Student Handbook Routines, Procedures and Expectations 2023- 2024
• Everyone respects the right of others to concentrate and learn
• Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated
• Everyone arrives promptly at lessons
• The maintenance of a pleasant and clean environment is a shared responsibility. Eating and drinking are not allowed outside of the canteen
• Everyone always uses acceptable language and shows respect to fellow students, staff and visitors
• The atmosphere at The Quest Academy is always calm and quiet
• Movement is orderly, with students keeping to the left and showing consideration for others
• At the end of the day, any student remaining on site must be either on a supervised activity or working in a supervised area
• Students are expected to bring the books and equipment required for their lessons
• Students complete their homework on time and to the best of their ability
• At the Quest Academy we place paramount importance on the respect shown to our staff. The severest penalties will be imposed for any disrespect
• Chewing gum is a prohibited item and must not be brought onto the site
The Quest Academy Code of Conduct
• Strong relationships
• Expect the best from everyone
• Raise attainment and achievement for every individual
• Build an exciting learning community
• Celebrate cultural diversity
• Create a passion for learning
• Be at the heart of our local community
• See all the students as leaders
• Provide a happy, calm and morally positive environment
• Encourage participation
• Develop independent and self-motivated individuals
• Promote a good character, honesty, and personal responsibility
The Quest Academy Ethos
Aim of the House System:
1. To promote the Academy’s Ethos of love and caring.
2. To provide a vehicle through which children from different year groups can work collaboratively.
3. To provide a focus for competition, thus aiding the achievement of Academy priorities.
NB. It is NOT an aim for the House System that children should be treated differently because of their House affiliation (i.e. all students are granted the same opportunities and access to provision, irrespective of the House to which they belong).
Structure of the House System:
• There are three Houses named after explorers: Livingstone, Shackleton, and Hillary.
• Each House has its own House Council to which two representatives from each tutor group is elected.
• Each House is led by a team of a Head of House, Quest 6 House Captains and Year 11 Vice Captains.
House Ethos:
Students will lead on the development of their House Ethos. House Councils may choose to host assemblies or organise events to help promote this. Each House will choose a charity to support for the academic year. The House System will also serve as the basis for friendly academic and non-academic competition.
House Points:
Every Merit that a student earns also generates one House Point for his/ her House.
Additional House Points are awarded as part of the various Inter-House competitions which take place throughout the year.
The House System
The Student Council Structure:
The Student Council is a two-tier structure.
The Student Council
• Each Tutor Group elects one Representative to its respective House Council. House Councils are led by the House Captains.
• Five House Council Representatives from each House are elected to form the Academy Council. The Academy Council is led by the Student Presidents.
Elections to the House Councils and Academy Council take place during the first half of the Autumn Term.
Student Council matters are discussed during Tutor Time.
The purpose and remit of the Student Council:
The House Councils and Academy Council meet on a half-termly basis to:
1. Discuss matters of concern to students.
2. Suggest improvements to the functioning of the Academy.
3. Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning.
4. Plan events aimed at promoting House and Academy Ethos.
Academy Captains
The appointment of Academy Captains:
The Academy Captain is appointed at the start of each Academic Year. The team is composed of five students from the Quest 6 – a Head Boy, a Head Girl and three House Captains. These students are selected through a four-stage selection process, which includes…
1. Letter of Application.
2. Video Hustings.
3. Student Voting.
4. Interview with Assistant Principal in charge of student leadership.
The final appointment of Captains is left to the discretion of the Principal after recommendations from the Assistant Principal.
The Main Duties of the Academy Captains:
1. To act as role models to other students, demonstrating the utmost degree of diligence and embracing the Academy’s values.
2. To act as ambassadors for the Academy in the local community.
3. To help with organisation and running of the Academy-wide events (e.g. Parents Evenings, Open Day).
4. To chair the House Councils and lead the development of House Ethos.
5. To speak in assemblies.
6. To line-manage and develop the Year 11 Prefect Team.
The Appointment of Prefects:
Prefects are chosen during their final half-term as Year 10 students. They serve as Prefects throughout Year 11. Any student wishing to stand as a prefect must submit a Prefect Nomination Form and a supporting letter, addressed to the Principal. All nominations must be supported by at least ten students and four teachers. Successful nominees will create a video husting and will be voted for by the wider student body.
Prefects will hold office throughout Year 11, although this is a privilege which may be withdraw in cases of misconduct.
The Duties of Prefects:
1. To act as a role model to other students, demonstrating the utmost degree of diligence and embracing the Academy’s values.
2. To act as an ambassador for the Academy in the local community.
3. To help with organisation and running of Academy-wide events (e.g. Parent’s Evenings, Open Day).
4. To attend half-termly Prefect meetings and training sessions.
5. To mentor and tutor younger students.
Prefect Privileges:
1. Prefect Badge / Tie / Lanyard
2. Opportunities to represent the Academy at prestigious events.
3. Opportunities to participate in Educational Visits.
4. An excellent opportunity for skills development.
5. A ‘unique selling point’ on CVs and UCAS Forms.
The Prefect System
Term Dates
AUTUMN TERM 2022
Monday 5th September 2022 – Friday 16th December 2022
Monday 5th September INSET Day – Academy closed to students
Tuesday 6th September Year 7 and Year 12 only
Wednesday 7th September Open to all students
Half-Term
Christmas Holiday
SPRING TERM 2023
Tuesday 3rd January 2023 – Friday 31st March 2023
Tuesday 3rd January
Half-Term
Easter Holiday
SUMMER TERM 2023
Monday 17th April 2023 – Friday 21st July 2023
Monday 24th October – Friday 4th November
Monday 19th December – Monday 2nd January 2023
All students at the Academy
Monday 13th February – Friday 17th February
Monday 3rd April – Friday 14th April
Monday 17th April
Bank Holiday
Half-Term
Summer Holiday
All students at the Academy
Monday 1st May – Academy closed to students
Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June
Monday 24th July
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 & 5 8.20 - 8.40 Tutor Time Tutor Time 8.40 - 9.30 P1 P1 9.30 - 10.20 P2 P2 10.20 - 11.30 Break (10.20 - 10.40) P3 (10.20 - 11.10) P3 (10.40 - 11.30) Break (11.10 - 11.30) 11.30 - 12.20 P4 P4 12.20 - 13.40 Lunch (12.20 - 12.50) P5 (12.20 - 13.10) P5 (12.50 - 13.40) Lunch (13.10 - 13.40) 13.40 - 14.30 P6 P6 14.30 - 15.20 P7 P7
Timings of the Academy Day
Subject Teachers
Creative Arts
Mr Russell – Team Leader (Drama)
Mrs Bertrand-Caserne – Drama
Miss Lawmann – Media
Mr Basic – Art
Miss Dunn – Music
Mr Best- Music
English
Mrs Connolly – Team Leader
Mr Peel
Mr Bunyan
Mr Haywood
Miss Khanan
Mr Reissland
Miss Rose
Miss Southworth
Mr Callison
Miss Joyce
Miss Mason
Miss Wallace
MFL
Miss Makiza – Team Leader
Mr Bandele
Mr Ble
Miss Thomas
PE
Mr Bevan – Team Leader
Miss Grove
Mr Houghton
Miss Millar
Mr Wilder
Technology
Mr Henry – Team Leader
Miss Lindo
Miss Yussuff
Science
Miss Freemantle – Team Leader
Miss Erengwa – Team Leader
Miss Donne
Mrs Gjeshovska
Miss Haque
Mr Khan
Mr Kendall
Miss Kumar
Miss Nargis
Mr Sher
Subject Teachers
Maths, Business Studies, and ICT
Ms Joomun – Team Leader (Maths) Mr Moodley – Team Leader (Maths)
Mr Assad – Maths
Mr Falaiye – Maths
Mr Bakare – Maths
Miss Marwood - Maths
Mr Frith – Computer Science
Miss Glennon - Maths
Mr Naidoo – Maths
Mr Iseghohimen – Business Studies
Mr Kubilius – Maths
Mr Mosconi – Economics
Miss Serwadda - Maths
Ms Patel – Maths, Business Studies, and ICT
Mr Rahman – Computer Science
Mrs Sami – Maths
Mr Butler – Maths
Humanities
Miss Minns – Team Leader (Social Sciences)
Miss MaCarthy – Team Leader (RE)
Miss Berry – Geography
Miss Marshall
Mr Boundy – History
Mrs Dean – History
Mrs Dixon – RE
Miss Hollis – Geography
Miss Martin – History
Miss Todd – Geography
Miss Knowles – History
Mr Mills – RE
Mr Pace – History
Miss Singh – RS
Miss Tijani - Sociology
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this includes bereavement and mental health, and we ensure consistent and effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support children, their families, and staff at the Academy.
All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment which has allowed the Academy to have a inschool system in helping children and all concerns are passed to our trained ‘Designated Safeguarding Leads.’
Safeguarding Team:
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mr C O’Sullivan (Pastoral Director)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs C Oseman (Assistant Pastoral Director)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Miss Y Marshall (SENDCo)
If you do have a concern, you can also send an email to:
eSafety
At The Quest Academy we are committed to ensuring that students are safe when using the internet / social media.
If you have a concern about your own or somebody else’s safety, please complete the form (you can submit the form anonymously) on:
www.thequestacademy.org.uk/information/esafety
Our safeguarding policy can be found on:
www.thequestacademy.org.uk/information/policies
Safeguarding and eSafety
The Academy strongly discourages any absence from school, as this will always be determined to learning. Pupils are expected to attend the Academy regularly, punctually and prepared to learn. Parents have a legal obligation to ensure that this happens.
When a student is going to be absent it is the responsibility of the parent to contact the Academy every day of the absence.
Please call 020 8657 8935 and select Option 1 and leave a message, alternatively you can send an email to: attendance@thequestacademy.org.uk
Only absences that can be justified in law will be authorised.
Procedure
1. Medical appointments should be made for times outside of school hours. When this is not possible (i.e. in the case of some hospital and orthodontic appointments), parents should provide a note, an appointment card or email a copy to TQA Attendance the day before the absence. If this doesn’t happen, we may not be able to dismiss your child.
2. No holidays during term time will be authorised.
3. In the event of a student’s absence, it is the responsibility of the parent to contact the Academy every day with an explanation. If the Academy has not received notification of the absence by morning break, parents will receive an automated Truancy Call.
4. The Academy gate is locked at 08:20am promptly each day. Students arriving after this time are classified as being late. 3 or more lates in a week will result in a 1hr 30minute detention on a Monday. If students are persistently late to school, they will be given a Saturday detention.
5. The Academy takes truancy very seriously. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that students arrive at school on time every day. Parents that fail in this duty will be referred to the Education Welfare Officer.
Attendance and Punctuality
Note to parent(s)
• Please do NOT use this absence note pro-forma. It is intended as a guide to what should be included in an absence note.
• All absence notes on paper should be handed to your child’s personal tutor and addressed to Miss Sami, Deputy Principal.
Confidential correspondence should be marked accordingly and addressed as follows:
• Matters relating to any curriculum, personal or family matter should be marked for the attention of the Deputy Principal in the first instance.
(name) in (tutor group)
was/will be absent from (date) to (date):
for the following reason:
Signed (Parent/Carer):
Date:
Dear Miss Sami,
Absence Notes and Other Communications
As a parent, I commit to:
1. Supporting my child with their education at The Quest Academy by working with The Quest in offering the care and concern for their educational progress
2. Working hard and allowing others to learn
3. Attending The Quest on time, in uniform and with the necessary equipment and homework completed
4. Ensuring my child attends The Quest punctually every day
5. Planning holidays that avoid term time
6. Ensuring my child abides by the conditions of the Computer Use Agreement
7. Attending Parents’ Meetings, responding to reports and letters and keeping The Quest informed of any matters relating to the education, health, and welfare of my child
8. Supporting The Quest’s rules, policies, procedures, and sanctions
As a student, I commit to:
1. Being polite, well-mannered, and always showing consideration and respect for others
2. Working hard and allowing others to learn
3. Attending The Quest on time, in uniform and with necessary equipment and homework completed
4. Abiding by the Computer Use Agreement
5. Maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant working environment
6. Taking an active part in life at The Quest and extracurricular activities
7. Making the most of my time at The Quest Academy by committing to achieving all that I am capable of in all activities
We believe that making these communities will lead to the success and happiness of all students at The Quest Academy.
Home Student and Academy Agreement
There is clear link between a student’s achievement and the wholehearted commitment of students, parents, and The Quest to this end. It is essential that we form a strong partnership to ensure success.
Students
SUCCESS FOR ALL
Staff Parents
To achieve this we all have responsibilities.
As Head of School, I commit The Quest to:
1. Upholding its commitment to the ethos and to make every effort, through provision of the curriculum and additional activities to ensure that each student can engage fully with their learning and are valued actively as a member of The Quest community.
2. Providing the best teaching and learning environment possible
3. Providing a safe, caring, and happy environment
4. Listening to and responding to the needs and concerns of students and their parents
5. Engaging parents in their child’s education
Home Student and Academy Agreement
All students are expected to understand and follow these rules when using the Academy network. The aim is to give you as much freedom as possible to use the network properly and to prevent other people from spoiling this facility.
• You must only use the computers for Academy-related work or for activities authorised by a teacher.
• You must not install any software on the network. This includes screensavers and games.
• You must not use anyone else’s username to log on to the network and you must not tell anyone your password.
• You must not eat or drink in the computer rooms or when working at a computer.
• You may only us the Internet when there is a teacher or supervisor in the room or if you have a note from a teacher which is dated and signed, and which states clearly what you are researching.
• When accessing the Internet, you must not try to download anything that is unlawful, obscene, or abusive. If you come across such information accidently, you should turn off the computer monitor and quietly tell a teacher.
• You must not use the Internet for buying or selling goods.
• You must not log onto chat sites on the Internet.
• Emails should only be sent using the school’s Internal email program. Web-based email is not allowed.
• When using email, you must not send any message that is harmful, offensive, or abusive to other people.
If you break these rules, you will lose the right to use the computers and may be given a detention or another sanction.
The computer rooms are monitored by video-surveillance and we can and do check what students do on the network.
The Quest promotes safe use of the Internet. For further information on safe Internet use at home, log on to: www.getsafeonline.org/safeguarding-children/
Computer Use Agreement
Computers, Mobiles and Other Electronic Equipment
Computers must be used appropriately and under supervision, as set out in the Computer Use Agreement. They are not to be used for games or entertainment purposes. Music is not to be downloaded as it causes storage problems. Food and drink are strictly forbidden in the IT Rooms.
Passwords will be withdrawn if these rules are ignored.
Mobile phones are not to be seen or heard at any time during the school day, including breaks. They must be always switched off and out of sight.
Confiscated phones and other banned items will be kept in a safe place and will be returned to the student according to a scale:
• First occasion: the phone / item will be kept for one week
• Second occasion: the phone / item will be kept for two weeks
• Third and subsequent occasions: the phone / item will be kept for a month, to reflect that the previous confiscation had not deterred a repeat of the offence.
Students are not allowed personal music devices on school site and these will be confiscated in line with the above policy.
Personal stereos / iPods / cameras: These items are NOT to be brought to The Quest. The Quest will not accept responsibility for the security of such valuable equipment or investigate their loss.
Cyber-Bullying: Threatening, teasing, or embarrassing someone else by using a mobile phone, the Internet or other technologies is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
Anti-Cyber-Bullying Code
• Always respect others
• Think before you send messages via your mobile phone or the Internet
• Don’t let anyone know your password
• Block the bully
• Don’t retaliate or reply to bullying messages
• Save the evidence
• Tell an adult
Everybody has the right to enjoy each day free from intimidation, unkind actions, or remarks, in the Academy and on the way to and from the Academy. Any unkind action or comment will be called BULLYING. We must all help each other by reporting ALL bullying.
Do you know someone who is being bullied? What should you do?
1. TELL someone – ANY adult in the Academy. A parent or somebody you can trust.
2. Show bullies that you don’t like what they are doing. Don’t be friends with them.
3. Help and support children you see are being bullied.
4. Don’t make teasing or hurtful remarks.
Are you being bullied?
What should you do?
1. Try not to show that you are upset (this is difficult).
2. Try to ignore the bully.
3. Walk away quickly and confidently (even if you are afraid inside).
4. In an emergency, shout to show that you are not afraid.
5. Stay with your friends and say NO to the bully.
6. Do not try to buy the bully off with sweets or give them money.
7. Try not to be alone where you could be bullied.
8. If you are different in any way, be PROUD of it. It’s good to be an individual. There’s nothing wrong with you!
9. TELL an adult you can trust. Give us time to find out what is happening. If it continues, see your Achievement Coordinator.
It is EVERYONE’S responsibility to prevent bullying.
Anti-Bullying Advice for Students
All students are expected to wear their uniform with pride, both in school and in the local community.
Items listed below MUST be purchased from our school uniform supplier (SWI):
• Blazer
• Skirt
• Trousers
• Tie
• Jumper
Uniform and Appearance
Blazer
Navy blue with the Quest logo. The blazer must be always worn inside the Academy.
Skirt or Trousers
Navy blue knee-length skirt. Navy blue trousers.
Tie Clip-on tie in the appropriate house colour.
Jumper (optional)
Navy blue V-neck jumper with the Quest logo.
Shirt
Plain, white, short, or long-sleeved in a classic style. Vests or undergarments must be white and not visible under the shirt.
Plain black leather school shoes. The following are not allowed:
• Suede or fabric shoes
Shoes
• Open-toed, backless, or sling-back shoes
• Boots above ankle height
• High-heeled shoes
• Trainers
Tights or Socks
ID Card / Lanyard
Plain black or navy tights, with no patterns. Plain black/navy/dark grey socks.
Belt
ID card and black student lanyard to be always worn.
Hijab
Plain black only.
Large buckles displaying logos are not permitted.
School bag
Outdoor coat, hat, scarf, and gloves (optional)
Plain black or plain navy blue.
A school bag suitable to carry textbooks, exercise books and stationery. No pouches allowed.
Not to be worn inside the building, except when going to the tutor room at the start of the day.
Uniform Policy
Appearance
Make-up, Nails, Hats and Hooded Tops
• Make-up, fake tan, nail varnish or nail extensions of any kind may not be worn.
• Spray deodorant, body sprays, or perfumes cannot be brought into the school and will be confiscated. Roll-ons may be brought in.
• Hooded tops of a sweatshirt material may not be worn.
• Any ordinary analogue/digital watch may be worn. No smart watches allowed.
• One or a pair of small studs may be worn in the lower lobe of each ear. No other jewellery or visible body piercing, including tongue studs, are allowed.
Hair
• Long hair must be tied back.
• Hairbands must be plain dark blue or black.
• Haircuts must be no shorter than a number two.
• Straight line braiding is allowed.
Hair must be worn in a simple style and hair extensions must be of a sensible length and natural colour.
The following are not allowed:
• Decorative hair accessories.
• Durags or head wraps.
• No coloured streaks or unnaturally coloured hair.
• Unconventional/elaborate styles or extensive braiding, including beading, patterned braiding, mohicans, tram lines, indents, or shaved patterns.
An unnaturally striking appearance is inappropriate. If in doubt over whether a planned style would be acceptable, parents/students should contact the Academy and seek advice before having their hair styled.
Uniform Policy
PE Kit
Items marked with an * below MUST be purchased from our school uniform supplier (SWi)
Students are expected to bring and wear PE kit to all practical Physical Education lessons, including enrichment lessons, training sessions and practical BTEC Sport lessons.
They may wear either:
• The Quest Academy navy/white PE polo shirt* or The Quest Academy navy/white multisport top *
• The Quest Academy navy/silver football shorts* or navy/silver training pants*
• ‘Coolmax’ navy/white socks* or plain white socks
• Trainers must be sturdy and suitable for sport with non-marking soles (moulded boots or blades are acceptable for the Astro-turf pitches, but not indoors)
PLEASE WRITE THE STUDENT’S NAME AND TUTOR GROUP ON ALL ITEMS OF THE KIT SO THAT IF LOST AND FOUND THEY CAN BE RETURNED.
Should any student fail to attend lessons in the correct kit they will be issued with one of the following sanctions:
• Incorrect kit/no kit at all (without a note) – class teacher’s detention and student expected to borrow kit.
• No kit at all and refusal to wear borrowed kit will result in a Whole School Detention.
Jewellery may not be worn in PE lessons. Students will not be allowed to partake in lessons if they are discovered to be wearing school shoes, their outdoor coat, or any part of their school uniform under their PE Kit. They will be asked to remove it, if this is not possible, they will be issued with a class teacher’s detention.
Uniform Policy
Homework
The following provides guidelines for what you are expected to do:
Key Stage 4
Years 10 and 11 50 minutes per subject per week
All homework will be uploaded by teachers onto ‘Google Classrooms’.
Both students and parents have access to this and can track homework completion. Logins for Google Classrooms are the same as those used for access to the school computers.
Process
All set homework will be recorded on Google Classroom with a date to hand it in. All homework should be checked for completion by the teacher and constructive feedback provided.
Homework must be completed on time and to the best of your ability.
Students are assessed, and levels or grades are awarded based on homework, class work, formal assessments, and examinations.
Homework enhances your learning, improves achievement, and develops your study skills. It is an opportunity for parents and students to work together to benefit from learning experiences.
Some of this homework will be done in supported study time with specialist advice and the support of a teacher and some at home under the guidance of a parent or carer.
If you have any general concerns regarding any of the homework, please contact your personal tutor or, in the case of subject specific enquiries, contact the Team Leader of the subject area.
Homework and Presentation of Your Work
Presentation of Your Work
Homework and Presentation of Your Work
The presentation pf your work is important. Good, clear presentation following the guidelines from the subject teachers shows that care has gone into the production of your work. It shows respect for those who will read and assess your work. It is an important skill which will help you in your career and life.
Basic Rules
• All work should be presented clearly
• All work should be named, dated, and titled
• Subject folders, exercise books, and textbooks must be free of graffiti, doodles, and stickers
Please note:
You should always have a suitable READING BOOK with you so that any “Spare time” in class can be well used.
The Quest Academy’s Achievement Ladder
Rewards
The Quest Academy’s Rewards system underpins the academy’s behaviour policy and its core values of LEARN. It promotes self-regulation, which most closely models the external world of work setting and assists in the academy’s role in developing employability for life after secondary, further and higher education, whilst supporting the academy’s behaviour policy.
Staff responsibilities:
• To ensure that rewards are utilised on a daily basis
• To ensure that rewards are meaningful and valued by students
Implementation
The table below details the rewards structure:
All staff members can award merits.
Reward
Merits
Positive phone call home
Postcard home
Bronze certificate and pin badge
Silver certificate and pin badge
Gold certificate and pin badge
Platinum certificate and pin badge
Weekly rewards
Academic Co-ordinator recognition
Half termly reward events
Head of School breakfast
Student of the Year
Sanctions
Awarded for…
Awarded to students who demonstrate any of the LEARN values: Learner, Empowered, Aspirational, Resilient, Nice
Any reason deemed appropriate by a member of staff. Achieving 25 merits in an academic year. Following the award of any of the rewards listed below.
Achieving 50 merits in an academic year
Achieving 100 merits in an academic year
Achieving 200 merits in an academic year
Achieving 300 merits in an academic year
Achieving 400 merits in an academic year
Student of the week are nominated by Form Tutors with a Star of the week then selected by the relevant Academic Co-ordinators. Early lunch passes are awarded to a deserving student in each form, as chosen by the Form Tutors.
Fortnightly events are held for selected students who meet the set criteria The criteria change throughout the year but are based on merits, behaviour, attendance, punctuality, academic achievement and improvements made
Various KS3 and KS4 celebration events for student who reach the specified standards based on attendance, behaviour and achievement. Events may include film afternoons, pizza parties, fish and chips and invitation to a rewards trip
Events held half termly for students who meet the specified criteria, as set by the Academic Co-ordinator
A student of the year will be selected for one student from KS3 and one student from KS4 for each house. Nominations will be made by staff members and a final decision is made in consultation with Academic Co-ordinators and the Senior Leadership team.
It is recognised that, at some point, some teachers will – either intentionally or unintentionally – fall short of our expectations. In such circumstances, students are expected to take responsibility for their actions and make amends, both through their words and their actions.
To support students in meeting out high standards of conduct, the Academy consistently applies a strict but fair Behaviour Policy. This places a high value on respect and individual responsibility. The policy is designed to allow maximum ownership of the system by teaching staff and curriculum areas, with substantial extra support from the SLT when the situations cannot be resolved at a lower level. Please see below our behaviour ladder.
Behaviour Ladder
Sanction
1 Verbal Reprimand
2 Behaviour Point
3a Teacher detention (up to 20 mins same day or by arrangement)
3b On-Call / Reflection Room Supervision Room (formerly F1)
4 Supervised Break and Lunch
5 Supervision Room (accompanied by a referral for Formal Detention)
6a Late Detention (Same day+) ROOM G4
6b Corridor Conduct Detention (30mins same day) ROOM G4
7 Formal Detention (1 hour same day) ROOM G1
8 SLT Detention (2 hours on Friday) (Main Hall)
9 Head of School’s Detention (3 hours on Saturday morning)
10 Inclusion Room or Suspension
Used in cases of …
• A single instance of low-level silly behaviour
• Uniform worn incorrectly (first time)
• All incidents of poor behaviour, including lack of engagement in learning
• Lateness to class
• Lack of focus in class
• Lack of effort in class
• Non-completion of homework or classwork
• Receiving 3 strikes in a lesson
• More series incident including threatening behaviour or abusive language
• Persistent poor out of lesson conduct
• Irresponsible behaviour at lunchtime
• Refusing to follow instructions around the building
• Failure to attend Formal Detention
• Uncertifiable uniform infringement
• Arrival between 8:20 – 8:40 = 30mins same day detention
• Arrival between 8:40 – 9:00am = 1hr same day detention
• Arrival after 9:00am = 1hr same day detention & SLT detention on Friday
• Persistent lateness to school with be dealt with by Houses and parent meetings.
• Failure to meet corridor conduct rules
• Being sent to the supervision room
• Failure to attend ACO detention
• Failure to attend Formal Detention
• Referral by SLT for serious poor behaviour
• Internal truancy
• Walking away from a member of staff
• Late three times or more in a week
• Failure to attend SLT Detention
• Referral by the senior team for extremely poor behaviour
• Truancy from school
• Persistent lateness to school
• Failure to attend the Head of School’s Detention
• Persistent disruptive behaviour, as determined by the Head of School or
• Executive Principal
• Refusing to accept the authority of the Academy, as determined by the
• Head of School or Executive Principal
• A single instance of extreme misconduct, as determined by the Head of
• School or Executive Principal
11 Permanent Exclusion
• A single instance of extreme misconduct, as determined by the Executive Principal
• A failure to improve conduct following previous suspensions.
It is important that students who are consistently failing to meet the standards expected by the academy are provided with necessary support. This is achieved primarily through the system of Pastoral Support Plans, overseen by ACOs and the Pastoral Director. Unless the case of a one-off significant event, these will be in place for all students who are in receipt of a Head of School detention upwards.
Areas with specific sanctions
Mobile Phones: Must be confiscated on sight. These are then handed in at reception, staff must call home. In case of defiance use on-call.
Lateness 3 incidents of lateness in a week result in a punctuality detention
The Quest Academy’s Behaviour Ladder
Anna Freud Centre
Children’s mental health charity providing specialist help and training.
www.annafreud.org
Barnado’s
Work with children and young people who have mental health difficulties. They run centres where children and young people can go and make sure they have a worker they can trust and talk to. Help build confidence and to address the root of the difficulties. They also work with parents, making sure they feel supported, and stay in close contact with other professionals.
www.barnados.org.uk/what-we-do/helping-families/mental-health
Big White Wall
A safe online community of people who are anxious, down or not coping, who support and help each other by sharing what is troubling them, guided by trained professionals who are available 24/7. Completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained ‘Wall Guides’ ensure the safety and anonymity of all users. www.bigwhitewall.com
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. www.thecalmzone.net
Charlie Walker Memorial Trust
Awareness information and resources for those who are depressed. www.cwmt.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK
Has an app designed to support children and young people who have suffered a bereavement. Provides information on where to get more support.
www.childbereavement.org
Childline
Counselling service for parents, children and young people. www.childline.org.uk
Clear Fear
App developed by Stem4 using CBT to reduce physical responses to threat (anxiety etc) by learning to relax and change thinking.
www.clearfear.co.uk
Cruse – Bereavement Care
Offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and works to enhance society’s care of bereaved people through face-to-face, telephone, email and website support.
www.cruse.org.uk
Mental Health Contacts
Mental Health Contacts
DrugWise
Database of drug treatment services in England, Wales ad Scotland, developed by DrugScope. It is searchable by different criteria, including service name, treatment offered and geographical region.
www.drugwise.org.uk
For Me
App created by Childline includes all their services in one app: direct 1-2-1 access to a counsellor, videos advice and chat on a range of issues that affect young people. Safe and discreet – only accessible with a PIN. www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/for-me
Headspace
App teaches mindfulness meditation principles to improve wellbeing. www.headspace.com
Kooth
Provides free online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat-based services. www.kooth.com
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
National Service for lesbians, gay and anyone needing support regarding their sexuality. Information, advice, listening and referral. www.switchboard.lgbt
Mermaids
A charity that supports gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. Transgender and gender-variant children and teens need support and understanding, as well as the freedom to explore their gender identity. Whatever the outcome, Mermaids is committed to helping families navigate the challenges the challenges they may face.
www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Mindshift
Designed to help teens and young people cope with anxiety by teaching them how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking and identify active steps to help take charge of anxiety.
www.myhealthapps.net/app/details/463/mindshift
Moodkit
Approved by NHW Choices and listed as one of the best apps of depression 2017. Uses CBT principles to help people with anxiety and depression manage and track their moods. It has s ‘thought checker’ to identify negative thoughts and an activities tool to suggest wellbeing activities.
www.thriveport.com/products/moodkit/index.html
Moodmeter
Developed by 2Gether NHS Foundation Trust, this app is an interactive mood diary for monitoring and understanding emotional and wellbeing. Includes tips and guidance on how to influence mood.
www.myhealthapps.net/app/details/363/moodmeter
Moodpanda
Mood panda is an app allowing people to track their moods.
www.moodpanda.com
Moodzone
Whatever you need to know about coping with stress, anxiety, or depression, or just generally improving your emotional wellbeing, the NHS Choices Moodzone is here to help. It offers practical, useful information, interactive tools, and videos to support you on your way to feeling better.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression
National Drugs Helpline
24/7 Helpline for anyone concerned about drug misuse, including users, families, friends, and carers.
0800 776600
National Self-Harm Network
Monitored forums supporting individuals who self-harm to reduce emotional distress and their quality of life.
www.nshn.co.uk
Rise Above
Website designed by Public Health England to boost resilience among 11–16-year-olds by teaching them the skills needed to make better decisions in ‘risky’ situations such as smoking, drugs, drinking, relationships, and sex. www.riseabove.org.uk
SAM
Self-help app which includes a personal toolbox, negative thought buster, colouring exercise, and information. Winner of best anxiety app 2016. www.sam-app.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential emotional support service. Available 24 hours a day. www.samaritans.org
Sane
UK mental health charity working to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. Offers advice and support. Has section on suicide.
www.sane.org.uk
0300 304 7000 – (4:30-10:30pm)
Contacts
Mental Health
Mental Health Contacts
SelfharmUK
A national project dedicated to supporting young people affected by self-harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask any questions and be honest abut what’s going on in their life. Selfharm UK is part of Youthscape, a registered UK charity that aims to support young people aged 11 to 19.
www.selfharm.co.uk
Shout
Provides free, confidential support,2 4/7 via text for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere in the UK. Text with someone who is trained and will provide active listening and collaborative problem solving.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Smiling Mind
Created by psychologists and educators in Australia, this is a modern meditation app for young people. It uses mindfulness to boost calmness, contentment, and clarity.
www.smilingmind.com/au/
Stamp Out Suicide
Points of contact for those feeling suicidal, bereaved by suicide, or concerned about suicide. Promoting suicide awareness and prevention.
www.stampoutsuicide.org.uk
Stay Alive
App offers help and support to people with thoughts of suicide and people concerned about someone else. Quick access to UK national crisis supports helplines, a mini-safety plan, a LifeBox to which the user can upload photos from their reason to stay alive, strategies for staying safe, tips on how to help a person thinking about suicide, and suicide bereavement resources.
www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app/
Stem 4
Aims to improve teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring mental health issues at an early stage.
www.stem4.org.uk
Stepfinder
Developed by youth charity, ‘The Mix,’ the app uses mobile location services to pinpoint the nearest local support services – from mental health, contraception, homelessness, and bereavement – and shows the young person how to get there from their phone.
www.themix.org.uk/apps-and-tools/our-apps/stepfinder
Stonewall Youth
Young Stonewall is the site for all young people to find out about issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people at home, at work and at school.
www.youngstonewall.org.uk
SuperBetter
Evidence-based app created to help young people build resilience to become stronger, happier, and healthier. Activities use gaming techniques to help the young person tackle tough challenges, change what isn’t working and reach their goals.
www.superbetter.com
The Mix
UK’s leading support service for young people. Tackles broad range of issues from homelessness to money, break-ups to drugs. Confidential helpline. www.themix.org.uk
Voice Collective
Peer support for young people who hear, see and sense things that other do not. Hosted by Mind in Camden’s Hearing Voices Project. Website contains information about voices, vision, coping, recovery, getting help in a crisis and peer support groups for young people aged 12 to 18. Site has useful information for parents and carers.
www.voicecollective.co.uk
Young Minds
UK’s leading charity committed to improving emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers.
www.youngminds.org.uk
Youper
Evidence-based app developed to help people with social anxiety gain confidence in social situations. Aims to help people understand their anxiety, control it, and then challenge it using real-life guided practice exercises. www.youper.ai/
Youthhealthtalk!
Video interviews of young people’s real-life experiences of health and lifestyle. Also includes eating disorders. www.healthtalk.org
Health Contacts
Mental
Some useful website addresses to help your ‘career’ – your learning pathway through The Quest and beyond.
General Careers Websites:
• www.cascaid.co.uk/kudos
• www.ucasprogress.com
• www.careersbox.co.uk
• www.fasttomato.com
• www.directgov.uk/nationalcareerservice
University Websites:
• www.ucas.com
• www.unistats.direct.gov.uk
• www.prospects.ac.uk
• www.ukcoursefinder.com
• www.qaa.ac.uk (quality assurance agency for HE)
• www.push.co.uk (student perspective)
• www.opendays.com
• www.headstartcourses.org.uk (taster courses)
• www.gov.uk/student-finance
Volunteering and personal development:
• www.vinspired.com
• www.princes-trust.org.uk
• www.gap-year.com
• www.etrust.org.uk
Other:
• www.notgoingtouni.com
Some ways to find information about jobs or subjects. (You will be able to talk to your tutor if you are unsure about how to get help from the following)
Research websites – some examples above. Most professional organisations have their own websites; us the ‘Google’ search engine to identify these.
Talk to subject tutors, or your personal tutor at The Quest.
Talk to parents/carers, business and other professional people who visit and run activities in The Quest – these visits happen at different times for age groups.
Attend events such as Careers Fairs, Taster Days, Open Days at universities.
Talk to your friends and students who are currently studying subjects you are interested in.
Make the most of any work experience – Everyone will have a chance to do Work Experience during Key Stage 4.
Visit the library which has various resources / university prospectuses, etc., and your own public library which will have careers information.
Useful Websites
Road Traffic accidents cause over 70% of all accidental deaths in children of school age.
WALKING
Always walk on a pavement or footpath where possible
When crossing the road always use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look and Listen
Be safe – be seen, wear reflective clothing or arm bands (especially when it’s dark)
CYCLING SAFETY TIPS
You MUST wear a helmet that fits
Reflective clothing is essential
Your feet must touch the ground when you’re sitting on your bike
Check brakes, tyres, chain, lights, and handlebars regularly
Use cycle lanes wherever possible
You need training. Get your cycle proficiency badge: ask at your school or police station for details
TRAVELLING IN A CAR
Get in and out of the car from the kerb side, NOT the side of the car that is facing the road
Shut the door properly
Always wear a seat belt
Never lean or wave out of the window
Don’t distract the driver or block the rear-view mirror
REMEMBER!
Belt up! About 120 unbelted backseat passengers are killed every year. Many more are seriously injured.
Pedestrian Crossing Ahead No Pedestrians Cycle Route No Cycling
Road Safety