The aim of the Code of Conduct is to indicate the School’s expectations of civilised behaviour in the belief that good manners provide the foundation on which a happy community is built.
Main Principles
- Members of the Arnold House community are encouraged to show respect, good manners and consideration for others.
- Members of the community are encouraged to safeguard the interests and well-being of others.
- Members of the community should encourage the academic, personal and social development of pupils.
- Communication between and amongst the different elements of the community - boys, staff and parents – should be open, honest and tolerant.
- In all situations, members of the community should exercise common sense.
- If there were only one principle delineated in the Code of Conduct, it would be: “Do as you would be done by.”
Boy’s Behaviour
Boys are expected to be courteous at all times to everyone they meet with some particular guidance below:
The Social Graces
“Please” and “thank you” are two of the most important phrases in the language so we encourage you to always use them and never forget them; Ingratitude is unattractive.
Greet people. Smile. Be welcoming. Use people's names or title when addressing them. “Are you looking for someone Sir?” “May I help you, Mrs Atkins?”
Allow adults to pass before you through doorways, holding doors open for other people, looking ahead when walking down corridors, on pavements and indeed in any place in which other people are moving about.
Be prepared to make conversation, showing interest in others, asking questions of them; “How are you?” “What did you do at the weekend?”
Stand up quietly when visitors enter your classroom.
When talking to other people, keep your hands out of your pockets, keep eye contact and speak clearly.
Dress and Personal Appearance
There is nothing wrong in taking pride in our appearance with the standard of dress and people who are neatly turned out, immediately creating a good impression; correctly worn uniform is always preferable to dirty or unpolished shoes, shirt tails hanging out, uncombed hair and dirty hands.
Boys in Arnold House uniform outside school should always remember that they are ambassadors of the school and that they will be judged on their behaviour and standard of dress.
Punctuality
Punctuality has been described as “the courtesy of kings” and being on time shows respect and consideration for other people.
Apology
It should not be hard to say “I am sorry”. A sincere apology nearly always defuses a possible confrontation and calls for personal honesty and humility.
Kindness and Helpfulness
If you keep your eyes and ears open, there will be many occasions every day when you can help others. The most helpful and kindest people are those who do not wait to be asked. “One volunteer is worth ten pressed men” as they used to say in Nelson's Navy.
Honesty
A good, happy school should be able to operate in an atmosphere of trust, so if something goes wrong, if an unkind or dishonest act occurs, if a rule is deliberately broken, or an honest mistake made, 'own up' as honesty is always the best policy.
Tolerance and Consideration
We must accept differences in people and to be respectful of their views, culture and belief. Bad language, bad temper and intolerance are offensive and unacceptable..
Conclusion
Good behaviour and courtesy are learnt by example and staff and parents have a great responsibility in setting a good example for the young to follow.
With mutual respect and tolerance between staff, boys and parents we ensure that the school ethos is maintained.