Student handbook 2013 14

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2013/2014

Zum Park 5

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8404 Winterthur  Switzerland  Tel +41 (0)52 269 59 00 Fax +41 (0)52 269 59 02 administration@iswinterthur.ch  www.iswinterthur.ch

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Dear ISW Students and Parents, To facilitate the transparency of our communication regarding our policies and procedures within our school community, the Student/Parent Handbook has been created for this purpose. I encourage you, students and parents, to review the information contained in this Handbook as it gives clear and practical guidelines for learning and working together in our diverse international community. In doing so, we can learn from one another while pursuing our personal goals and aspirations.

Your comments and questions concerning the information in the Handbook are welcomed. All of us here at ISW are committed to fostering in your child an appreciation for learning as well as our commitment in making your child’s school experience a positive one. We look forward to working together in 2013/2014, striving for it to be a rewarding and successful school year.

With best regards,

Rhonda Mott-Hill Director

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CONTENTS

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Section 1 Mission Statement & School Philosophy Section 2 Educational Philosophy Section 3 General Information Staff list School Office and Hours School Day Building SecuritY School Visitors School Closure Procedure Assemblies Animals on School Grounds Fire Drills Lunch Medical Information Library Parents’ Association Website Lockers Elevators Shoes/Bookbags Cell Phones Electronic Devices Lost and Found Medical Supplies Lunch Program Section 4 Organization and Governance Section 5 Academics Attendance and Tardy Policy Assessment Policy Progress Reports Homework Policy Academic Integrity Special Needs Department Classroom Teachers/Advisors Parent/Teacher Conferences Textbooks Community and Service/CAS Section 6 Activities Field Trips School Events Student Council Assemblies Awards Assembly/Graduation Clubs After School Sports Section 7 Appendices Internet Policy Code of Conduct Academic Integrity Policy

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MISSION STATEMENT The International School Winterthur aims to nurture and develop the uniqueness of its students by providing quality international education, so that they become self-motivated, confident, life-long learners, who recognize their own individual abilities, potential and interests, as well as understand and respect the cultural diversity within the international community.

SECTION 1 - SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY International School Winterthur aims to provide a learning environment that: 

provides, as far as possible, for the holistic and individual needs of each student

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helps students to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically

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encourages students to reflect on their own learning;

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helps students to become inquirers and active life-long learners

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helps students develop a strong sense of their own worth and take risks by exploring new challenges

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fosters a healthy respect for the individuality of others

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helps students to create a sense of responsibility to a wider community

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has an employment philosophy that reflects the international and multicultural nature of the school

AIM A The school aims to provide a learning environment that provides, as far as possible, for the holistic and individual needs of each student.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

provide a program of study based on the International Baccalaureate Organization’s (IBO) Programs

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foster the moral education of students that will include values explicitly and implicitly taught

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regularly review policies and practices regarding the assistance provided for students in need of educational services

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develop and maintain a database of external support agencies to help with social, curricular, and family support

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provide information to parents about different teaching and learning styles

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obtain recent school records upon enrolment

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AIM B The school aims to provide a learning environment that helps students to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

provide extra-curricular activities in the areas of sport, the arts, hobbies, and interest groups

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encourage students to accept responsibility for their development

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organize, where possible, guest speakers and field trips at all levels to complement inquiry the areas of study

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give students the chance to develop and organize their own projects through initiated opportunities

AIM C The school aims to provide a learning environment that encourages students to reflect on their own learning.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

provide opportunities for formal and informal self-assessment across the curriculum

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provide opportunities for student led conferences

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provide opportunities for student led parent conferences where students reflect on their learning accomplishments and goals

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develop a framework for portfolio work that includes a reflection on the student’s chosen work

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timetable student/teacher conferencing that encourages students to take an active role in their learning and engages students in reflective thinking

AIM D The school aims to provide a learning environment that helps students to become active lifelong learners.

OBJECTIVES The school will: •

design a curriculum to facilitate inquiry based learning;

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develop classroom resources, materials, and learning engagements that stimulate inquiry

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constantly review and evaluate the program in accordance with the IBO standards and practices

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AIM E The school aims to provide a learning environment that helps students develop a strong sense of their own worth and take risks by exploring new challenges.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

use positive reinforcement and encouragement when risk-taking behaviour is being demonstrated

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communicate assessment and evaluation in a positive and constructive manner

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foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation for individual differences

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timetable student/teacher conferences to provide feedback

AIM F The school aims to provide a learning environment that fosters a healthy respect for the individuality of others.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

use individual backgrounds as a resource in school celebrations, ie., winter event, talent show, etc.

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allow students to express themselves in their mother tongue

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foster mother tongues through book days and language clubs

AIM G Helps students to create a sense of responsibility to a wider community.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

initiate opportunities for students to fulfill the IBO’s Community, Action, and Service (CAS) requirements

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participate in community events that require students to be empathetic towards others

AIM H The school has an employment philosophy that reflects the international and multicultural nature of the school.

OBJECTIVES The school will: 

provide written job descriptions for employees

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endeavor to recruit faculty and staff with diverse international/multicultural backgrounds

The faculty/staff will: 

be expected to support the school philosophy;

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should have the ability to communicate fluently in English, in both oral and written form, although mother-tongue English is not a prerequisite of employment; and

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expect to be involved in continual personal and professional development to be able to contribute to school life in a variety of ways.

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SECTION 2 - EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY The school recognises the diversity, individual talents, and interests of the students, and seeks to help them become life-long learners, aware of both the processes and uses of learning. It encourages them to become confident, critical, compassionate thinkers with a strong sense of self-worth, while developing a respect for other cultures, individual differences, and a responsibility to contribute to the wider community.

The curriculum is designed and constantly evaluated to provide focus on key concepts, a body of knowledge, essential skills, positive attitudes, and meaningful action for all students within the context of the IBO curriculum framework. The aim is to meet the holistic needs of the students, developing individuals who are reflective, resourceful, intuitive, creative, and capable of inquiry, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

SECTION 3 - GENERAL INFORMATION ADMISSIONS In most cases, International School Winterthur has a non-selective entry policy. If there is a placement space, a student will generally be accepted subject to certain common sense conditions.

Applicants with a special needs history (for example, dyslexia, ADHD, medication intervention) will meet with the special needs department for assessment in order to establish that International School Winterthur can offer a valid educational program.

Generally, though, a detailed application form must be completed fully by parents (including details of previous testing), including medical information, two teacher recommendations from the most recently attended school, the previous school year's records, and an interview with parents and, whenever possible, with the student are also required.

Finally, the first six weeks of school is probationary and during this period the suitability of courses and grade level can be assessed by teachers, student and parents, and adjustments made. During the probation period, the application is provisional.

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FACULTY/STAFF LIST 2013/14 Mott-Hill Rhonda Aberley Christine Andrews Greg Baumgartner Beate Bradley Jonathan Bill Rene Brinker Forrest Brittain Joanna Camacho Laura Cardona Alex Carta Valentina Esposito Elisabeth Fearns Gisela Feder Sharon Good Fabienne Hall Matthew Hayward Darrell Hayward Vicki Heller Beat Ho Corey Kizilelma Anette Klasen Anna Kleine-Hirzel Sabine Koller Melinda Kothlow, Alysha Mamis Lisa Niklaus Christine Peter Shane Price Hania Richardson Katie Simpkin Rachel Simpson, Joanna Spycher, Maricel Suevos, Cristina Taylor, Kate Valerio, Mandy Wocke, Gretha Xu, Yunjun Zehender, Mark Zou, Daniel Zwart, Anna

Director of School Grade 1/2 (shared with C.Suevos) Grade 3, PYP Curriculum Coordinator 8-12 German, G6 Advisor 9-10 Eng B, 6 Hum, 7 Tech, G10 Advisor/MYP Curr Coor Maintenance Coordinator 11-12 Physics, 8-10 Tech Learning Support/Careers Education and Guidance Coordinator 6-11 English B, EAL, G11 Advisor Principal/Head of Student Life 10 Sci, 11-12 Chem, 11 Math Studies, Physics Assistant 10 Hum/11-12 History/6 Tech, Extended Essay Coordinator EY-5/6-7 German 9-10 Drama, G12 Theater PYP/MYP/DP Art Grade 5 IT Admin/Net. Tech 9-12 French, Pamoja/SST 8-12 German 11/12Bus Man,11/12ToK,G7Advisor Administrative/Accounting Assistant 10-12 Eng, G12 Advisor, Accreditation Co-Chair K-5, 6-7 German Early Years/Kindergarten 7-9 Hum., G11 Geography, CAS/C&S Coor 6-8 Drama 6-8 French 1-10 Physical Education Assistant to the Director Counselor/Learning Support DP Math 11-12, DP Coordinator Grade 4 EY/K Asst./Yearbook Advisor Grade1 Math/Lang and Grade 3 part-time K-10 Music Receptionist Librarian/IT Coord./CIS/NEASC Steering 6-7,9 Mandarin 6-9 Eng., G9 Advisor 6-10 Math, G8 Advisor 6-9 Science/11-12 Biology

Perry Patterson Gabriela Brunner Lori Beerli Gisela Fearns

Sports Coordinator Event/PR and Marketing Coordinator Science Lab Technician After School Program, German

TinyTots Daycare

Marit Kjellman Mwila Rubli Arta Sadiku 9

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS Office hours are 8:00 – 16:30, Monday through Friday.

The staff in the main office are happy to lend assistance as needed.

SCHOOL DAY Classes begin each day at 8:30 and the teaching day ends at 15:00, however, several DP classes are extended from 15:00-16:30. MYP/DP attendance will be taken at 8:25. Middle School (MYP) and Diploma Program (DP) students may enter the building as early as 8:00 to go to their advisory classroom.

Students in Early Years through grade 1 may have their parents accompany them to the classroom at the start of the day and picked up in their classroom at the end of the school day. Students in grades 2 through 5 must wait on the teacher-supervised playground during the morning between the 8:10 -8:25 and meet their parent in the main foyer or the playground at the end of the school day.

For all students, sports teams and various clubs usually meet between 15:00 to 16:00, however, certain activities meet either before the start of the school day or during the day after the lunch period.

BUILDING SECURITY The front doors and foyer doors are open each day between 7:00 to 9:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. During the school day, the foyer doors remain locked. Please proceed to the camera on the right and ring the bell. The main office will identify the individual through the camera and open the doors. Please proceed immediately to the foyer doors to activate the sensor to open them. All parents and visitors entering the building during the school day must report to the main office to obtain a visitor pass. This helps us determine who is in the school building during the day, especially in the event of a fire or other emergency.

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SCHOOL VISITORS Students who are interested in visiting ISW, either relatives or friends, must obtain permission to do so and are limited to a one half-day visit only. The ISW student/parent must inform the office either by email or phone call. The class teacher/advisor will be informed and will provide the student with a permission form to be signed by all teachers. The Director of School will give final approval.

For visitors, both ISW parents and non-ISW parents who are in the building during the school day (volunteering in the library, for example) must sign in at the office. A visitor’s badge will be issued. The badge is to be returned upon exiting the building. In addition, should parents want to speak with a teacher outside of school hours, please schedule an appointment in consideration for our teachers who may be needed in curriculum meetings or preparing for a day’s lessons.

SCHOOL CLOSURE PROCEDURE In the event the school is to be closed for a day or short period of time due to, in part, inclement weather, all families will be notified by text messages on their cell phones by the IT Administrator/Network Manager, Darrell Hayward.

ASSEMBLIES Divisional assemblies will be held prior to the holiday breaks or as needed. The primary purpose of the assemblies is to share information, recognize achievements, and celebrate community events.

ANIMALS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS With the exception of a special class project or class visit, no animal may be brought onto school grounds.

FIRE DRILLS Periodically, and usually without warning to students and faculty, fire drills occur. Exit routes are marked on maps that are posted in each room. When the fire alarm sounds, everyone must exit the building.

Students assemble outside the rear of the building and classroom teachers/advisors take roll call. Only when everyone is accounted for will the all clear signal be given by the Director of School to re-enter the building.

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LUNCH Refer to the Lunch Information in Section 7, Appendices.

MEDICAL INFORMATION Emergency contact information for each family is collected at the start of each school year and kept in a binder in the main office. Emergency numbers are posted in each classroom. In addition, emergency numbers and main office extensions are located near the four (4) telephones: room 308, Counseling; room 304, IT Administration; room 419, Library, and room 501, Principal/Head of Student Life.

LIBRARY Our library collection consists of approximately 9000 books including picture books, children’s fiction, teen fiction, young adult fiction and foreign language (mostly German) fiction collections. The non-fiction collection is organized according to the internationally accepted (meaning not Swiss) Decimal Dewey Classification system. We are building a collection of multimedia resources (read DVDs) to support our language arts and music programs. Online resources: Our Library Management Database Software is a product called Destiny, by Follett. It is a web-based database which means students and staff can access our catalogue form anywhere in the world. Through Follett we have access to international databases such as the Library of Congress, British Library, Australian National Library and several commercial databases.

This enables us to search for material and reviews on more than 8 million MARC records.

We subscribe to encyclopedia Britannica, which has interfaces for all levels of our students with their primary, student and full Encyclopedia versions, ensuring access to all our varying intellectual and language levels and needs. We also subscribe to eLibrary (ProQuest) that gives us access to quality newspaper articles, magazines, media clips, photographs, etc. that have been selected for middle and high school students. SIRS Discoverer (also Proquest) is a selection of authoritive, quality Websites suitable for research purposes and use by middle and high school students.

NoodleTools is a software tool which encourages good note-taking and bibliographic skills in our students as they develop their research skills.

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PARENTS‘ ASSOCIATION The Parents’ Association (PA) is an organization of parents who volunteer their time and talents throughout the school year to: 

enrich the educational experiences of ISW students

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bring home and school closer together

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promote open communication between teachers, the administration and parents

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foster school spirit and cooperation among the entire school community

All parents of ISW students are welcome to participate in the PA. Volunteers help with many school and class activities and organize and raise funds to support special events for our students.

Funds raised through PA activities are used to supply grants to the PA for special projects and school improvement initiatives. Various school wide events/ projects are supported by the PA. Besides fundraising projects, the PA contributes to the school in ways that are difficult to see, but so important none-the-less.

The PA is a great way to meet other parents and help the school at the same time. Since many of our parents recall what it was like to be new in a foreign place, they will gladly share their insights into living.

In addition to the ISW New Family Guide, PA parents are a wealth of information about all the details you need when arriving and settling in a new community – doctors, shopping, piano teachers, and much more.

All parents of IS Winterthur are automatically members. We invite you to get involved to make this another great school year. There are many ways to get involved, and we welcome your participation.

COMMITTEES The PA Executive Committee consists of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Event and Volunteer Coordinator(s). Working with the school administration and parents, the PA Committee keeps the PA running, holding meetings monthly for planning and decision making, organizing events and projects, and preparing communications to keep everyone informed.

The room parent acts as a liaison between your child's classroom teacher and parents for classroom special events. Each homeroom class/advisory should have a room parent. This is a great way to get to know your child's teacher and other parents in your child's class.

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WEBSITE Regular communication to parents can be found on the ISW website by accessing the parent portal. This includes the monthly Messenger newsletter, from the PA and divisional information. Log into the parent portal: username: iswparent and password: 8404winterthur.

LOCKERS Students in grades 4-11 are issued lockers with keys at the start of each school year. In the event a key is lost, there is a charge of CHF 30.00 to replace the key.

ELEVATORS Students, parents, and faculty/staff are not to use the elevators. Exceptions to this would be for the handicap and/or students or staff who, due to injury, are temporarily unable to use the staircase.

SHOES/BOOK BAGS Students are not to wear muddy shoes in the building. When the field is muddy, students are to brush their outdoor shoes downstairs in the main entrance. PYP students are encouraged to change into their indoor shoes upon reentering the building.

Book bags are not to be left on the hallway floors. Primary Years’ students should use the hallway hooks and benches and Middle Years’ and Diploma students should use their assigned lockers and hall hooks.

CELL PHONES/MEDIA DEVICES Refer to the Code of Conduct: Student Expectations and Consequences in Section 7, Appendices.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES Refer to the Internet Acceptable Use Policy in Section 7, Appendices.

LOST AND FOUND The lost and found container is located on the 5th floor and ground floor, PA room. It is highly encouraged to label PYP students’ clothing for identification purpose.

Students should not bring valuables or large amounts of money to school as we cannot accept responsibility for loss or theft. If you need to bring special materials or instruments to school for classes or private instruction, you are responsible for their safekeeping during the day and must take them home with you after instruction. Found items should be turned into the main office. Articles not claimed after several weeks may be donated to charity.

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MEDICAL SUPPLIES The main office on the 2nd floor and the PA on the ground floor have a small supply of bandages, sprays for cuts, etc. While we can treat minor injuries in the office, in the event of a serious emergency, we will call an ambulance. Parents must obtain accident insurance because ISW does not provide for such insurance. Injury and illness must be brought to the attention of the main office immediately. When your child is ill, please inform the office and keep him/her home to recover. In some cases, you may be required to produce a doctor’s certificate.

For PYP students who are taking medication while in school, the classroom teacher must be informed.

LUNCH PROGRAM PROVIDED BY PASSIONFOOD Weekly menus can be found on the ISW website parent portal. The hours of operation are from 9:45am until 14:00.

Menu Prices for Hot Meals:

Pre - Kindergarten to Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 6 and above

CHF 7.CHF 9.CHF 11.-

PAYMENT INFORMATION: 

Pay cash on site (no advanced booking requested)

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Lunch tickets/vouchers can be purchased in the ISW office;

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Prepayment: please use our registration form (available from the ISW office).

MORNING PROGRAM: Includes a healthy selection of snack items, including fruit, bagels, muffins, cookies and a large selection of baked goods (mostly homemade).

SNACKS: Products include homemade sandwiches, tortilla wraps and much more.

MENU PLAN: Every day the students have a choice of a menu with meat or a vegetarian option including a soup and salad bar. We like to use influences from around the world to make up our exciting menus. On any given week there could be cuisine from five different cultures, such as Lasagne, Moroccan chicken Tagine with couscous and Sweet and Sour turkey with rice.

ALLERGIES AND SPECIAL DIETS: We do understand the difficulties for students with allergies and special diets. Our staff will assist students concerning questions about ingredients. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cook special meals for small groups or single students.

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SECTION 4: ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors meets 5 to 6 times per school year, and the meetings are not open to the public (which is common practice in most international schools). The Director of School, as a non-voting exofficio member of the Board, attends all meetings. The Board is structured into 4 Board committees: Finance, Board Governance, Marketing/Fundraising, and Facilities. The committees meet approximately every 4 to 6 weeks, and the Director of School sits on all committees. Additionally, the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees hold an annual AGM each December.

The annual budget is prepared by the Director of School followed by approval from the Board Finance Committee after which it is submitted to the full Board of Directors for approval.

SECTION 5: ACADEMICS RESPONSIBILTIES The International School Winterthur (ISW) is a school where all faculty, staff, students, and parents work collaboratively to create an uplifting spirit. We are a school that fosters the natural inquisitiveness and delight in learning that children bring to school. At ISW, we approach education with the view that all students are authors, mathematicians, scientists, historians, geographers, artists, musicians and athletes.

ISW offers a friendly, caring atmosphere within which individual talents, interests, and cultural heritage of each student in the school are recognised, valued, and celebrated.

COMMUNITY RIGHTS AND EXPECTATIONS We believe that all members of the ISW community are entitled to an environment which: 

is free from disrespectful criticism, bullying, or abuse

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does not tolerate harassment of any form and kind

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guarantees due process and subscribes to principles of equity and fairness

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permits dissenting views and opinions without fear of reprisals

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respects, within the limits of the programme adopted by the school, the academic and personal freedom of all staff

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is competently administered and organized

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respects the right to privacy and confidentiality

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is safe, pleasant, and meets the academic and physical needs of its community

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ATTENDANCE AND TARDY PLOICY GENERAL POLICY ISW policy is that students attend class every day. Studies have proven that there is a direct link between academic success and attending classes. Absences should be avoided except for illness and/or family emergencies. Students are responsible to make-up all school-work assigned during their absence. Parents should make every effort to schedule doctor and dentist appointments after school hours. Written requests for family travel must be sent to the Director of School at least seven days prior to the absence.

When absent, students must complete summative assessments BEFORE the absence, if known, or a day later if due to illness. A doctor’s note is necessary should the absence be for more than 3 days to excuse a missed summative assessment.

In addition, it is mandatory that all Middle Years’ and Diploma students be seated in class with all the necessary materials and books at the appropriate start time.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students should always show a willingness to learn and a desire to perform at the highest level they can.

Once in school, students are required to follow the appropriate schedule and are accountable for being in all classes on time (8:25 for MYP/DP students and 8:30 for PYP). ISW is a closed campus and students are not allowed outside the school grounds between 8:30 and 3:00 (exception: DP students may have off campus privileges during lunch by signing out in the main office). All other students must remain on the supervised playground and grass areas during lunch break.

TEACHERS‘ RESPONSIBILITIES For students who are absent at the beginning of the school day, advisors and classroom teachers will simply report them as such on the morning attendance report.

MAIN OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES Attendance is taken electronically each morning by 8:40. At 8:45, the main office calculates all absences by 9:00. Parents are to inform the office of their child´s absence by email or phone call early in the morning on the day of the absence. A student who arrives late must first report to the main office to sign in and be issued a late slip before going to class.

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ASSESSMENT POLICY PRINCIPLES Continuous assessment provides insight into students’ understanding, knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It is also a means of exploring the learning styles and individual needs of the students in order to differentiate instruction. Feedback from assessment allows for the improvement of the overall educational program.

Effective assessments allow the students to: 

have criteria that are known and understood in advance

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analyze their learning and understand what needs to be improved

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demonstrate the range of their conceptual understandings, knowledge, and skills

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synthesize and apply their learning and not merely recall facts

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base their learning on real-life experiences that lead to questions or problems to solve

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focus on producing a quality product

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highlight their strengths and demonstrate mastery and expertise

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express different points of view and interpretations

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promote reflection and self- and peer- evaluation

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develop self-confidence and self-worth through personal achievements

Effective assessments allow the teacher to: 

plan and incorporate them into the learning outcomes

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identify what is worth knowing and assess it

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include collaboration between the student and the teacher or among students

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take into account different cultural contexts and different ways of learning and knowing

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allow the teacher to modify and differentiate assessments to cater for individual learning needs

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produce evidence that can be reported and understood by students, parents, teachers, administrators, and Board members

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inform at every stage of the learning and teaching process

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plan further activities that engage the students

PURPOSE The purpose of assessment at ISW is to promote student learning by: 

providing clear, measurable, and attainable standards of achievement

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measuring the effectiveness of teaching and learning

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providing opportunities to reflect upon teaching and learning strategies and curriculum content in order to meet individual or group needs

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providing information about students’ progress to the students themselves, parents, teachers, and outside agencies; and

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using learning objectives that allow students to demonstrate development in knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes.

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IMPLEMENTATION Assessment at ISW will include a wide range of ongoing methods that take into account the diversity of learning styles and developmental stages of the students.

Assessment tasks will be meaningful and reflect SMART objectives ie. Specific – Measurable – Achievable – Relevant – Time related.

A combination of formative and summative assessment will be used.

Formative assessment is interwoven with the daily learning and helps teachers and students find out what the students already know in order to plan the next stage of learning. Formative assessment and teaching are directly linked.

Summative assessment takes place at the end of the teaching and learning processes and gives the students opportunities to demonstrate what has been learned.

The purpose and means of assessment should be clearly explained to the students.

ASSESSMENT TOOLS 

informal and formal testing

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end products

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discussion / interviews / questions

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performance

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rubrics

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observation – continuums and anecdotal notes

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portfolios

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reflection

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self-evaluation / peer assessment / group assessment

Assessment focuses on the quality of student learning during the process of inquiry and instruction and on the quality of the products of that learning. Assessment is, therefore, integral to the taught curriculum.

It is the means by which we analyze student learning and the effectiveness of our teaching, and acts as a foundation on which to base our future planning and practice. It is central to our goal of guiding the child, from novice to expert, through the learning process.

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PROGRESS REPORTS Progress reports and/or written comments are mailed at the end of each semester (January and June) in order to keep students and parents informed of academic progress in each class. During mid-semester reporting periods (November and March), parent/teacher and parent/teacher/student conferences will take place to discuss student progress.

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is a necessary adjunct to classroom teaching, and all students can expect to receive homework on a regular basis. Homework is intended to reinforce work covered in class and to help students develop important habits of self-discipline, organization and self-reliance.

In grades 5 through 11, students will receive a School Agenda. Students are expected to record all homework assignments in this agenda. Grade teachers/advisors will check each student’s agenda on a regular basis. Parents are encouraged to check their children’s agendas on a regular basis.

The amount of homework given will vary amongst grade levels and subjects. The school does not operate a homework timetable for students. In line with our policy of fostering independent learning, and striving to develop the dispositions of the IB Learner Profile, we promote a collaborative approach to the setting of homework, through which teachers will plan homework schedules at regular curriculum planning meetings and will, as appropriate, involve students in the setting of deadlines.

At the beginning of the academic year, grade teachers/advisors will inform students and parents of the timing and quantity of homework they can expect to receive. For MYP and DP students, advisors will also discuss and work with their advisories on strategies of time management for long-term projects and efficient study methods.

The amount of time spent on homework will vary according to the grade level and the nature of the tasks set. Primary Years’ students can expect daily homework as follows: Early Years will not receive homework; kindergarten to grade 1 may expect up to 20 minutes, grades 2 to 3 up to 30 minutes, grade 4 up to 40 minutes, and grade 5 up to 50 minutes. Primary Years’ students will not be given for the weekend. Middle years’ students can expect weekly homework as follows: Grade 6 will have 5-8 hours of homework each week; grades 7– 8 can expect approximately 8-10 hours each week; grades 9-10 can expect up to 15 hours per week; and grades 11-12 may exceed 15 hours per week.

If the amount of overall homework (either too much or too little) becomes an issue for any student, he/ she is encouraged, as well as parents, to approach the teacher/advisor to look for appropriate solutions.

Individual subject teachers are also available to give extra help during lunch and after school times at the student’s initiative.

For MYP and DP students, teachers expect homework to be done properly and punctually. When homework is missed, the teacher will notify the student’s advisor who may require the student to forfeit his/her lunch recess or time after school to complete the outstanding work. Those who repeatedly miss homework will be referred to the Assistant Principals who will arrange a meeting with the parents and set further consequences. In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to approach the subject teachers whose classes were missed to receive any work that was missed from the absence. Generally, students will be given an equal number of days to complete the assignment as days that were missed.

Furthermore, students absent when work is due to be handed in will be expected to submit the assignment on the day they return to school following the absence, and students absent for several days who have not received homework instructions will receive an opportunity to complete the assignment in a reasonable timescale as decided by the teacher.

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For MYP and DP students, summative assessments such as long-term projects, essays, research papers, etc. will not be accepted late. It is the student’s responsibility to manage his/her time well (with guidance in grades 6-8) to insure that deadlines for these projects are met.

Technology/ printing problems are not an acceptable excuse for not turning a project in on time. Many teachers allow a variety of ways in which to turn in a paper both electronically and in hard copy, so the students should utilize the options available to them.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Refer to the Academic Integrity Policy in Part 7, Appendices.

SPECIAL NEEDS DEPARTMENT Counselor: Group and personal counseling services are available at ISW. The counselor is primarily a student advocate and information shared with the counselor is considered confidential unless the student (s) agree to share the information with other parties.

Learning Support: Students experiencing challenges with their academic program can receive support from a Learning Support counselor. If diagnostic testing is considered desirable or necessary, the Learning Support counselor will assist the family in arranging appropriate referrals should additional testing be necessary.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS/ADVISORS Both the classroom teachers (PYP) and advisors (MYP/DP) serve as the first point of contact for both the students and parents. In addition, the students benefit from these teachers/advisors in their pastoral roles. While the PYP students spend the majority of their school day with their classroom teachers, the MYP and DP advisor is seen less often. Please refer to the MYP and DP documents for detailed information on the advisory program.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES One parent/teacher conference is held in November and one student-led conference is held in March/ April. However, conferences may be held at any time during the school year. Please contact the teacher(s) directly to arrange an appointment. Whenever there are specific, classroom-related concerns at any time during the school year, parents are expected to contact the student’s classroom teacher (PYP) or advisor (MYP/DP) first.

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are the property of the school and are collected at the end of the school year. In special cases there may be exceptions to this procedure that will be announced by individual teachers. Students who lose textbooks must purchase another copy or the family will be invoiced accordingly.

COMMUNITY AND SERVICE/CREATIVITY, ACTION, AND SERVICE ISW requires community and service hours to be fulfilled each year by all Middle Years’ and Diploma students and details about the requirements and tracking completed hours can be found on Managebac.

The Program will be explained in detail during a parent information evening during the school year.

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SECTION 6: ACTIVITIES FIELD TRIP GUIDELINES Field trips provide excellent learning and team building opportunities for our students. Because the trips during the school year are oriented toward supporting the curriculum, teachers are the responsible chaperones and not parent volunteers. 

The following expectations are: that students represent ISW and the same behavioral expectations followed at school are to be applied during the field trip



no smoking, alcohol, or drug use



for overnight trips, students must be in their rooms at the appointed curfew time

Discipline: In the event that the above referenced expectations are not followed, chaperones will contact the Director of School to decide what measures are to be taken.

Early Departure on overnight trips: In the event that a student becomes ill, the chaperones will make every attempt to find the best transportation home. If it is not possible for a chaperone to accompany the student, then it is the responsibility of the parent for collecting their child.

Emergencies: Chaperones will use all measures necessary to ensure prompt treatment. Parents will be informed as soon as possible.

SCHOOL EVENTS During school events that occur after school hours (spirit day/trunk or treat and dances), students are to demonstrate the same behavioral expectations that we require during the school day. Additionally, parents are responsible for their children before and after school hours.

STUDENT COUNCIL The student council is composed of elected representatives in the MYP and DP. The council operates in accordance with the School Student Council Constitution and aims to ensure that the school is a pleasant and productive place. It also raises funds for various internal and external causes and acts as a forum for student ideas/concerns. The student councils each meet once a week, and all interested students are invited to attend the open meetings. The Student Council is overseen by the Principal/Head of Student Life.

ASSEMBLIES Divisional assemblies will be held prior to the holiday breaks or as needed. The primary purpose of the assemblies is to share information, recognize achievements, and celebrate community events.

AWARDS ASSEMBLY/GRADUATION Each year in June, the students in grades 5 through 11 attend a ceremony with their families and teachers present to recognize outstanding achievement, leadership, and service. In addition the ceremony acknowledges students in grade 5 exiting the Primary Years Program and students in grade 10 exiting the Middle Years Program. The graduation exercises are to award high school diplomas to the graduating 12 grade class.

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CLUBS Students may select from a variety of clubs twice a year, once at the start of the year and the other in January. Most clubs meet at the conclusion of the school day for one hour, however, some clubs are offered before the start of the school day or during the break time following the lunch period.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS At ISW we offer several after school sports through the year. All students in the Middle Years’ and Diploma Programs are eligible to participate, meaning we don’t have trials where lesser skilled students get cut from the team. The focus of trainings is more on encouraging students to try their best and be part of a team. ISW competes in SGIS tournaments and in Swiss competitions in our region.

We always start the school year off with boys and girls football (soccer). Due to the smaller number of students, boys and girls train together and often times play together in practice games. Trainings may take place twice a week and once the season is underway, we compete in friendly matches against other international schools in the Zurich region.

In the winter, basketball season begins (it is only offered if there is enough interest amongst students).

We compete in matches against other Zurich area international schools. We also offer winter training for our track and field team. Although track and field is a spring sport this is an opportunity for our runners and throwers to perfect their form and improve their strength and speed before the season begins. Track and field gives students an opportunity to shine in their natural strengths.

To remain on a team, students must remain in good academic standing. In addition, if a student is absent during from school on a day of a scheduled event, he/she may not play in that event. As with all team sports, it is imperative that students be wholly committed to the team. When students aren’t committed to the team it makes it very difficult to organize games and structure trainings. This means that all regular season training sessions are mandatory. Students are also required to make themselves available for all games and competitions.

The following sports are typically offered with other sports added based on student interest: 

Boys/girls football (fall)



Boys/girls basketball (winter)



Track and Field winter training (winter)



Boys/girls track and field (spring)

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SECTION 7: APPENDICES INTERNET POLICY During the first two weeks of the new school year, teachers of grades 3 through 12 distribute, review and collect student and parent signatures for the Internet User Agreement (new students only as returning student copies remain on file). The signed documents are filed in the student records.

Cancellation of Privileges: The inappropriate use of internet privileges may also result in other, more serious, disciplinary response (including suspension, expulsion, or termination of contract).

ISW INTERNET POLICY FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY/STAFF STUDENT ACCESS TO THE INTERNET International School Winterthur encourages the use of information resources on the Internet and the development of analytical and evaluation skills when using these resources. These skills are very important to develop as Internet exploration may lead the user to any publicly available site and will open classrooms to electronic information resources which have not been selected by teachers as appropriate for use by students. Electronic information research skills are now a fundamental part of preparing students to access Internet resources. It is expected that faculty will provide guidance and instruction to pupils in the appropriate use of such resources.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the school curriculum, teachers need to review and evaluate resources so that sites can be deemed appropriate to the age range and ability of the group being taught. The ISW faculty will provide appropriate guidance to pupils as they make use of Internet resources to conduct research and other studies. Primary school students will only be allowed to visit Internet sites that have been previously viewed or book-marked by the teaching staff, and they will not be allowed free access to carry out open ended searches. Middle school students may pursue electronic research, independent of faculty supervision, only if they have been granted parental permission and have submitted all required forms. All students will be informed by faculty of their rights and responsibilities as users before their first use.

STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR INTERNET USE – GENERAL Students are responsible for good behavior on the Internet. The Internet is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Parents’ permission is required. Remember that access is a privilege, not a right, and that access requires responsibility. Faculty may review files and communication to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the server would always be private. During school, faculty will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance as they must also exercise which information sources, such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media, can be used.

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ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTER USAGE The computing and electronic communications resources at International School Winterthur support the instructional, research, and administrative activities of the School. Users of these facilities may have access to School resources, sensitive data, and external networks. Consequently, it is imperative for all users to behave in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner. This document presents specific guidelines to appropriate behavior and use of International School Winterthur computing equipment.

SCOPE These guidelines apply to all users of computing and electronic communications resources and computing equipment owned by International School Winterthur. This includes all students, staff and administration.

Computing equipment includes, but is not limited to, the terminals and microcomputers in all rooms, file servers, and networking equipment used to link these components together and to the Internet.

International School Winterthur is not responsible for the content of any material the user prepares, receives, or transmits. Thus, as a condition of using the School's computer system, the user represents that he/she is in compliance with all Swiss and international copyright and other intellectual property laws and agreements and other country laws, nor in his/her use of the system will the user violate any civil or criminal laws. Furthermore, the user will indemnify, exonerate and save the School (and its representatives) harmless from any claim, damage or cost related to the user's use, including any legal fees the School decides it is necessary to incur to defend itself.

ACCEPTABLE USE Those who make use of the International School Winterthur computing network are required to behave in a manner consistent with International School Winterthur's codes of conduct. As a user of this network, you agree to the following usage guidelines: 

You are responsible for any computer account you have been given. You shall set a password on the account that is not easily guessed and shall not share this password with other people. If you discover that someone has made unauthorized use of your account, you should change your password immediately and immediately report the event to the School IT Administrator/Network Manager. You also shall not use an account not belonging to you.



You agree not to intentionally seek out information about, copy, or modify password files, other users' files, or disks and tapes belonging to other people, whether at International School Winterthur or other facilities



You should not attempt to decrypt material to which you are not entitled or attempt to gain rights you have not been specifically granted by the owner. If you observe or discover a gap in system or network security, you agree to inform the School IT Administrator/Network Manager and not to exploit the gap.



You agree to refrain from any activity that interferes with a computer's operating system or its logging and security systems, or that may cause such effects



You must be sensitive to the public nature of computer systems and refrain from transmitting, posting or otherwise displaying material that is threatening, obscene, harassing or defamatory.



You agree not to make copies of or distribute software the School owns or uses under license, unless the owner of the software or the owner of the license has specifically granted permission to copy. If in doubt as to whether you have permission to copy software, assume you don't.

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

Messages, statements, and declarations sent as electronic mail or public postings should be treated as if they were tangible documents. From electronic identifiers used in the transmission of messages, addressees can see the School is the source of the message or its system is being used to transmit it, similar to how letterhead or return addresses on a tangible document would identify the School. To make sure that no addressee can infer that your personal opinions are necessarily shared or authorized by the School, it is your obligation to clearly identify them as your opinions and not those of the School.



You agree not to create, alter, or delete any electronic information contained in any system associated that is not your own work



You agree not to create & send, or forward electronic chain mail letters. You agree not to attempt to alter or forge the "From" line or any other attribution of origin contained in electronic mail or postings. You agree not to use any of the School systems for sending what is commonly referred to as "SPAM" mail (unsolicited bulk email).



You shall not use ISW computing equipment as a means of obtaining unauthorized access to any other computing systems



ISW's computing disk storage is a School resource with costs attached and should be used with care and discretion. It is not meant to be used for archiving programs and data not currently being used or for storage of music, pictures, personal files or publicly available elsewhere. It is meant for current work, research and development projects, and temporary storage of other files. Users shall attempt to keep their disk usage minimized and will refrain from maintaining duplicate copies of data already on the system.



Network addresses such as TCP/IP addresses and machine addresses are assigned by the School IT Administrator/Network Manager and may not be altered or otherwise assigned. In addition, no equipment may be attached to the network without the explicit permission of the School IT Administrator/Network Manager.



The system is not to be used for the transmission of commercial or personal advertisements, solicitations, and promotions or for extended reproduction of political, ideological or commercial material originated by a person or organization



In the quantity and frequency of their personal use, users should not create unreasonable demands on the system. Users are reminded that for volume or frequency beyond what is reasonable for their free access to the School's network and systems, they should contact the School IT Administrator/Network Manager.



Without the explicit permission of the School IT Administrator/Network Manager you agree not to run any of the following protocols or services: - Port scanners, network monitors or other types of utilities on any part of the School's network.

- Routing or network serving protocols such as RIP, IGRP, BOOTP or DHCP on the network.

- Daemons, processes or programs that accept incoming connections as a server would.



ISW's computing network, services, and wiring may not be modified or extended beyond the areas of their intended use



Network connections may not be used to provide network access to anyone outside the School community or for any purposes other than those that are in direct support of the academic mission of the School



The Director of the School may enact additional restrictions to these policies to further limit usage by employees. These restrictions may include but are not limited to: limiting time spent reading or writing personal email or visiting web pages, and limitations on acceptable content due to the possible exposure of screens to other individuals.

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SECURITY Users should use any available methods to safeguard their data, including regular changes of passwords, making duplicates of files, and encrypting sensitive data. In the event that files have been corrupted as a result of intrusion, you should notify the School IT Administrator/Network Manager immediately. Please note that the computer systems are never completely secure. It is possible that others will be able to access files by exploiting shortcomings in system security. For this and other reasons, ISW cannot assure confidentiality of files and other transmissions.

The School IT Administrator/Network Manager will attempt to provide reasonable security against damage to files stored on ISW's computing equipment by making regular backups of systems. In the event of lost or damaged files, a reasonable attempt will be made to recover the information; however, the School and the School IT Administrator/Network Manager cannot guarantee recovery of the data or loss of data.

The School IT Administrator/Network Manager will make reasonable attempts to provide error-free hardware and software on our systems, however, it is not possible to guarantee this, and information provided by staff members is not guaranteed to be correct.

PRIVACY Users should exercise caution when storing any confidential information in electronic format, because the privacy of such information cannot be guaranteed.

Even though the electronic data-grams transmitted by or stored on School equipment are the property of the School, the School IT Administrator/Network Manager will not normally log into another user account or access user's files unless absolutely necessary or asked by that user. Exceptions to this practice are made under certain circumstances. These include: system backups, which access all files in a user's account; software upgrades which may require editing start-up files in a user's account; diagnostic and trouble-shooting activities, which may, for example, require viewing the address headers of e-mail messages to determine the cause of problems and keystroke monitoring of sessions to determine inappropriate use of the computing facilities. Another situation is a suspected violation of the tenets in this policy, the Student Handbook, Faculty/Staff Handbook, School employment rules and practices or local/Swiss law. If there is sufficient cause to suspect such a situation, a user's files may be duplicated and stored for later review by appropriate personnel without the user's permission. Users of ISW systems are hereby informed that they have no justified expectation of privacy in material processed, sent, or stored on or through the systems, and that the consent of the user to give access to his or her electronic documents is a condition precedent to the user's use of the system.

When you are in doubt as to whether or not you are permitted to release some information, do not release the information until you know for sure.

POLICY VIOLATIONS Depending on the nature of the events, violations of this policy may be dealt with as described in the Student or School Faculty/Staff Handbooks, any relevant contracts, and possibly Swiss law or regulations.

In addition, a user's system privileges can be suspended for a specified time period or revoked as decided by the appropriate person and a monetary fine on those in violation may be levied to reimburse the School for the staff time and other costs of investigating and rectifying the violation.

School Systems and Security reserves the right to suspend network and/or system privileges while investigating a complaint or troubleshooting a system or network problem.

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CODE OF CONDUCT: STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES The Code of Conduct: Student Expectations and Consequences describes the behavioral expectations we have of our students. In the first two weeks of the new school year, teachers of grades 2 through 12 distribute, review, and collect student and parent signatures (new students only as returning student copies remain on file). The signed document is filed in the student records.

As members of the ISW community, all students must uphold the principles of mutual respect, openness and collaboration that make our school a wonderful place to share and learn together. It is important that every child has a right to learn in a safe and happy environment. In accordance with these principles, the following expectations and consequences are critically important.

This Code of Conduct governs how we expect students to behave in and outside the ISW community.

RESPECT OF ONESELF IS SHOWN BY: 

attending school regularly



being punctual for lessons, clubs or meetings

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coming to school with all the necessary class supplies and material

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completing all homework

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being ready to learn

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dressing in a manner that is appropriate to school activities with regard to exposure, cleanliness and/or messages, i.e. avoid shirts with inappropriate messages, boys/girls are not to wear hats inside the school building, and girls should avoid spaghetti strapped shirts

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not chewing gum



acting honestly

RESPECT OF OTHERS IS SHOWN BY: 

arriving punctually and properly equipped for lessons



listening attentively when someone is speaking and ensuring that behavior does not distract others



addressing others politely and respectfully and in an appropriate tone of voice



moving sensibly and quietly around school and remaining on school grounds during school hours unless authorized to leave

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demonstrating honesty and integrity including practicing academic honesty

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showing tolerance for differences in people, their ideas and opinions

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treating one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is a disagreement

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treating others fairly, regardless of race, religion, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic orientation, gender, age or disability

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always respecting the rights of others

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using non-violent means to resolve conflict

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respecting the needs of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching whether at school, or while engaged in school activities off of school property

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

following general school rules: (i.e. leaving backpacks and jackets in locker or on hooks, leaving all electronic devices (mobile phones, MP3 player, gameboy/PSP, IPod, camera) in locker and refrain from using them at all times while on school property,, drinking water only, eating food during snack and lunch in the specified areas, not loitering around school during school hours)



using laptops or net books upon the subject teacher’s discretion and supervision,



respecting the internet and computer use contract

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IS SHOWN BY: 

placing litter in bins



helping to keep classrooms, lockers, corridors, library, cafeteria and other areas clean and tidy



showing proper care and regard for school property and the property of others

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not defacing school property

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taking care not to damage trees, shrubs and flowers

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taking care of school texts, agendas and resources

CIVILITY AND RESPONSIBLE PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY IS SHOWN BY: 

respecting and complying with all applicable Swiss federal, cantonal and municipal laws



taking appropriate measures to help those in need



making newcomers and visitors welcome



keeping the school a smoke and drug free environment: smoking, possessing or being under the influence of, or providing others with alcohol or illegal drugs is NOT tolerated



keeping the school physically and emotionally safe: possessing a weapon or replica weapon, including but not limited to firearms is not tolerated; using any object to threaten or intimidate another person and causing injury to any person with any object is NOT tolerated



keeping the school free from physical aggression: inflicting or encouraging others to inflict bodily harm on another person and intimidating is NOT tolerated



keeping the school free from non-physical aggression: hurting an individual or a group of individuals with emotional, sexual or racial actions that hurt is NOT tolerated; threatening physical harm, bullying or harassing others and using any form of discrimination are NOT tolerated.

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BEHAVIOR OFF SCHOOL SITE: 

School rules and the code of conduct apply during all school outings. This includes work experience or CAS placements, educational visits/trips and sporting events.



Detrimental behavior towards other students or International School Winterthur will be evaluated for severity and school consequences/sanctions may apply. This includes, for example the misuse of virtual sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Skype, MSN Messenger, email engines, or any other sites where information is shared. Since Facebook is blocked on all our school computers, we ask that parents monitor their child’s activities on these types of sites.



Students are to be advocates for ISW outside of school

CONSEQUENCES/SANCTIONS FOR DISRUPTIVE AND SEVERE BEHAVIOR: 

Procedures are followed to ensure that every violation by any student is treated fairly



Consequences shall be appropriate to the particular situation and circumstances as evaluated by the Assistant Principals and/or the Director of School



Consequences/Sanctions for Disruptive and Severe Behavior range from warnings, time-outs, restricted privileges, phone call, letter, or parent/teacher conference (with or without student), restitution, i.e. financial, community service, detentions (with telephone call to parents) to suspension at school (with letter to parents) to suspension at home (with behavior contract) to expulsion and notification to the law authorities where appropriate.

WAYS TO PROMOTE GOOD BEHAVIOR: The following are some examples of what we do at ISW to promote good behavior: 

Faculty/Staff praise students when they see good behavior



Faculty/Staff tell students what is expected of them



Rules are consistent and fair and are reviewed



Responsibilities and expectations are matched to the individuals and their development

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Faculty/Staff inform parents regularly of their child’s exemplary behavior as well as achievement

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Students who support others will be commended

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Various types of rewards may be used in and out of the classroom

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY During the first two weeks of the new school year, teachers of grades 6 through 12 distribute, review and collect student and parent signatures for the Internet User Agreement (new students only as returning student copies remain on file). The signed documents are filed in the student records.

AIM The aim of this policy is to: 

Promote honest academic practice within the school`s IB programs



Ensure that students understand the basic meaning and significance of academic honesty, authenticity, intellectual property and academic dishonesty

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Ensure that all student work is original using authentic language and expression

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Ensure that all such authentic work has, when needed, the ideas and words of others fully acknowledged using the correct method

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Encourage students to seek support from their teachers, coordinators or project supervisors when completing assessed work in order to prevent malpractice

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Ensure that students understand and obey the rules relating to proper conduct during assessments or examinations



Ensure that students understand the difference between collaboration and collusion

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Convey to students that plagiarism is a serious academic offence for ISW and shows no tolerance

ACADEMIC HONESTY Academic honesty is a set of values that promotes personal integrity and good practice in learning and assessment, and is part of ways in which students approach learning. The IB recognizes that academic honesty is influenced by factors that include peer pressure, culture, parental expectations, role modeling and taught skills.

Academic honesty refers to: 

Full acknowledgment of the original author(s) and ownership of creative material



Acknowledge of the providence of ideas and concepts



Production of authentic pieces of work

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Proper conduct during assessments and examinations



The protection of intellectual property

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Academic dishonesty constitutes knowing acts by a student, which result or may result in an individual gaining an unfair advantage over another student.

The following is a list of academically dishonest behaviors or malpractice: 

Plagiarism: offering the words, ideas, works or arguments of another person (in whole or part) as one’s own especially in written work, but also in visual or performing arts. Plagiarized work fails to acknowledge the sources which it uses or upon which it is based.

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

Collusion: Supporting malpractice by another student – allowing one´s work to be copied or submitted for assessment by another. Note that collaboration involves working together with other students which at times is encouraged but the final work must be produced independently despite the fact that the data may be similar. So, collaboration is working together while collusion is copying someone else’s work.



Copying the assignment or examination of another student or giving the information to another student to copy

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Using unauthorized notes on an examination when not allowed to do so



Communicating with another student during examinations



Bringing into the examination room materials which are not permitted

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Interfering in the academic work of another student, for example by stealing homework, erasing computer files, or taking textbooks



Altering information on school records such as CAS hours or notes taken home to parents



Doing homework for another student



Making up data for an assignment

EMPHASIS ON AVOIDING PLAGIARISM To avoid plagiarism, students must ensure that all work submitted for assessment in any subject area is authentic (not plagiarized or paraphrased without acknowledgment). Any words or ideas of others must be fully and correctly acknowledged, and referenced. Many students claim to have plagiarized unintentionally, by failing to include quotations or give the appropriate citation. One of the keys to avoiding plagiarism is to submit draft copies of one's work, which must be diligently proofread and examined for such unintentional omissions. Also, one can treat CD Rom, email messages, websites, any other electronic media, photographs, data, graphs and audio-visuals in the same way as books and journals.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY Teachers at ISW are expected to encourage good practice among students. The following are some of the measures that should be adopted to avoid malpractice. 

Provide advice and modeling to students when necessary so that students have a clear idea of what constitutes plagiarism in the various subjects



Provide students with the knowledge of MLA formatting to ensure that the words, ideas, pictures, and works from sources are acknowledged appropriately



Be vigilant enough to know a student’s voice and spot inexplicable changes in the style and quality of student work



Assist students during the process of working on projects and written assignments to insure that the work is the student’s own



Use a search engine such as Turnitin.com whenever possible to detect plagiarized work



Be clear in communicating expectations to students especially what is allowed and not allowed during examinations



Not leave candidates unsupervised during examinations 32

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY Ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the integrity of all work and to understand what constitutes an offense against academic honesty. Students are strongly advised to follow these guidelines: 

Make sure that all work that you turn in is your own and has not been copied from another student



Do not let another student copy work that you have done



Immediately inform the teacher if you feel that another student has taken your work, erased computer files, taken your textbook, or any other action that does not allow you to do your best work.



Acknowledge all sources used on an assignment (i.e. books, journals, internet sites, magazines, photographs, etc.) using MLA citation style



Use in-text citations in order to acknowledge ideas, words, and pictures taken from another source



When working with other students on a collaborative project or assignment make sure that you do your part to make the project successful. Working together does not mean letting others do all the work and then copying their results.



Listen to and follow all instructions given before an examination or an assignment so that you will know what is expected from you and what is and is not allowed

CONSEQUENCES FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OR MALPRACTICE Consequences resulting from academic dishonesty may range from warning to expulsion depending on the seriousness of the offense. The offenses will be accumulative in the student´s career at ISW and therefore will be recorded in their file. The consequences are (but not limited by): 

1st offense: A grade of 0 will be awarded for the assignment or test and will be taken into account when calculating final grades. The student will review the Academic Integrity Policy with his/her classroom teacher/advisor, and parents will be contacted.



2nd offense: A grade of 0 will be awarded for the assignment or test, and the student will be referred to the Principal/Head of Student Life or the Director to discuss any further consequences.

The parents will be contacted and asked to attend a meeting.



3rd offense: A grade of 0 will be awarded for the assignment or test in all criteria of that particular subject and assignments may not be redone. The student will be referred to the Principal/Head of Student Life and/or the Director for further consequences, which may result in suspension or expulsion. The parents will be contacted and asked to attend the meeting



For DP students, the following consequences can occur for cases of malpractice: no grade will be awarded for the subject, no Diploma will be awarded, but a certificate will be awarded for other subjects, and the student may not re-register for examinations in any future sessions or the Diploma may be withdrawn if malpractice is subsequent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Academic Honesty: Guidance for Schools, (2003), Published by the International Baccalaureate Organization, Switzerland.

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International Baccalaureate Program International School Winterthur has been an IB World School since May 2006.

Council of International Schools The International School Winterthur was founded to provide the finest education for the growing international population in the greater Zurich and Winterthur areas.

European Council of International Schools (ECIS) The International School Winterthur is an authorized IBO PYP, MYP and DP school. These programmes combine the best research and practice from a range of national systems with a wealth of knowledge and expertise from international schools to create a relevant and engaging educational experience.

The Swiss Group of International Schools The Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS) exists to support international schools in Switzerland and neighboring countries in achieving their educational goals and to provide representation on issues of common interest.

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Zum Park 5



8404 Winterthur  Switzerland  Tel +41 (0)52 269 59 00 Fax +41 (0)52 269 59 02 administration@iswinterthur.ch  www.iswinterthur.ch

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