BASICS
A
Dear students
Welcome to the start of the new academic year!
The British School in the Netherlands welcomes you. During your time here you will encounter new challenges, responsibilities, opportunities for leadership, and we will provide the support you need to fulfil your potential.
The school will be what you make of it and I encourage you to explore all the opportunities that will present themselves to you over the year, both in, and out, of the classroom. In this way you will excel at SSL in every aspect of your journey through the school.
Happy learners are good learners and we will do our very best to make sure you enjoy the year and that you are content and fulfilled. Of course, this means that you also have to do your part and we will have our expectations of you. If you follow the points below, you will be well on the way;
• take the initiative.
• be independent and true to yourself.
• keep on trying rather than leave things unfinished or barely begun.
• be rigorous and do not accept less than your best.
• innovate rather than imitate or copy.
• be passionate and enthusiastic.
• take a broader, long-term view beyond the here and now.
• support and care for one another.
• work in a team for the greater good.
• lead with honesty and courage.
If we always keep the above in mind, we can make the right things happen for ourselves as well as everyone else.
Have a great year!
James Oxlade Headteacher
The School Office & Reception
Senior School Office
Senior School Leidschenveen
Vrouw Avenweg 422
2493 WX Den Haag
Telephone: 070 218 3023
Email: senior.leidschenveen@britishschool.nl
www.britishschool.nl
If you have any general enquiries about the school, routines or practical issues, then please direct them to the School Office – if the Office is not able to help you, you will be put in touch with someone who can.
The school has an ‘out of hours’ messaging service which operates from 16:30 every day –all calls are received and logged as emails – we do our best to respond to any questions as quickly as possible the following morning.
It is really important to keep the office up to date with any changes to your contact details ie; address, telephone, mobile, email etc. –please tell your parents!
If you are absent from school, your parents (not you) must complete the absence form on Compass giving details of the reason for your absence. If you are absent from school and your parents have not notified the Office, then the school will contact your parents.
If you have to leave the school early for any reason, or if you have a medical or dental appointment, then you must ask your parents to complete the absence form on Compass at least 24 hours before the appointment.
If you have to leave the school site before the end of the day, you must remember to sign out at Reception before you leave and, if appropriate, to sign back in if you return before the end of the school day.
In case of an evacuation of the school it is important that all students remember to sign in and out of the school.
Ronel Venter Office Manager
Ronel Pohlmann Office Assistant Elzaan Botma Office Assistant
Preparation for the school day
It is always a good idea to pack your bag the night before school, making sure that you have all the correct equipment, homework and kit for the following day. It’s also helpful to have your smart school uniform ready for the morning. Remember, it is your responsibility to arrive at your lessons with all the correct text books and equipment.
Travelling to school…
.. by school bus
It is important that you keep your school bus pass safe and must always show it to the driver when you first get on the bus. If you miss the school bus on the way to school, you must let your parents and the school know as soon as possible.
You may only travel on the school bus on which you have a reserved seat and you may not travel on another bus, for example to visit a friend’s house.
Your behaviour on the school bus must be excellent and safe – do not distract the driver in any way and always remain in your seat and wear the safety belt until the bus has stopped at the school or your bus stop. Any student who causes damage to the school bus or whose behaviour is poor will have their bus pass withdrawn and any damage will be paid for. This will be a matter between the bus company, the student and their parents.
If you lose your bus pass, please report to the School Office by break time to obtain a temporary pass – don’t leave it until the end of the day. The Transport Coordinator will be notified and a charge of €3 will be made for a new pass.
If you need help after school because you have missed the bus then ask Reception.
.. by bicycle
If you cycle to school make sure that your bicycle is safe and complies with Dutch law –good lights are essential and reflective bands are encouraged. Although most people in the Netherlands do not wear cycle helmets, the school recommends that students wear them.
Always cycle with care and use the cycle paths – if possible, we recommend that you cycle to and from school with other students. You should not cycle with earphones – they significantly reduce your awareness of the traffic around you.
Bicycles brought to school, or left overnight, are entirely at the owner’s risk – the school takes no responsibility for damaged or stolen bicycles. Bicycles should be parked in the cycle racks and locked securely – they must never be left in front of any doors or fire exits – particularly at the front of school. Please do not cycle on pavements but dismount and walk your bicycle until you reach a cycle path.
.. by train/tram
Ypenburg train station is approximately 15 minutes walk from the school; Leidschenveen tram/metro station is approximately 20 minutes walk from the school; and Lanen tram stop is approximately a 10 minute walk from the school.
Please exercise great caution when you are at the station as the platforms can be narrow and non-stop trains can pass through the station at very high speed. Under no circumstances should you climb onto the rail tracks.
Do not skateboard or rollerblade at the station. Any inappropriate behaviour at the stations will be seen as a school incident and may result in a period of exclusion from the school.
Arriving at school
Senior School Leidschenveen Main Entrance will open at 08:00. The side gates of the campus will open at 08:25. You should aim to be in school by 08:40 and in your form room by 08:45 for registration. If you are in your form room after 08:45, you are late.
You should collect all the books and equipment that you will need for the first two periods of school before registration. You may only return to your locker at break, lunchtime and after school.
If you arrive late, after 08:45, you must sign the late sheet at the school office. If you are late more than three times, without a good reason, the Key Stage Coordinator/Head of Year will be informed and you will serve a detention.
It is really important that all students sign in and out of the school – we need to know where everyone is in the unlikely event of an evacuation of the school.
Lockers
Each year, students are provided with a locker with a combination lock. You should memorise the combination number of your locker and keep it to yourself – never give it to another student. You should never take anything out of another student’s locker.
Keep your locker tidy and don’t use it to store food!
At the end of the Summer Term, and if you are leaving the school, you must empty your locker. The remaining contents of any lockers will be disposed of during the summer holiday.
Students will be expected to pay for any damage done to lockers.
Registration and tutor period
You should be in your form room by 08:45 and have all the equipment you will need for the day.
Your Form Tutor will register you in school and keep a record of your attendance – any late registrations and absences will be included in your report.
What is the role of your Form Tutor?
Your Form Tutor is the first person to greet you in the morning and get your day off to a good start and is also the first point of contact for any issues or concerns that you may have during the school day. They are all there to help you to be happy at school, to feel safe, to promote your learning, to help you build good relationships and to encourage your personal development.
You will have a period with your tutor group daily. This is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes you need to remain healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work.
Your Form Tutor will monitor your progress and write a comment about your achievements on your progress report. They are available to meet your parents when they come in to discuss your progress – we encourage students to attend progress meetings with their parents.
If there is a fire drill, you should follow the evacuation procedure. Your Form Tutor will meet you on the school field to register you and make sure that you are safe. Walk in silence out of the school.
Pastoral Team
You will meet your Form Tutor in your form room every morning. They will give you information about things that are happening in school that day or week. They will also collect any notes from your parents about medical or dental appointments, absence and other matters.
Your Form Tutor will also take an interest in your life outside of school, as well as monitor things such as correct uniform and completion of work set by your subject teachers. They will also accompany you to assemblies.
Pastoral Team
Mr Sandeman Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Ms Smith Key Stage 4 Coordinator
Mr Wilson Key Stage 3 Coordinator
Ms Adkins Head of Year 12 & 13
School routines
Timetable
Registration
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
08:45–08:50
08:50–09:40
09:40–10:50
Tutor Time/Break 10:30–10:50 Break (Yrs 7/8/9)
Tutor Time/Break 10:50–11:10 Break (Yrs 10/11/12/13)
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lunch
Lesson 5
11:10–12:00
12:00–12:50
12:50–13:50
13:50–14:40
Lesson 6 14:40–15:30
Break time
Use this time to collect anything that you will need for the rest of morning and go to the toilet. It is also a good idea to have a drink and a snack. There will be time to visit the student café if you wish to purchase any food and drink.
Students may either bring a packed lunch or purchase food and drink from the student café. Students are reminded that they should not leave any litter and to use the bins provided.
If you are seen dropping litter you can expect to spend at least one break and lunch time picking up litter from around the school.
After school
School buses depart 15 minutes after the end of the school day. After that time you must either go home or be in one of the following places:
• the library
• at a club or activity that is supervised by a member of staff
If you are being collected from school by your parents and they are delayed then you must wait in the area by the main reception. No students should be onsite unsupervised after 17:00.
If you have a problem after school then go to the main reception and ask for help.
Be polite
We are all part of an international community which lives and works together –we come from many different countries all with our own customs and cultures.
Good manners help to make our school special, safe and caring and make daily life more enjoyable for us all. We expect everyone in our community – students, staff, parents and visitors – to be treated with respect and tolerance.
Always speak in a polite manner, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, eat with good manners, walk on the right of the corridor and never drop litter. We expect doors to be held open for staff and visitors.
Bad language will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Guest students visiting the school
Former students are welcome to visit the school and must arrange this with the relevant Key Stage Coordinator/ Head of Year, well in advance. These visits may only take place during the lunch period.
Guests must make an appointment at least 24 hours prior to their visit by telephoning the main school office. Visiting guests must sign in at the school office where they will be issued with a badge. They must be accompanied by a current student at all times. They may not attend lessons and must follow the school rules when they are on site.
In case of alarm
When the fire alarm sounds you should remain calm and leave the building via the nearest exit. As soon as you are outside, you must assemble at the back of the school in your form group where a register will be taken to ensure all staff and students are accounted for.
If you are in lessons when the alarm sounds, then the teacher will escort your class out to the field unless you are instructed otherwise.
If you are not in a lesson, or it is after school has ended, then you should make your own way to the assembly point.
Do not take bags with you. Leave the building in silence and walk, don’t run. You should remain silent so that you can hear instructions being given: for example, you may be asked to use another door if an exit is blocked.
Never use the lift when a fire alarm sounds.
Never go back into the building once you are outside.
As soon as the building is declared safe by the Headteacher and Emergency Services then you will be instructed to go back into the school. If it is not safe to return to the building, then
the whole school will walk a short distance to another local building and remain there until a decision is made about what will happen next.
If you are in school and see a fire then you should press the fire alarm. If you are concerned about any matter of health and safety then report it to the nearest teacher or go to the Reception.
It is worth reminding you that even on a school visit, you should be sure to read the fire safety instructions and locate the nearest exit.
Stay safe inside
If the Stay Safe Inside alarm sounds, students and staff must lock themselves in a room and close all internal and external blinds. Hide and keep quiet.
Practices
We will hold regular Evacuation and Stay Safe Inside practices so you know what to do.
Homework
Homework is an important part of the learning process, consolidating work done in class, and developing good habits and self-discipline.
You will have a homework timetable and should record your homework assignments in your agenda when your teacher gives them to you. You can expect to spend the following amount of time on homework.
These timings are guidelines, tasks may vary in length but should not be longer than the guide times:
• Years 7, 8 and 9: one to two hours per night and up to two hours at the weekend.
In Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 the homework indicated is a guide and may vary with mock examinations and coursework. Coursework may be set as homework and it is important not to leave it until the last minute as this will result in unnecessary stress.
• Years 10 and 11: about two hours per night and four hours at the weekend.
• Years 12 and 13: should plan to do three hours per night and six hours over the weekend.
What happens if homework is not completed on time or is of poor quality?
• The first missed homework will result in a warning and your teacher will keep a record.
• If it happens again, then detention will be given and the head of year informed. This will be recorded in your behaviour file.
• If there is a third occurrence, a record will be entered on your behaviour file, a faculty detention given and parents informed.
Late or poor homework is on record and it will be on your progress report, grade cards and end of year report.
We want homework to be purposeful and worthwhile. Students are expected to make the most of these learning opportunities.
Library
The library is open Monday to Thursday 08:30-16:30 and Friday 08:50-16:00. You are very welcome to use the library whenever you have free time during the day, however, during lessons you must have your teacher’s permission.
Through the SSL library and inter-library loans with SSV, students will have access to 1,000s of fiction and non-fiction books, magazines, dvds, eBooks, access to online databases, study space and much more.
Use the web-based library catalogue, Oliver, to find books and other resources.
A few things to remember…
• No resources can be borrowed without your own bar-coded library card (you will be given this when you start school).
• Never lend your library card to anyone.
• If you lose your card you will be charged for a new one.
• You should be quiet and sensible in the library at all times.
• Please do not eat or drink in the library.
• Except for your school loaned device, no electronic devices including mobile phones are permitted to be used in the library.
• All issued books and resources are given a date stamp. Please ensure all items are returned on time.
School text books
As students are not charged for text books, we expect all books to be returned at the end of the year in good condition. We reserve the right to charge for any text books which are defaced or lost.
Leaving students must return all text books to their subject teachers – any unreturned books will incur a charge.
Health care team
A member of the Health care team is on site during the school day, based in the SSL Health & Wellbeing Centre (opposite reception) and will help you if you have any of the following health-related issues:
• Any minor ailments e.g. headache.
• Any injuries e.g. sustained during sport.
• Support and counselling requests (e.g. stress about exams, friends etc.).
• Any chronic health issues.
• Advice requests on health issues e.g. smoking, sexual health or eating problems.
If you are unwell during class time, please report to your teacher and come to the Health Care Office. If you can, please try to confine visits to break and lunch times.
The School Health Care Officer will make the decision if you are too unwell to stay on at school, and will make arrangements with your parents should you need to go home. You must not ring your parents yourself. The Health Care Officer cannot provide a letter for the PE Department to excuse you from sport. If you are unwell or recovering from an injury, a letter should come from your parents.
If you are using crutches, please report to the School Health Care Officer on your first day back at school so appropriate emergency evacuation information can be given. The Health Care Officer will also assess that you are able to move safely around the school.
Confidentiality will be maintained where appropriate.
When you joined the BSN, your parents will have been asked to complete a Student Health Record Form – please keep the nurses informed of any changes to your health – this could range from the onset of hayfever to any acne treatment you may be taking. The School Health Care Team should be informed.
Ingrid Hilberink Health Care Officer
Linda Butler. Health Care Officer
School counsellor
What is counselling about?
Sometimes we all have problems that are worrying. A counsellor is someone who will listen to you very carefully and who will not judge you. You can talk to the counsellor confidentially when appropriate. Counselling is about helping you to work things out for yourself, for example, making decisions and choices or helping you to look at situations differently.
How do I get to see the counsellor?
You are welcome to make an appointment yourself. You can talk confidentially to a member of staff that you trust and they will help you arrange to talk to a School Counsellor. You can also ask for an appointment through the School Health Care Officer, Form Tutor or any teacher.
The counselling service can help you to cope with or learn to manage:
• Anything that worries/concerns you.
• Stress (exams, homework).
• Anger.
• Depression.
• Peer relationships.
• Bullying.
• Isolation/loneliness.
• Attendance difficulties.
• Psychosomatic symptoms.
• Eating problems.
• Smoking, drinking behaviour.
• Separation issues.
• Grief.
• Expat issues (moves etc.).
• Changes in your life.
Judith de Vries School Counsellor judith.devries@britishschool.nl
Rachel Rosen School Counsellor rachel.rosen@britishschool.nl
Bullying
Bullying is:
‘A series of acts intended to hurt other individuals which can be verbal, emotional, cyber bullying (by phone, internet or social network sites), homophobic (prejudice against lesbian, gay or bisexual people), physical bullying or distress caused to another person about their religion, race or culture.’ This also includes sexual harassment – making inappropriate comments of a sexual nature in person or via forms of social media, or requests for sexual favours or unwelcome touching.
If you are being bullied, or are a bully, the students suggest that you seek help as soon as possible from:
• your parents.
• your Form Tutor.
• your Key Stage Coordinator/Head of Year.
• the School Health Care Officer.
• a student who is older than you are.
• any teacher.
• the School Counsellor.
Remember – this includes bullying online. The BSN has an Anti-Bullying Policy – this can be found on Compass with all the school policies.
The School also has a clear Code of Conduct, which can be found on Compass. Both of these are intended to be clear about how we will not tolerate bullying and emphasises our expectation of a positive atmosphere for all individuals. Any act of bullying will be recorded by teachers and passed to the Head of Year.
Senior School
Rewards System
We have a rewards policy which encourages all students to achieve, progress and enjoy learning.
Rewards system
House Points will be awarded for:
• excellent academic progress or effort.
• good conduct or helpfulness and courtesy around the school.
• commitment and engagement in cocurricular activities.
• actions that demonstrate the school’s core values.
If you receive one of these, they will be recorded by a member of staff and collated through the academic year.
Award celebrations
During the summer term, students’ successes are recognised at Senior School Award Celebrations – for example academic, sports and musical success, as well as progress, effort and achievement over the course of the year.
Learning with technology
The world will change enormously over your lifetime. It is difficult to predict what these changes will be, but they are sure to involve new technologies. Strong digital skills will play a key role in allowing you to embrace new ways of working, learning, being creative and connecting with other people.
Digital tools are widely used at SSL, to enhance learning of subject content and to help you develop your own digital skills. To enable you to make full use of these opportunities, you will be provided with a device for your own use. Your device must be brought to school, fully charged, every day. Personal digital devices may not be used during the school day.
The device is provided on a loan basis and must be returned in good condition when you leave the BSN. You are responsible for taking care of it. You must keep the protective case on at all times, be careful not to drop the device and be mindful of it inside your bag. To keep the device running smoothly you need to restart it every day, install regular updates when notified and seek support from IT Services promptly if any problems arise.
Responsible use
You need to think carefully about how you use your device. It is provided for educational purposes, so must not be used for games. Even more importantly, it must be used safely and responsibly. This is to protect you and to safeguard all other users.
You should also think about your online reputation or ‘digital brand’ – how you use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, iMessage, Snapchat, Tiktok, Whatsapp, Instagram and whatever new social media emerges in the coming years. Remember, what you post online may be able to be accessed by
others, including future employers or universities, and could cause distress or offence.
Before you post anything THINK:
T | Is it true?
H | Is it helpful?
I | Is it inspiring?
N | Is it necessary?
K | Is it kind?
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly part of our digital landscape. Students are encouraged to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools like ChatGPT (which can be configured to opt out of data training) for research assistance, brainstorming ideas, and understanding complex concepts. Understanding the ethical implications and safety measures necessary when interacting with AI is crucial. Students are expected to:
• use AI to support learning, not replace it.
• respect privacy.
• verify facts with trusted sources.
• and adhere to academic integrity.
Help and support
If, in your use of technology, you experience something you are uncomfortable with or feel that you are a victim of ‘cyber-bullying’, speak to a trusted adult (e.g. parent, teacher, form tutor, Head of Year) as soon as possible. Sometimes you will need help or guidance about how to deal with an issue that arises online; it is best to seek advice at an early stage, before the situation becomes more complicated.
Even if you think you have made a mistake or done something wrong, we will still help and support you.
If you would like more information about e-Safety, visit the Think U Know website.
Years 7–13: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/
Mobile phones and other personal devices
At SSL, we understand that you and your parents are likely to rely on you having access to your mobile phone so that you can keep in touch about things like travel arrangements and delays. To ensure the best school environment for everyone, we have some simple rules about mobile phone use in school.
Basically, once you step onto school grounds, your personal device and accessories must be switched off and out of sight. You may switch them on and use them only when you leave the school site at the end of the day.
More Information:
• Mobile phones must be switched off throughout the school day and will be confiscated if used inappropriately.
• Like your other personal belongings, mobile phones must be kept in lockers. The school will not take responsibility for the loss of any items and we recommend that you only bring things you need onto the premises.
• Mobile phones or photographic equipment of any description must never be used to take photographs or record lessons without the teacher’s permission.
• The BSN does not allow photographs taken on the premises, or on BSN activities (like school trips), to be put on public sites without the permission of the school. It is against school regulations for any student to use images of any school-related activity in school or on trips and upload onto social networking sites or file sharing sites.
• Any incidents of bullying using mobile phones will be treated in the same way as other incidents of bullying.
• Headphones and ear-plugs must not be worn around the school – particularly when walking in the corridors between lessons unless given permission by a teacher.
• You may only use your phone once permission has been given by a member of staff, at the blue seats by the front door for important phone calls: for example, if an after-school activity has been cancelled and you may need to telephone your parents – though you can always ask to make a call from the School Office.
When Where What?
8:30–8:45
Break time
Lunch time
Classroom
For school work – providing a teacher is present and has allowed it
Classroom or library For school work – providing a teacher or librarian is present and has allowed it
Classroom or library For school work – providing a teacher or librarian is present and has allowed it
After school Library
For school work and at the discretion of the library staff. This privilege can be removed at any time
IT room use outside of lessons
Non educational games are not allowed and persistent offenders will be excluded from the use of school IT facilities. No gaming, messaging, social networking etc. at any time without express permission of a BSN member of staff. Inappropriate use of the device or other digital resources will be dealt with on a case by case basis with a range of possible sanctions in line with the Incidents and consequences table on page 21.
Device use in school
You are fortunate to have a digital device and must take good care not to lose or damage it. To help protect you and your device, the following pages outline the rules which apply. Remember, your device is to be used as a tool to enhance your learning at school – use it appropriately and responsibly. If you are at all concerned about any messages sent to you via your device –in or out of school – talk to your parents, Form Tutor or Head of Year/Key Stage Coordinator as soon as possible. This will help us to put a stop to it. You cannot play games in school or use your device outside the classroom without permission.
e-Safety and responsible use of technology
The BSN’s technology infrastructure provides great opportunities for learning, communication, information-sharing and networking. You have a responsibility to use these opportunities with care and consideration. This ensures that all users and their data are kept safe and secure.
We expect you to do the following:
• keep your login details to yourself
• reveal only the minimum necessary personal information about yourself online
• ensure you have consent to share information about others, including pictures
• communicate with others in a way that you would be happy for your parents, teachers, university admissions tutors or future employers to see
• be respectful and considerate of the work, data and intellectual property of other people
• uphold the BSN’s values and behaviour expectations in digital, as well as physical, spaces
• use the passcode or face recognition lock on your device
• update your device whenever you are notified to do so
• restart your device every day
• charge your device every night and bring it to school every day
• catch up with any work missed if you forget your device
• save all work and other important files to OneDrive, just in case your device breaks
• seek help promptly if you have a problem with your device or our digital platforms
• be aware of where your device is at all times, especially when on public transport
• keep the case on your device at all times
• handle your device gently
• return your device and accessories in perfect condition when you leave the BSN
• pay for any damage to the device or accessories
What happens if you do not use technology responsibly?
The school takes any misuse of IT seriously. Parents will be informed if you are not using technology responsibly. We hope you will never engage in the activities listed below, but we want you to be aware of the potential consequences of these choices.
How to get help
If you experience or receive something you are uncomfortable with or feel that you are being treated unkindly, please seek out help. You can talk to your parents, your Form Tutor, Head of Year, the Healthcare Team, School Counsellors or any member of staff you feel able to approach. Mr Sandeman, who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at SSL, will always be available to help you find the support you need. You can talk to us in person or send an email. If you need to, you can also contact us via the anonymous reporting form. This is available via the Daily Bulletin.
Incidents and consequences
What happens if you do not use devices responsibly?
Students/pupils
Actions/sanctions
Incidents Escalation
• The severity of each issue is indicated by the colours used
• Behavioural issues will be logged in the school’s database (SIMS)
• Continual breaches of these (up to three times in one school year) may result in restrictions being put on to your device 1 2 3 4
Forgetting the device or failing to adequately charge it more than twice in a half-term
Unauthorised use of non-educational sites during lessons
Unauthorised use of devices including computer, mobile phone, digital camera etc. outside of allowed times e.g. before school, break times or lunch-times
Playing non-educational games without permission
Unauthorised use of social networking /instant messaging /personal email (or similar)
Filming or photographing individuals without their consent and/or posting such content online (without their consent)
Sharing usernames and passwords
Not having a passcode lock in place on the device
Accessing, corrupting, deleting or destroying the data of other users (or attempting to)
Receipt or transmission of material that infringes the copyright of another person or infringes the Data Protection Act
Sending an email, text or instant message that is regarded as offensive, harassment or of a bullying nature (‘cyberbullying’)
Downloading, uploading, sending, or importing of inappropriate content (for example, but not limited to, content of an offensive, obscene or indecent nature)
Having a modified (‘jailbroken’) Surface device, on the school network
Actions which could bring the school into disrepute or breach the integrity or the ethos of the school
Using proxies or other means to get around the school’s filtering system
Accidentally accessing offensive or inappropriate material and failing to report the incident
Deliberately accessing or trying to access offensive, illegal or inappropriate material
Inappropriate use or treatment of the device that is not listed here but has the potential to impact on curriculum use and the safety of school IT provision or the safety of others
Continued infringements of the above, following previous warnings or sanctions
1 2 3
Refer to tutor and/or teacher/ HoD as appropriate
Refer to Head of Year Refer to Senior Leadership Team or IS Manager Record in incident log (SIMS)
on severity 4
fixed term or permanent exclusion (time as appropriate)
CANVAS
Canvas is our virtual learning environment (VLE). Canvas supports your learning in every subject area, in lessons and at home. Subject teachers may use Canvas for interactive activities, quizzes, virtual discussions, sharing documents, and much more. Canvas courses are also used by year groups, clubs and activities. You have a ‘dashboard’ screen showing all your courses. Each course has a calendar that shows the homework set for you by the teacher. Canvas has a ‘to-do list’ and a notification system that reminds you of tasks and activities. There is also a messaging feature for communication between teachers and students.
Canvas is a secure platform. This means you must log in with your school username and password. It is cloud-based and accessible anywhere there is an internet connection. There are two ways to operate Canvas; through the website or via the App. On the web, type www.bsnstart.com into a browser of your choice (we recommend Google Chrome), click on Canvas and log in with your school credentials. Since you will be using Canvas every day, you may prefer to download the Canvas App from the Microsoft Store. If you have any problems with Canvas, make sure you seek help straight away so you do not miss any assignments or get behind with work. Contact the IT Support team for help and advice.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication and collaboration platform. Your teachers will set up a Team for each class. You can use this to communicate with other students and with teachers. Teams will be used for live meetings and video calls if we find that we need to work from home at any time during the year. Some teachers will also post files and resources in Teams, and they may use a OneNote Class Notebook which can be found in Teams.
Teams is for work-related communication and must be used responsibly. You should remember that all posts and messages sent via Teams are associated with your account and are visible to the school’s IT Support staff, so THINK before you post.
Your appearance
School uniform
At the BSN we believe that wearing uniform encourages a sense of unity and common purpose. Uniform is worn by all students from Year 7 until the end of Year 11.
Students in Years 12 and 13 are not required to wear uniform but are expected to wear clothing appropriate for school. A full list of requirements can be found on Compass.
Online uniform orders
The BSN school uniform is supplied by Trutex and is available to purchase on the Trutex website: hwww.trutex.com/eu.
Orders can be delivered to your home address in the Netherlands or to your child’s campus. Before you make your first purchase, you will need to set up your personal account on the Trutex website and enter a specific code for your child’s campus. Please visit Compass for a list of codes and further information about purchasing school uniform.
Year Round
• BSN white polo with logo (in Years 7 and 8), a button shirt (in Years 9, 10 and 11) with a navy blue knit jumper (available in a V-neck or a cardigan) with
• BSN navy blue knit jumper with logo (available in a V-neck or a cardigan) and
• Unbranded dark grey trousers or shorts, or a Pendle tartan fully-pleated skirt and
• Navy blue or black tights or navy blue, black, or white socks – no white or nude tights.
Footwear
All senior school students should wear all black or navy blue or white leather-type shoes/trainers. Students are permitted to wear all back or navy ankle boots. Black, navy or white closed-toe sandals are permitted only in Summer Term and the first half of Autumn Term.
Haircuts and styles
Your hair colour should be natural (no dye) and the style should not be shaved with patterns.
Beards and moustaches should be suitable for a professional environment. All questions of suitability are at the discretion of the school.
Make-up, jewellery and hair
In general, jewellery should not be worn in school, for safety reasons. Students with pierced ears can wear small stud earrings, which must be removed or covered during PE lessons. Inappropriate jewellery such as large rings, necklaces, including choker necklaces, bracelets or large earrings should never be worn. Inappropriate nail varnish and make-up should not be worn in school.
The school will respect different cultures and religions – please talk to your Tutor or Head of Year/Key Stage Coordinator about how this may affect your appearance.
What to bring to school
One of the best ways to ensure that your child feels happy, confident and settled when they start school is to make sure they have with them all the equipment that they need. Your assistance in getting them organised helps greatly. Please make sure that all items are clearly named and labelled:
• Pencil case
• Blue/black pen
• Pencils (including 2B and 2H)
• Pencil sharpener
• Ruler
• Eraser
• English dictionary
• Pack of colouring pens/pencils
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Highlighter pen
• Set of low-cost in-ear headphones
• Protractor
• Pair of compasses
• Scientific calculator (we recommend Casio fx-991CW)
PE Bag
Students may use any suitable sports bag. However, PE bags are available from the Trutex Website www.trutex.com/eu PE kit is generally brought into school on the appropriate day and then taken home again for washing on the same day.
Water bottle
In line with the school’s environmental policy, no paper cups are provided. Proper hydration helps to improve concentration levels, and water is freely available at the Senior School Leidschenveen. However, students must ensure their bottle is filled with enough water for two lessons. Students must not disrupt their learning by asking to leave lessons to fill bottles.
BSN Character
Profile
We give our students the opportunity to develop:
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Collaboration
We are proud that our students demonstrate well-rounded characteristics that enable them to succeed in all aspects of their lives. The BSN Character Profile (below) defines eight attributes that we believe are truly important for a BSN student to develop at the school. Courage, Perseverance, Creativity, Curiosity, Responsibility, Compassion, Collaboration and Integrity are characteristics embedded
BSN
CHARACTER PROFILE
INTEGRITY
COLLABORATION
throughout our curriculum irrespective of age, year group or campus. Our Character Profile is a powerful tool that not only binds us together as a community, but equips us with invaluable life skills.
High Performance Learning (HPL)
The BSN is a proud member of the High Performance Learning (HPL) global community of schools. HPL is a research-based philosophy that believes everyone is capable of being a high performer with the right mindset, skills, and behaviours. This philosophy is grounded in neuroscience and psychology research that shows intelligence is not fixed and that we can, with the right deliberate practice, improve the brain’s capacity for learning. The BSN Character Profile is aligned with the Values Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs), the behaviours that enable High Performance Learning.
RESPONSIBILITY COMPASSION
Code of conduct
Around school we expect students to:
• Treat all members of our school community with respect and courtesy at all times.
• Contribute to the high quality of the learning experience by ensuring that you are punctual, correctly dressed, wellequipped and behave appropriately.
• Be responsible for your own safety and that of others by behaving calmly and sensibly when moving around the school building and grounds.
• Respect the environment of the school and the property of others.
In the corridors, remember the following:
• As we live in the Netherlands – we drive on the right, so we walk on the right.
• Only go to your lockers before registration, at break time, lunchtime or after school.
• Respect the school building and keep it clean and tidy; do not drop litter.
• Walk quietly without running and remember good manners and hold open doors for staff and visitors coming the other way.
In the classroom
• Arrive on time with the correct equipment.
• Be attentive and follow instructions as they are given.
• Enjoy your work and complete it to the best of your ability.
• Hand in all homework punctually.
• Verify anything you are uncertain of or need making clearer.
• Enter each lesson on a positive note.
General behaviour
• Your lunch should be eaten under supervision in the designated areas only.
• Please put all litter in the proper receptacles.
• Do not ride your bike through the car park or on the pavement.
• Please talk and listen respectfully.
• Care for each other in the school community and and care for our surroundings.
• Tobacco, drugs or alcohol of any form are not allowed in school.
Instrumental and vocal lessons
We have a vibrant, specialist, dedicated teaching team here at the Senior School. They are on hand to help and advise you, equipping you with the essential skills you need to enjoy performing, both on your own and in larger groups or ensembles. Some of our teachers are specialists on more than one instrument and it really doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner, or more advanced –we have students of all levels learning a wide range of instruments, including:
• Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Baritone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Tuba
• Guitar: Classical, Folk, Electric, Bass
• Piano
• Singing: Classical, Pop, Jazz
• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Woodwind: Oboe, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet
• Drums
The BSN employs all school-based instrumental teachers directly. This means that the BSN pays teachers for hours worked and then bills parents accordingly.
Instrumental tuition is available for all students, from Year 7 to 13. Daytime lessons for some instruments are open to students in Year 7, 8 and 9, with the full range of instruments available after school.
Daytime lessons are available in drum kit, classical and acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano and voice. This solves the problem of organising transport after school, and avoids potential clashes with other school activities. For more information visit the Music site on Compass.
Remember, you do not have to be studying music to participate in the performance groups!
How do I register for lessons?
Discuss this with your parents and If they agree, ask them to register you. Registration for instrumental lessons is handled via Compass under the My Child tab under Trips, Clubs & Activities and your parents need to complete the form.
Academic Honesty
Our school maintains a high standard of academic excellence and achievement by our students. Effort and honesty are the cornerstones of the school’s ethos and are fiercely protected with the following policy.
Academic honesty policy
This policy applies to all examinations and year groups in the BSN Senior School. Academic honesty and its attendant study habits and skills should be cultivated from an early age. The following is an extract from Academic Honesty: a Guidance for Schools, IBO.
All students
‘…must understand the basic meaning and significance of concepts that relate to academic honesty, especially authenticity and intellectual property.
‘Ensuring that candidates understand and respect academic honesty should not be confined to original authorship and ownership of creative material: academic honesty includes, for example, proper conduct in relation to the written examinations.
‘In reality, it is probably easier to explain what is academic dishonesty, with direct reference to plagiarism, collusion and cheating in examinations. However, whenever possible the topic should be treated in a positive way, stressing the benefits of properly conducted academic research and a respect for the integrity of all forms of assessment…’
This is preferable to simply warning students that various forms of academic cheating are unacceptable and liable to result in a penalty.
Authenticity and respect
In order to be an authentic piece of work it should be based on the candidate’s ideas. Where the work of others is used, the sources should be fully acknowledged.
Where sections are reproduced from the work of another source and are quoted verbatim, the words should be enclosed by quotation marks. It is also important to respect intellectual or creative property and to be aware that this property is usually protected by law.
The use of works of art – film, dance, painting, music and so on – are also subject to the same restrictions where this might involve the passing off of the work of other artists as a student’s own.
Defining academic dishonesty and malpractice
Plagiarism: where the work or ideas of others are presented as a student’s own.
Collusion: where dishonesty is supported by another student who allows their work to be copied and submitted for assessment. This should embrace direct help from adults outside the BSN – parents, other relations or outside tutors.
Duplication of work: where work produced for one component or subject is deliberately submitted for another.
Other forms of misconduct: defined as actions which might confer an unfair advantage on a student: stealing or gaining access to examination material in advance; unacceptable conduct during an examination or supervised assessment; making false declarations about a piece of work being their own; collusion with staff or other adults to gain an unfair advantage; impersonating another student.
What does plagiarism mean?
Plagiarism takes many forms and should be recognised by students and supervising staff as such – examples of plagiarism include:
• Downloading a free research paper.
• Copying an article from a website.
• Buying a paper from a commercial website.
• Using work submitted by students in previous years.
• Translating a foreign web article or a printed piece into English.
• Cutting and pasting sections of other people’s work to create an extended piece without proper acknowledgement.
• Changing some words by copying whole sections or sentences without acknowledgement.
• Paraphrasing or summarising without attribution.
• Making up a quotation, or inventing false data.
Consequences
If a breach of academic honesty at the BSN is proven, it will always result, at examination level, in:
• Parents being informed.
• A mark of zero.
• That piece of work will not be submitted for either internal or external assessment.
• Parents, staff and students being informed.
• A report being sent to the examining authority where this is required.
In a case outside examination regulations (e.g. mock or internal exam/assessment), the teacher has the discretion to:
• Award a mark of zero and not mark the piece of work. or:
• Request that the work be redone in an academically-honest way.
