Attitudes:

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We have high expectations at Bethany School for children to display excellent attitudes towards each other, adults, their work, and our property.  We explicitly teach these through our school norms, PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) lessons, prayers, and our general expectations throughout the school day. 

 

Children are expected to demonstrate the utmost respect for this building at all times. Keeping the building clean and tidy, taking care not to cause damage to the building or to school property or personal property and, wherever we can, trying to improve our surroundings, all demonstrate a good attitude to our possessions and our environment.

 

We also teach children to have high levels of self-respect.  We have deliberately chosen not to have a school uniform, and instead encourage children to make wise choices about wearing modest and appropriate clothing, which is simple, sensible, and comfortable.  Footwear needs to be covered (no flip flops) for safety.  Earrings (a single stud or sleeper) can be worn, as can a single ring and wristwatch. Wearing conspicuous make-up (including nail varnish) is not permitted.  One of the many good things at Bethany School is the minimal peer pressure our children feel to be excessively fashion or brand conscious. We want to maintain this happy atmosphere and discourage competition or ill-feeling between the children regarding clothing and possessions. We want to encourage the pupils to be thankful for their God-given individuality, the talents, gifts and abilities which He has given them and to trust Him when they feel their weaknesses.

 

Pupils are expected to care for each other, to be kind and helpful, and to look out for those who might be unhappy and try to include them in what they are doing.  They are encouraged to be very careful about how they speak, as words can be powerful, and to pray for each other.  Physical violence is unacceptable at all times.  Children are also taught to be respectful and courteous to all adults that come to our school.  As we teach children to be kind, helpful and friendly, we encourage them to display these characteristics in order to honour and glorify God.

 

At Bethany School we have high expectations for behaviour at all times. 

 

Praise for good work and behaviour forms the foundation of how we establish a good working atmosphere and communicate our expectations.  Younger classes have specific reward systems in place to provide a visual reinforcement of our expectations.  In the senior department where staff do not see parents as often, an email or a Green Report Sheet may be sent home if a child’s work, behaviour or attitude is particularly commendable.  As a whole school we celebrate particular achievements in work and good attitudes in Friday’s extended ‘Good Work’ assembly. 

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Bethany School norms:

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Norm… What is required, desired or designated as normal. A model, pattern or standard, which is usual, common or typical.

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Bethany School has five 'norms' that clearly set out our expectations for behaviour and attitude. Each year we will report to parents on their child's progress and attainment against these norms.

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Quiet, Gentle and Calm

• Inside the building we should be quiet, gentle and calm. At times there will be no talking. Settling-down at the start of the day and at the start (or end) of any activity (prayers, lessons, lunch) should be automatic.

• When the teacher enters a room pupils should become quiet, looking for the start of the lesson.  A teacher or parent should not have to struggle to get any group to settle down before a lesson begins. There will be times when conversation is encouraged and teachers will announce these.

• Movement around the school must not be rowdy.

 

Politeness, Good Manners and Truth

• A high degree of politeness is expected. For example, speaking to adults, using their names, with a tone, manner and demeanor, which shows respect. Deceit, arguing and off-hand comments are considered disrespectful. Please and thank you can never be worn out. Pupils should always be polite to one another. Exceptional politeness should be shown to guests and visitors.

• Movement around school, eating, drinking and use of language in social situations should be orderly and pleasant. Street culture or television culture is not our norm. Facial expressions and gestures should not be harsh, rude or cruel.

• Telling the truth – it is expected that children (and adults) will tell the truth.

 

Preparation, Work and Rest

• Having all the necessary equipment and work for every lesson. These materials need to be in the right place at the right time.

• Having a teachable spirit enhanced by determined effort, a conscientious approach and a desire for improvement. Homework done on time and to an appropriate standard.

• Wholesome activity, good clean fun, which is not at the expense of others. Sports, crafts, games, reading, conversation. Younger children should be influenced for good.

 

Stewardship, Tidiness and Care

• We keep our desks / drawers / lockers tidy and tables correctly aligned. Litter and waste is placed correctly in the waste/recycling bins. Pupils should get involved in clearing away after activities.

• We look after school equipment  and our own equipment. Deliberate damage to property (including personal property) is considered unacceptable.

• We use resources responsibly. Being deliberately wasteful, causing damage or misusing materials and equipment is unacceptable.

 

Willingly conforming

• Aiming to conform because it is right.

• Desiring success and being disappointed with failure.

• Obedience to legitimate authority should be: without challenge, without delay and without excuse.