DISCIPLINE CODE

The Reddam House philosophy is structured to create a sense of freedom within which individuality is encouraged, personal growth and self-confidence promoted and freedom of expression encouraged. The extent of the freedom is defined by the Discipline Code, and the responsibility is placed on the student to enjoy the freedom within the parameters of this Code. Reddam House offers education without fear. The Discipline Code is a partnership between Reddam House, parents and students. This code is applicable whilst students are on the school's premises, at school functions or on any occasion where they are identifiable as Reddam House students.

DEBITS, CREDITS AND DEMERITS

Contravention of the Discipline Code will result in the awarding of debits and demerits.
Four debits = One demerit ) In any one
Three demerits = One week suspension ) calendar
One further debit = Permanent dismissal ) year.

A system of positive discipline is implemented whereby students can earn credits and in so doing strive to erase previous debits. Students who obtain four debits will be eligible for a demerit. Students who achieve four credits can erase four previous debits obtained.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISCIPLINE CODE

A. THE AWARDING OF DEBITS

The commitment of Reddam House is to facilitate the all-rounded growth of each student to his or her maximum potential. To this end we expect students to be motivated academically, on the sports field and during cultural activities.

Any hindrance of this process such as homework not done, not preparing sufficiently for tests and examinations, arriving late for class repeatedly, not paying sufficient attention in class may lead to a debit. Items (e.g. improper jewellery) may with withheld from students should this become necessary.

  1. THE AWARDING OF DEMERITS
  1. BEHAVIOUR

We expect students to:

  1. Be courteous and well mannered at all times.
  2. Greet teachers and visitors.
  3. Respect teachers, fellow students and the wider community.
  4. Refrain from the use of foul language.
  5. Not disrupt school routine.
  6. Be punctual at all times.
  7. Refrain from unruly behaviour and rough play.
  8. Not bring the school into disrepute.
  9. Conform to the Computer and Sports Discipline Codes.
  10. Not crib or cheat in tests, examinations or other schoolwork.
  11. College students may not switch cellular phones on during lessons.
  12. No cellular phones are permitted in the Prep School.

Contravention of the above may lead to three demerits

  1. APPEARANCE

 Personal pride is reflected in the student's behaviour, attitudes and attire.

  1. Every student from Grade 4 to Grade 12 must wear the official school blazer, as and when required by the School.
  2. Students are required to dress in accordance with the uniform stipulated.
  3. Boys must be clean-shaven.
  4. Students may not wear make-up.
  5. Hair must be neat, tidy and appropriately styled. Male students are required to keep hair cut as required by the School.
  6. No jewellery other than one earring (sleeper or stud) per lower earlobe may be worn by female students.
  7. Male students are not allowed to wear jewellery.

Contravention of the above may lead to one demerit

  1. VICTIMIZATION

A vital aspect of our philosophy is the principle of mutual respect. Within this framework we will not tolerate any form of:

  1. Verbal abuse
  2. Racism
  3. Religious discrimination
  4. Intimidation
  5. Fighting, assault or bullying ( Please refer to the Reddam House Anti-Bullying Policy)

The above may lead to three demerits and/or immediate suspension and/or counselling intended to increase the student's awareness of human rights.

  1. TRUANCY 

Absence from school or lessons without valid permission is not tolerated.

The above may lead to two demerits 

  1. VANDALISM

This includes the defacing or damaging of school property and/or private property. Any vandalism will be for the account of the perpetrator.

The above may lead to three demerits

  1. THEFT 

Theft is a criminal offence and any students found to be involved in, or an accomplice to, an act of theft, will be severely disciplined.

The above may lead to three demerits

  1. PORNOGRAPHY 

Students accessing or in possession of uncensored pornographic material whether accessed through the Internet or any other manner is unacceptable.

The above may lead to three demerits

  1. ALCOHOL AND SMOKING TOBACCO

This School does not believe that smoking or drinking alcohol are student activities.

If a student is found to be in the act of, in possession of, or an accomplice to, smoking or drinking alcohol he/she will be awarded three demerits and an immediate suspension.

  1. DRUGS 

Reddam House will not tolerate any association with drugs.

In the interest of safeguarding all students against possible drug use, random testing for drug use may be conducted.

Any student found to be in possession of drugs, using or being an accomplice to those using drugs, would be immediately dismissed. Prosecution and a possible criminal record may follow.

  1. DANGEROUS WEAPONS 

It is totally against school policy for any student to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or toys that can cause bodily injury.

Any student found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or a toy that can cause bodily injury on the school property, would be severely dealt with. A possible criminal record may follow.

The above may lead to three demerits 

  1. THE AWARDING OF CREDITS 

In recognition of positive effort, attitude and endeavours, as defined by the Headmaster/Headmistress from time to time, credits are earned with the value to cancel a debit.  

D. SUSPENSIONS AND DISMISSALS

A student is suspended for one week from Reddam House on receipt of three demerits in a calendar year. There will be no refund of school fees. The student will assume responsibility for the missed work. After returning to school an offence worthy of a debit will result in instant dismissal of that student and that term's fees will be forfeited.

At the start of each New Year, all debits, credits and demerits are cancelled.

Only the Headmaster/Headmistress may impose demerits.

E. DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE TO RESOLVE DISPUTES

At the discretion of the Headmaster/Headmistress, a Disciplinary Committee consisting of two teachers and two Heads of the Student Executive may be convened in areas of doubt or dispute.

Certain offences, such as drug abuse, will bypass the suspension process and will result in immediate dismissal. 

F. STUDENT COUNCILS

Two councils are elected to office democratically via secret ballot by the student body at Reddam House. Grade 12 College students elect a Senior Executive Council with two Executive Heads. Grade 7 students in the Preparatory School elect a Junior Executive Council with two Executive Heads. 

G. GENERAL 

All students are bound by the rules and regulations as laid out in the Discipline Code. Reddam House reserves the right to discipline, suspend or expel any student at any time, whose behaviour is in contravention of this Code.