping in the canteen or deli bar o Distracting others/interrupting the learning
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Level 3 – may include the following:
Interventions
o Persistent, or serious, Level 2 behaviour (for persisted Level 2 misdemeanours Level 2 interventions should have been tried first)
o Written apology
o Absence from Assembly without permission
o Interview with Head of Department/Deputy Head of Form/Head of Form
o Wilfully disobeying an instruction from a member of staff
o Loss of privilege e.g. use of certain facilities o 45 minute Friday Detention
o Subject/Form Report
o Use of mobile phone and other electronic devices on school grounds without permission (including wearing of earphones/headphones)
o Community service eg using litter pickers around the school
o Eating in toilets
o Contacting parents/guardians
o Removal to another teacher’s classroom
o Multiple pupils in a toilet cubicle o Inappropriate behaviour in school o Swearing
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Level 4 – may include the following: o Persistent, or serious, Level 3 behaviour (for persistent Level 3 misdemeanours Level 3 interventions should have been tried first) o Absence from class without permission o Aggressive or bullying behaviour o Cheating in internal tests or examinations o Forging excuse notes or sending messages via the Gateway App o Inappropriate gesture
Interventions Any, or several, of the sanctions listed for Levels 1, 2 and 3 misconduct may be used but, in addition, the following could be applied, singly or in combination o Community service in school o Appropriate compensation for damage o Confiscation of mobile phone during the school day for one week if two stage 1 detentions have already been issued
o Disrespectful behaviour towards staff
o Parents/Guardians invited to school to collect confiscated property
o Leaving school without permission at lunch time (Forms 1 - 5) or during the school day
o Parents/Guardians invited to school for interview
o Graffiti
o 90 minute Friday detention
o Passing offensive messages in school e.g. by written notes or electronic means
o Interview with Head of Section
o Possession of offensive material
o Interview with Principal
o Failure to follow E-Safety and Acceptable Use of ICT Policy
o Principal’s Detention
o Unacceptable behaviour out of school when in school uniform o Inappropriate behaviour or disruption in the lead up to Study Leave
o Interview with Vice Principal
o Not being allowed to take part in school trips o Not being allowed to represent the College as part of a team o Unable to take part in extracurricular activities including training o Withdrawal from organised activities e.g. pre–Study Leave or end of term events, early commencement of study leave
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Level 5 – may include the following:
Intervention
o Persistent, or serious, Level 4 behaviour
o Not being allowed to take part in school trips
o Smoking/vaping or being in possession of a vape or vape liquid, cigarettes or a lighter
o Not being allowed to represent the College as part of a team
o Possession of or being under the influence of alcohol in school o Bringing the College into disrepute o Substance abuse: possessing, using or dealing in illegal drugs or solvents on school premises o Physical attack on a pupil o Possession or use of a dangerous item o Stealing: from school, pupils, staff in school or outside school while in uniform
o Withdrawal from organised activities e.g. pre Study Leave or end of term events o Principal’s detention In addition to any, or several, of the sanctions listed above, the following can apply o Suspension o Expulsion Please note that in extreme cases, depending on the nature of the offence, it may be necessary to involve the PSNI and/or other external agencies.
o Wilfully setting off a fire alarm or making hoax emergency calls or tampering with fire extinguishers o Vandalism: significant damage to or misuse of property belonging to school, staff or other pupils in or outside school o Dangerous or reckless behaviour including water bombing o Disruptive behaviour in class: persistent or one-off incidents which occupy teacher time and/or distract other pupils o Persistent infringements of school rules o Verbal abuse of pupil: of a personal nature including swearing, racist or homophobic, threatening behaviour and METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST 18
sexually explicit language in person or online o Verbal abuse of staff: of a personal nature including swearing, racist or homophobic, threatening behaviour and sexually explicit language in person or online o Cheating in an external examination/assessment o Accessing, sharing or using someone’s personal information without permission o Any form of racist or discriminatory conduct, including gestures towards pupils or staff o Taking a photo of a staff member without permission
Appendix F Role of Prefects Prefects have a very important role to play by assisting staff in the promotion of positive behaviour. They: a. b. c. d. e.
act as role models in all matters, including uniform and conduct; support staff in ensuring positive behaviour; monitor the standard of uniform and conduct outside the classroom; provide leadership in the College; create a positive environment in the College and contribute to the development of pupils; f. act as mentors to pupils who may be allocated to them by members of staff, and g. participate in whole-school activities.
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Appendix G Organisation of Friday Detentions a. Friday Detentions will be held as follows: Stage 1 (45 minute detention) weekly from 3.20pm to 4.05pm and Stage 2 (90 minute detention) fortnightly from 3.20pm to 4.50pm. b. The detentions will normally be taken by two members of staff. c. The time and place of detentions are not negotiable for individual pupils. d. Members of staff who are giving a pupil a Friday Detention should enter the details on SIMS on the Tuesday before the detention. e. The deadline for informing a pupil that they must attend a Friday Detention is 3.30pm on the preceding Wednesday. Parents/Guardians should receive notification of the detention by schoolcomms before the day of the detention. In some cases, members of staff may also wish to telephone parents. f. The member of staff who has given a pupil a Stage 1 or Stage 2 Detention is responsible for ensuring that the pupil is set work to complete which is specific, sufficient to keep the pupil fully occupied for the duration of the detention and is appropriate for the pupil’s misdemeanour. The same member of staff is also responsible for checking that the work has been properly completed. g. The teachers on Friday Detention must remain in the rooms throughout the period of detention. Any incidents or offences concerning punctuality, uniform, behaviour etc. should be noted and reported via email to the member of staff who gave the detention to the offending pupil(s). h. It is the responsibility of the member of staff who has given a pupil a Friday Detention to ensure that the detention has been completed satisfactorily. Should this not be the case, the matter must be discussed with the relevant Head of Department or Head of Section and appropriate further action determined. i.
If a pupil fails to attend detention without a valid reason (e.g. absence from school) or without prior permission, this may result in an escalation of sanction.
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