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Academics

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Academics

Senior Phase academics (Gr 8 – 9)

HOD: Mrs Zané Neizel

Subjects offered in Grade 8 and 9:

Computers Grade 8 – 9

Each Gr 9 learner completes a portfolio for each learning area (subject). A learner’s portfolio is a compulsory collection of pieces of work which shows the learner, parents and teachers the progress and achievements of the learners during the year. The pieces of evidence in the portfolio will reflect that a variety of skills have been assessed using a variety of forms of assessment. Portfolios are sent away to be examined by outside moderators for fairness. After moderation, all the marks for all the portfolios are sent to the Department of Education.

Gold bars are awarded to and worn by learners who have achieved an average of 75% or higher in the 9 main learning areas in the previous term at St Thomas Aquinas School.

MINIMUM PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

• Afrikaans First Additional Language – 40%
• English Home Language – 40%
• Mathematics – 40%
• Four other subjects – 40%
• Remaining three subjects – 30%

IEB ASSESSMENTS COMPLETED IN GRADE 9

CTA (Common Task for Assessment): One CTA is completed per learning area. Part A is completed during term time. Part B is completed as an exam.

International Benchmark Testing (in English and Mathematics) is also done to ensure that learners obtain a qualification that remains globally competitive.

Core Skills Testing: These non-curriculum-based assessment tests help educators to identify weaknesses in the application of knowledge and skills.

Science Expo: All Grade 9 learners are required to take part in the EXPO, which is a scientific research task. Expo co-ordinator: Mrs Soal.

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Academics

Learners have a choice of combinations from the following:

Grade 12 learners unite the Independent Examination Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate. Teaching and assessment is informed by and complies with IEB requirements.

Effective  education  today  for  a  successful  tomorrow. 

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Construction

6.1 CATEGORY 1

• Bad manners/impolite behaviour
• Late arrival at classes (A “latecomers” record is kept.  Should a learner arrive late twice, a demerit will be issued.)
• Being late for register class as a result of going to the tuckshop/chatting to friends, etc. before school. (Only one such incident is required in order to obtain a demerit)
• Arriving late for lines after break (Learners must go to the toilet during break, not only when the bell rings for the end of break).
• Negligent behaviour (not completing homework/books not at school/not returning reply slips, forms on time, etc.)
• Eating/drinking in class (except plain water).
• Walking around between classes with an open bottle/can of cooldrink or flavoured water.
• Failure to bring correct materials required within the first week of school.
• Not wearing the correct PT/sports uniform.
• Disobeying uniform rule (including hair/nails/jewellery/shaving).
• Littering.
• Chewing gum whilst in uniform or at school.
• Talking when silence is requested.
• Inappropriate displays of affection (cuddling, hugging, kissing, etc.)
• Going to the tuckshop during lesson time or between periods (even for a teacher).
• Misconduct in assembly.
• Entering an out of bounds area, classroom or passage without permission.
• Loitering.
• Misconduct or poor sportsmanship during an extra-mural activity practice, intra- or inter-school completion or league fixture.
• Failure to attend an extra-mural activity/academic extra lessons without excusing oneself.
• Failure to submit an absentee note written by the parent/guardian/doctor.
• Failure to complete and hand in the required leaving early form when necessary.
• Failure to return a library book by the due date.
• Minor infringements of uniform regulations. (See “Appearance of high School Learners”)
• Wearing clothing with offensive/inappropriate words/images).
• Failure to wear the correct sports kit for a match or practice.
• Spitting.
• Use of offensive material to cover books or files.
• Consumption of and drinks/eats at formal functions – mass, assembly, etc.
• Spending break time in the school building or a classroom.  Should learners wish to go to their lockers to collect or put away items, they must do so right at the start of break.

Category 1 offences will result in the disciplinary measures listed below.

The educator will take care of these misbehaviours and may apply one or a combination of the following corrective measures:

6.1.1 Counselling

The learner can be verbally counselled and corrected by any designated

authority.

6.1.2 Work assignments

A learner can be given a work assignment in line with his/her studies.

6.1.3 Detention

Detention may take the form of written work and/or manual labour and is given by the HOD: After school, on a given afternoon, for 2 hours.

Learners and parents/guardians will be informed of the date and time.  The school will not be responsible for transport home.

Any learner who copies work from another learner (or any other source), will receive 0 and an immediate detention.  The learner who is aware that their work is being copied and permits it, will receive the same punishment.

Demerits received up to and including the last school day of a term will result in a detention.  Should the last detention of the term already have taken place, the learner will do their detention the following term.  In the case of the last term, the learner will be required to do a detention in the week after school has closed, when teachers are still on duty.

Failure to attend the last day of school of a term (without PRIOR written excuse from parents/guardians/doctors) will result in a detention the first Friday of the following term. (This includes the fourth term).  The same rule applies to compulsory events that take place on a Saturday.

Should a learner fail to return the detention letter, signed by his/her parent, within 2 days of receipt thereof, another demerit will be given.

Should a learner fail to attend a detention class, he/she will be required to attend 2 more detention classes.

Demerits will not be carried over from one term to another, however, should a learner be required to attend a disciplinary hearing, ALL demerits and incidents will be taken into consideration.

• DETENTION TAKES PREFERENCE OVER ALL OTHER ACTIVITIES.

6.1.4 Loss of privileges

A learner can have privileges such as sport, tuckshop, school outing, etc. removed.

Repetition of category 1 offences may lead to categorisation of a “Category 2 or 3 Offence.”  The HOD will be required to keep records of all punishment meted out.

6.2 CATEGORY 2 (punishable with possible immediate expulsion)

• Truancy (including leaving the classroom/school premises without permission)
• Smoking or possession of cigarettes (or nicotine-containing devices, including opium pipes/hubbly bubbly, etc.) on school premises or in school uniform.
• Disruption of classes.
• Misuse of cell phone and other electronic devices as per cell phone policy.  (These items must be turned off – not on silent – during the school day and may not be made visible)
• Interfering with another person’s possessions/property/locker without the owner’s consent.
• Insubordination.
• Forgery.
• Gambling.
• Unacceptable hairstyles. (see “Appearance of High School Learners”)
• Display of visible tattoos (including during sporting activities).
• Possession or use of fire crackers.
• Possession or use of Tarot Cards/Ouija boards or any other materials that do not uphold the ethos of the school.

The following disciplinary measures may be enforced at the discretion of the HOD/Deputy Principal/Principal, who may refer the matter back to the educator to be dealt with as a Category 1 offence, ensuring fairness and that the punishment fits the offence. These may include (and are not listed in sequential order):

6.2.1 Parental/Guardian Intervention – requested by the school authorities.

6.2.2 Community Service

Repetition of Category 2 offences may lead to categorisation as a “Category 3 offence”.

6.3 CATEGORY 3 (punishable with possible immediate expulsion)

• Inappropriate behaviour (including offensive language).
• Dishonesty (including cheating in tests and exams/plagiarism/lying/cheating/fraud).
• Possession of/dealing in/taking of drugs.
• Possession of/drinking alcohol. (Including on school trips or outings)
• Possession or use of weapons or items that can cause physical injury.
• Arson/Burglary/Theft.
• Immoral behaviour/possession/copying/distributing/displaying of pornographic material.
• Bullying/harassment (verbal, virtual, physical).
• Intimidation/threatening behaviour.
• Assault and intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
• Rape, attempted rape, physical or sexual abuse, indecent assault, indecent exposure.
• Vandalism – misuse / abuse of school property.
• Taking part in any illegal strike action/meeting/campaign on school premises.
• Intentionally conducting oneself in a manner which is or could be seriously detrimental to the maintenance of order or discipline at the school.
• Violating the rights of other learners to receive education by disrupting classes, preventing other learners from attending classes or preventing teachers from teaching adequately, or in any other manner.
• Driving on or near the school premises without the required licence. (Whether in school uniform or not).  The school reserves the right to contact traffic officials.
• Constant repetition of Category 1 and 2 offences.

The Disciplinary Team, at its discretion and depending on the severity of the misconduct, may proceed as follows:

6.3.1 Refer back to the Principal for punishment as a Category 2 offence.

6.3.2 Call a Disciplinary Hearing which could result in one of the following:

6.3.2.1 Issue Final Written Warning

A Final Written Warning will be on school stationery and kept on the learner’s file.

A copy will be sent to the parents/guardians.  The warning will include the following:

* personal details, misconduct details, reason (s) the behaviour is

unacceptable,

* possible consequences of any further unacceptable behaviour.

6.3.2.2 Suspension

A learner can be suspended from school for a  period of up to 5

school days.

Although the suspension can be a penalty in itself, it can also be

appropriate under the following circumstances:

* Protection of learner (s); Protection of school property;

* Isolation pending further enquiry; Protection of witness.

A learner may be required to complete community service whilst on suspension.  The onus is on the parents/learner to contact the recommended institution to arrange this.

A learner will receive zero for any work/tests done or due during the suspension period.

6.3.2.3          Expulsion

A learner can be expelled from the school for the following reasons:

* Any behaviour where the continued presence of the learner becomes unacceptable.

* Any repeated and unacceptable behaviours, although of a less

serious nature, if it has become clear that a lesser penalty will not

prevent further negative behaviour.

6.3.3.2 Police Intervention (in the case of an unlawful act)

6.4 DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

Any learner who has committed an extremely serious offence or who repeatedly breaks the school rules, has to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The committee will hear the evidence and then decide on the action to be

taken.

The action must include the following:

• The parents/guardians must be informed in writing of the proposed action.
• A Disciplinary Committee will be formed and the offender will receive a fair hearing.
• The parents/guardians will be informed of the outcome (in writing) within 48 hours (school days).  The document must be collected by the parent/guardian.

Learners’ rights with regard to a disciplinary hearing:

6.4.1     The right to a formal hearing.

6.4.2    The right to be present at the hearing.

6.4.3    The right to be given time to prepare for the case.

6.4.4    The right to be given advance notice of charges.

6.4.5    The right to be assisted at the hearing by parents/guardians if under age.

6.4.6    The right to ask questions on any evidence produced, or on statements of witnesses.

6.4.7    The right to an interpreter (to be requested in writing by the learner, 24 hours prior to the hearing).

6.4.8    The right to appeal within five school days against any penalty by the Disciplinary Committee.

6.4.9    Should the learner and/or his/her parents/guardians not attend the hearing, the hearing will be conducted in their absence.

6.4.10 Be informed in writing of the decision on whether or not he/she is guilty of serious misconduct and of the penalty that is being imposed on him/her.

6.5  The above disciplinary procedure will be followed in all cases where there has been unacceptable conduct by a learner or group of learners.  Any behaviour off school property that can be associated with the school or has the potential to harm the school image will also be covered by the Code.

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St THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS

2018

This “Code of Conduct” Document (hereafter referred to as the “Code”) consists of 26 pages and includes:

• Cellphone & electronic devices policy
• Test & Exam policy
• Plagiarism Policy
• Uniform & appearance regulations
• Terms and conditions for use of computer facilities and internet usage
• other information with regard to the expectations of learners.

Each learner and his/her parents/guardians are required to familiarise themselves with this document.  A separate page with contact information is required to be completed, signed and returned to the register teacher within one week of having received this document.

This document should be kept in a safe place by the learner for reference purposes.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1    St Thomas Aquinas School is committed to the holistic development of its learners within the Gospel values of justice, truth and love.

1.2   The principle of the dignity of each individual is fundamental in all areas of school life.

1.3   This requires that the above values are lived out in the behaviour and conduct of each learner.

2. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF LEARNERS

2.1   All learners will enjoy equal treatment and protection and no learner may be unfairly discriminated against.

2.2  Every learner has the right to have his/her dignity respected and the right not to be treated in a cruel or degrading manner.  Corporal punishment cannot be employed by educators and learners are to seek non-violent solutions to conflict and differences.

2.3  Every learner has the right to privacy.  However, the principal or educator may search a learner and seize his/her possessions, on the grounds of reasonable suspicions.

2.4  All learners have the freedom of expression.  This, however, will be limited to freedom of speech and freedom to present petitions.  Freedom of speech is not absolute and vulgarity, insubordination and insults will not be tolerated.

2.5  All learners have the right to agreed procedures for expressing and resolving school-related grievances, including an appeal method.  Problems or issues should, as far as possible, be resolved at the school.

2.6  Learners have the right to a clean and safe environment conducive to sound education.

2.7  Learners are expected to know the contents of this document.  Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.

2.8  Learners must at all times abide by the rules set out in the Code, whether at school or outside the school grounds.

2.9  Learners have a responsibility to learn and develop their full potential.

2.10      At all times, common sense should prevail.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS WITH RESPECT TO THE CODE

The ultimate responsibility for learners’ behaviour rests with the parents or guardians.  To this end the parents/guardians are required to:

• Sign a document as evidence that they have knowledge of the Code and agree to abide by its content.
• Support the school, require learners to comply with the Code and accept responsibility for any misbehaviour by their children.
• Replace or pay for any property or damage caused through the intentional misuse of property by their children.
• Take an active interest in their children’s schoolwork.
• Ensure their children arrive at school on the first day (or at the latest, within the first week), with all the required books (covered) and stationery.  It is very difficult for teachers to begin teaching if not all the learners are in possession of the required items.  (If BT Books has run out of a particular book, they inform the school).  You are advised to buy these in December, or very early in January, as there are some schools that make use of the same books, and although we order the number required, they are sold on a first-come-first-serve basis.

4. THE LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR THE CONTROL AND DISCIPLINE OF LEARNERS

4.1   The South African School’s Act, Act No. 84 of 1996 section 8(1) empowers the Board of Governors to maintain discipline.

4.2  The Code will be displayed at the school and a copy must be given to each learner.

4.3  Learners must understand that action may be taken against them if they contravene the Code.  The punishment will suit the offence.

4.4  An educator at the school has the same rights as a parent/guardian to control and discipline the learner according to the Code during the time the learner is in attendance at the school i.e. in a classroom, at a school function, on a school excursion or during school-related activities.

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5. BEHAVIOUR GOALS OF THE SCHOOL

The following points form the Code:

5.1   Learners must attend school regularly. (Absentee letters written by parents/doctors’ notes are required in the case of absence from school)

5.2  Learners must be punctual.

5.3  Learners are to treat educators, peers and visitors with dignity and respect.

5.4  Learners must be polite and good manners are expected at all times.

5.5  Learners are expected to be honest and truthful in all matters.

5.6  Learners are expected to work diligently and conscientiously, to complete homework as required, including special projects.  (Projects must be typed)  All work submitted must be the learners’ original work.

5.7  Learners are expected to participate in at least one extra-mural activity per term.

5.8  Learners are to wear the correct uniform at the correct time and in the correct place.  When the school uniform is worn outside of the school, it must also be worn correctly.

5.9  When leaving school and making use of public transport, learners must be fully dressed in uniform (This may be school uniform, or sports uniform BUT at no point may school and sports uniform by combined.)  This rule does not apply on civvies days – so long as the learner does not combine civvies with any part of the uniform.

5.10      Learners should show good sportsmanship.

5.11As the school has been developed for the use of all the learners attending the school, it is the privilege and obligation of every learner to protect and carefully use all the facilities and equipment so that others who come after them can also enjoy the privilege.

5.12      Learners will respect the environment.

5.13      Inappropriate displays of affection are unacceptable.

5.14      Excessive requests to go to the toilet during class time could result in a request from the school for a doctor’s letter.

6. MISCONDUCT – Categories & Disciplinary Measures

Discipline must be maintained in the school and in the classrooms to ensure that the education of learners proceeds without disruptive behaviour and offences.  Its goal is to teach and to lead children to self-discipline.

INCIDENT SLIPS

Incident slips for failure to adhere to ANY of the school rules will be issued by teachers or prefects.  Incident slips will be sent to the HOD, who will administer and keep a record of the demerits issued as a result.

In most cases, a learner will receive a detention after having received 5 demerits.  In some cases, however, a straight detention will be given (depending on the specific incident).

Once a learner has received a 4^th detention, a disciplinary hearing will be held.

Disciplinary hearings may be held sooner, depending on the seriousness of the incident.

Once a learner has been required to attend a first disciplinary hearing, has served the punishment, and continues to break the school rules, further disciplinary action may take place at the discretion of Management.

FAQ