Page 39 - Handbook for House Staff Aug2024

Bullying
See the Anti-bullying policy. House staff must read this policy and associated guidance and be familiar with the content. Never believe that bullying will not happen in your House and always ensure that you follow the procedures carefully. The consequences of bullying can be horrendous and it must always be dealt with.
Keep a close eye on behaviour just after lunch, break times, or straight after supper as this is a prime time for activities, such as ‘birthday showering’ ‘ripping pockets’ to take place.
Never forget that you have a legal obligation to report bullying, to follow agreed College procedure (inform Penny Bijl, penny.bijl@malverncollege.org.uk, x609, Designated Safeguarding Lead), and do everything in your power to mitigate the effects of bullying. The DSL must be involved early on – see the policy. We must be aware that self-harming and suicide can result from bullying. Pupils have been expelled from Malvern for long-term and/or severe bullying.
Chapel
Chapel is compulsory for all pupils. Belonging to other religious beliefs does not preclude anyone from attending Chapel and this
is made clear to parents and pupils when they join the College. Pupils on examination study leave may miss weekday chapels but are expected to attend the Saturday service as usual. See Notices (appendix 17) re Upper Sixth Chapel Attendance in the Summer term. Internal examinations do not preclude pupils from attending Chapel.
Co-Curricular / Super Curriculum Activities
There are a vast number of CCA and Super Curriculum activities for pupils to choose from. Please watch that pupils do not over- burden themselves but also keep an eye on those who might wish to duck them as far as possible. There is a CCA report card that might prove useful if you find that you have some pupils trying to avoid CCA (see Appendix Thirteen). Academic tutors should keep an eye on which CCAs individuals are doing. Check at Saturday lunch to make sure that everyone is busy for the afternoon.
Complaints
Complaints made by pupils or parents to House staff should be recorded on the House TEAM. The complaint should be dealt with within 5 working days, if practicable. The complaints page will be reviewed regularly by DHP or his assistant. Please be aware that if informal resolution of the complaint cannot be made, the College’s Complaints Procedure stipulates that parents should put their complaint in writing to the Headmaster. Hopefully it won’t come to that! See the “College Complaints Procedures for Parents Policy” and the “Pupil Complaints Policy” for further information (on the College website under School Policies).
Cwm Llwch Weekends
These are wonderful, if properly organized, especially for the Lower Sixth Formers to get to know the younger years. The best weekends are booked well in advance so check availability quickly with General Office - Jay Watts (Outdoor Pursuits) will also let you know what you will need to take with you and where to get what you need!
Try to get your tutors to take your House. You may, of course wish to go yourself, but make sure you arrange proper cover for the House with your Deputy. Alternatively your Deputy may wish to go in your place. You will have to charge the pupils for the cost of travel (normally via our school minibuses) and using the cottage. House funds might be able to pay towards some of it.
Leave the cottage as you wish to find it.
N.B. Health and safety – you will need to complete risk assessment etc and give it to John Cox (EVC). The pupils MAY NOT GO BEYOND the lake without a recognized leader. See the Educational Visits in Sharepoint.
Daily Misdemeanours
There are a number of frequently occurring daily misdemeanours that HouseMs have agreed standardized sanctions for. Please see the “Promoting Good Behaviour and Discipline Policy”. All punishments must be recorded. House-based punishments should be recorded on ISAMS. The DHP and Head of Lower School are responsible for gating pupils.
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