Page 16 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

Start-of-term Pupil Briefing – Autumn Term 2024
The following list is a reminder of some of the main rules and expectations of being at Malvern College:
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. Bullying and cyber-bullying. The College does not tolerate bullying in any form. Initiation/hazing type rituals are strictly forbidden. Pupils should always speak to a trusted adult if they know that bullying is taking place.
3. Pupils must not bring alcohol into school or drink alcohol. Alcoholic spirits in particular 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.
4. Smoking and possession of smoking-related materials, including vaping, is against the school rules. If you need support, please visit the Medical Centre; the nurse manager is trained in vaping cessation.
5. 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. If help is needed, please speak with a trusted adult.
6. Violence. The school does not tolerate violent behaviour. Any acts of violence or physical altercation will be treated extremely seriously.
7. Sexual contact is not allowed in College. You must be aware that sexual activity may result in you losing your place at the College.
8. Pupils must not enter the room of another pupil in a different House unless they have express permission from the House staff.
9. 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.
10. Pupils are not allowed to buy or sell things in school, except with the explicit permission of the HouseM.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Academic honesty. Pupils must not copy work from another pupil or the internet or attempt to present others’ research as his/her own. 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.
14. Attendance at CCAs. The extensive Co-Curricular Programme is an important part of a Malvern education. Staff take registers. If you cannot attend a scheduled CCA you must request permission from the staff member involved.
15. School rules apply when travelling to and from school and they may apply during Leave Outs, Half Terms and Holidays in some serious circumstances. Pupils should be aware that some serious misdemeanours (e.g. breaking the law) during school holidays may be dealt with by the College, especially if detrimental to College life.
16. All medication and passports must be handed in.
17. Large sums of money must not be kept in House. Cash pocket money up to £100 can be handed into the duty room for safe keeping. Sums above £100 should be paid into UK bank accounts at the earliest opportunity.
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