Page 15 - Handbook for House Staff

Start-of-term pupil briefing – Autumn Term 2023
HouseMs should brief all pupils on this document at the start of each term (the latest version is sent at the start of each term by the Deputy Head Pastoral). Please share with pupils who are absent (e.g. late joiners). Please also display on House noticeboards.
The following list is a reminder of some of the main rules and expectations of being at Malvern College. This is not meant as a comprehensive and exhaustive list (please see the Guide to Malvern College for full details) but it is intended to draw your attention to some important issues:
1. Racist, homophobic and sexist language is totally unacceptable in any context. Sexual harassment and sexual violence of any form is against the law and will not be tolerated. You need to be aware that legal guidance to schools on this is becoming a lot stricter. Sexual harassment can include: making inappropriate jokes or comments, sending unwanted images and inappropriate physical contact.
2. All medication and passports must be handed in
3. Bullying and cyber-bullying. The College does not tolerate bullying in any form. Initiation/hazing type violence and rituals are
strictly forbidden. Pupils should always speak to a trusted adult if they know that bullying is taking place.
4. Possession and use of a fake ID is treated very seriously, not only by Malvern College rules but also by the police and UK law. There can be serious legal consequences both for the pupil and for the establishment selling the alcohol or tobacco.
5. Lower School pupils must hand any second phones into House staff for safe-keeping. There are clear sanctions for Lower School pupils found using an illicit second phone.
6. Pupils must not bring alcohol into school or drink alcohol. Alcoholic spirits in particular (such as vodka and rum etc.) can be dangerous and will lead to rustication. There are times and occasions where Sixth Form pupils are allowed to drink alcohol under supervised conditions. These privileges must not be abused.
7. Smoking and possession of smoking-related materials, including vaping, is against the school rules. People associating with smokers will be treated the same as smokers. The school rules for vaping are the same as those for smoking.
8. Pupils must not use drugs or bring drugs, or the effects of drugs, into school. This applies to all classes of drugs, including what were previously known as ‘legal highs’. Any pupil involved with drugs or bringing the effects of drugs into school can expect extremely serious consequences.
9. Violence. The school does not tolerate violent behaviour and any acts of violence or physical altercation will be treated extremely seriously.
10. Initiation ceremonies of any form are not acceptable
11. The school’s computer network is in place for our safety and protection. Any interference with the school network or attempts to bypass the school security systems will be taken very seriously. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are not allowed in school and lead to serious sanctions. If you need help with removing your VPNs or If you are in any doubt, please go to the IT Department in the first week of term and you will not get into trouble. Please also remember that what goes online stays online and can have serious consequences for you in the future. The ICT office and Mr Thomas (e-Safety Officer) are here to help with any queries.
12. Pupils are not allowed to buy or sell things in school, except with the explicit permission of the HouseM.
13. Sexual contact and relationships are not allowed in College. You must be aware that sexual activity may result in you losing your place at the College. Pupils should not enter the room of another pupil in a different House (except with express permission from the House staff). Any pupil found in the room of a pupil from another House can expect serious disciplinary consequences.
14. Academic honesty. Any instance of a pupil copying work from another pupil or the internet or attempting to present others’ research as his/her own will be sanctioned severely. Discussing a piece of work with someone else does not constitute academic dishonesty. However, pupils must not ask to see someone else’s work and then copy part or all of it and present it as their own work.
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