CODE OF DISCIPLINE

HOMEWORK

1. Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It reinforces the work done in the classroom; it tests the student’s understanding of the lesson; it helps the student acquire self-discipline and responsibility; it establishes study habits. It consists of out-of-class tasks, some written, some learning-by-heart, some project work to be completed within a certain timeframe.
Student achievement is directly linked to homework and study standards.
The school management and the staff of Rockbrook Park School are committed to the promotion of best homework and study practices. Parents and guardians are expected to support the student in his efforts.
It is the duty of each individual student to complete each homework assignment to the best of his ability and on time.

2. Role of School Management and the Board of Management.
The School Management, under the direction of the Board of management are responsible for overseeing effective homework and good study practices.

• They shall place a strong emphasis on homework as part of the learning process.
• They shall strive to promote and maintain consistent and effective standards of checking and correction of students’ work.
• They shall facilitate communication with parents and guardians.
• They shall oversee the implementation of sanctions where individual students for no good reason refuse to do homework.
• To promote best homework and study practices on a school-wide basis it shall be school policy to include the issue of homework and study on each staff meeting agenda.

3. Role of Teacher.

• The teacher shall supplement the classroom lessons by assigning homework exercises.
• The teacher shall try to maintain a consistent homework programme.
• The teacher shall convey the relevance of homework to the classroom lesson.
• The teacher shall promote the use of the homework journal as an essential aid to homework.
• The teacher shall promote the development of study skills by including learning, research and revision exercises in homework assignments.
• The teacher shall provide regular class tests to help students achieve high standards and improve their study skills.

4. Role of Parents/Guardians.

• Parents/Guardians are urged to support the homework policy of the school that attempts to establish sound homework routines and develop effective study skills.
• Parents/Guardians are urged to have a genuine interest in all aspects of their child’s education.
• They should make every effort to provide a suitable study environment in the home.
• They should strive, as far as possible, to eliminate distractions such as radio, TV, personal stereos, mobile phones, etc.
• They should support the establishment of a good study timetable.
• They should discourage part-time work during school term. Parents have a responsibility to take action where part-time work interferes with homework and study.
• They should communicate with appropriate school personnel if they have concerns about homework and study matters.
• Their attendance at parent/teacher meetings is essential.
• Parents/Guardians must support the use of the homework journal by checking that it is being used properly and by signing it every week.
• They should insist on seeing the student’s copies on a regular basis.
• They should strive to ensure that students have adequate sleep and healthy eating habits.

 

 Responsibility of Students         

• The student must come to class with a positive, open and enquiring mind and with all the tools and resources necessary to participate fully in the class.
• Homework must be written into homework journal.
• The student must complete homework to the best of his ability and on time.
• A weekly schedule of work should be made and adhered to. It should be discussed with the mentor on a regular basis.
• The student shall make every effort to complete each assignment of homework.
• The student must avail of opportunities to develop his study skills. This involves not just completing the homework for each night, but also learning and revising subjects on an on-going basis.
• Part-time work, especially for students of exam classes, should be avoided.
• Poor standards of attendance, time-keeping and general behaviour will undermine the student’s performance. He should address these issues, talk to his tutor about them, if he is to improve his homework and study habits.
• Students who miss classes for any reason (games, illness, etc) must make every effort to obtain and complete homework given in their absence.
• A student who consistently fails to make reasonable effort to apply himself to homework shall face sanctions.

This policy shall be reviewed at the start of each school year in terms of its effectiveness and/or its shortcomings.

 

         UNIFORM

The regulation with regard to the school uniform must be obeyed and observed by all.
Every student in the school is required to wear the full uniform daily.
This consists of the following:

• navy pullover with school crest.
• light blue shirt (6th Year: white shirt).
• school tie (suitably adjusted).
• plain grey trousers.
• black shoes.

Full uniform should be worn in class. Overcoats, anoraks, scarves and gloves may not be worn in class. Fashionable trends and fads are not part of the school uniform, and fashion statements will not dictate the standards required in the school.
On the matter of general appearance the school authorities reserve the right to require students to meet a high standard of personal appearance. These are maintained in the interest of the reputation of the school which is synonymous with the reputation of the students in the school.
Hair should be neat and tidy. A boy whose hair is excessively long or excessively short, or unconventionally styled, will be considered inappropriately groomed for school. Colouring and experimental styles are not acceptable. The wearing of jewellery (ear-rings, nose studs, etc) is not part of the school uniform and should not be worn in school or on school-based activities.

 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR
Any type of insolence, cheek, non-cooperation by the pupil in the classroom will be dealt with by the teacher on the spot. A range of sanctions can be enacted: extra work; detention during lunch time. Each incident will be noted in the pupil’s report card.
Any repeat incidents should be documented and a report placed in the student’s file.
Seriously disruptive students should be handed over into the charge of the Deputy Principal or Principal.

 

PUNCTUALITY
A student arriving late for class (which means arriving after the time at which the class was due to begin) must go to the secretary's office to have his lateness recorded in his Report Card. Persistent lateness will incur sanctions, and parents will be formally notified.
Absences must be notified to the school by phone on the day of the absence by 9.30 am. If this has not occurred the school will try to contact the boy's home to verify his whereabouts. Absences that are foreseen should be notified in advance. Parents should use the appropriate pages in the Homework Journal to notify such absences.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards, contained in the latter half of the student’s journal, should be signed each week by one or other parent. If the report card has not been signed, parents will be contacted by the form master over the course of the following week.
Parents should supply a daytime contact phone number to the school, in the event that they need to be contacted by the school during the day.