Behaviour Statement

Gosforth Central Middle School is committed to ensuring high behavioural standards for all pupils, and this statement sets out the broad values and principles with regard to behaviours that are expected and promoted. This statement has been approved by the headteacher and the governing body, believing it accurately reflects the school’s ethos and that effective learning and development relies on good standards of behaviour.

Actual, practical applications of these principles are the responsibility of the headteacher, who will view each case in light of these principles and any relevant policies.

Principles

Our school’s primary concern is the safety, wellbeing and education of all pupils; actions taken in cases of bad behaviour are with the intention of upholding their wellbeing and academic progress, as well as fulfilling our safeguarding responsibilities.

We will create a calm and orderly environment to enable pupils to learn effectively.

GCMS prioritises inclusion, and will ensure that all members of the school community are able to enjoy the activities of the school free from any discrimination. The school will create and maintain an atmosphere and ethos of acceptance, equality, diversity, respect, understanding and kindness throughout the school community in everyday practice. Our school aims to foster a collective ethos amongst all members of the school community, and promote values of caring, empathy, teamwork and coordination.

We endeavour to ensure that all pupils, staff and visitors feel safe in the school environment at all times through a high quality of care, support and guidance.

All pupils have a right to fulfil their greatest academic and personal potential and feel they are valued members of the school community, and should be free from bullying, discrimination and distracting peer behaviour.

Our school ensures that rules are consistently applied across the school and where sanctions are exercised, they are in line with the school’s Behaviour for Learning Policy and are taken seriously. Good behaviour at school is acknowledged and rewarded at the discretion of all staff, who will judge appropriately.

We offer pastoral support to pupils who have difficulty managing their behaviour, before and/or alongside disciplinary measures taking into account pupils’ home circumstances and any SEND.

Any kind of violence, threatening behaviour or abuse between pupils, or by members of the school community towards the school’s staff, will not be tolerated. If a parent does not conduct themselves properly, the school reserves the right to ban them from the school premises.

Our school upholds clear and effective policies with clearly defined consequences for poor behaviour that are applied consistently and fairly by all staff.

General expectations

GCMS has high expectation for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. These expectations are commonly understood and applied consistently and fairly. We set clear routines and expectations for the behaviour of pupils across all aspects of school life, not just in the classroom.

Behavioural expectations and the related policies clear and accessible to members of the school community, and ensures the community agrees they are fair and reasonable. These will be made readily available to read and general expectations will be displayed in classrooms and around the school. The school’s emphasis is on encouraging and praising good behaviour and supporting individuals who are struggling to meet the expected behavioural standards. Each pupil receives the necessary behavioural support according to their specific needs.

We create a positive and respectful culture in which staff know and care about pupils.

We do not tolerate offensive or insulting language in any circumstances, and expects polite and considerate behaviour to be maintained by all. Bullying, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sexual violence are not tolerated, online or offline. Pupils are encouraged to report any case of bullying they experience or observe to school staff, and wherever such behaviour occurs it will be dealt with quickly, consistently and effectively.

GCMS supports pupils to play a highly positive role in creating an environment in which commonalities are identified and celebrated, difference is valued and nurtured, and bullying, harassment and violence are never tolerated. All pupils are taught to actively support the wellbeing of other pupils.

All pupils are expected to behave consistently well, demonstrating self-control and consistently positive attitudes to their education.

Pupils are held to high standards of attendance. The school will take swift, appropriate action to ensure that problems of lateness and absence are supported effectively.

Staff lead by example and model their conduct in line with the school’s standards.