We have the highest of expectations regarding the behaviour of pupils at Bridgewater High School. Pupils are encouraged to behave in a positive way through the school ethos which encourages individual responsibility and a respect of each others rights. Posters displaying our expectations are displayed around the school. Pupils are rewarded for good behaviour by Positive Points, letters home and certificates. The number of points that pupils receive is then totalled with pin badges being issued once milestones are achieved. Pupils achieving the highest number of points are taken on reward trips in February and July of each academic Year.
Where pupil behaviour falls below the standards that we would except the school uses a range of strategies. Within a lesson the focus at all times is to de-escalate the poor behaviour so that teaching and learning for all can continue. This will be ensured through verbal warnings or the moving of seats. For more serious and or consistent poor behaviour the pupil will be monitored with realistic targets set to bring about improvement. The school also operates Inclusion facilities to allow learning and progress for all pupils. Should behaviour continue to deteriorate or be a very serious one off incident the school will utilise the most serious sanctions of fixed term and permanent exclusion.
A. Roberts
Behaviour
Arbor
The Arbor app allows parents/carers to track attendance and behaviour (viewing Lesson Scores for each lesson throughout the day, which indicate how well a pupil has engaged/behaved in that lesson).
This letter explains how to log into/use Arbor. We regularly send out invites to any parents/carers who have not yet logged into Arbor but feel free to contact enquiries@bridgewaterhigh.com if you want another invite sending out to you.
Lesson Scores
At Bridgewater we use Lesson Scores every lesson to monitor pupils’ engagement with each lesson.
The use of lesson scores ensures consistency of expectations for pupils and staff.
Pupils start each lesson with a lesson score of 2.
They can be moved to lesson score 1 for outstanding effort/attainment and can be moved to lesson score 3 if misbehaviour is preventing them or others from their learning.
Repeated misbehaviour and/or serious poor behaviour will result in lesson score 4 which at the very least will lead to daily detention.
A lesson score of a 5 (Study Support) is given when pupils do not complete work (classwork or homework) in line with what we would expect from their ability. Pupils placed on a ‘Study Support’ session attend at the end of the day where they are able to catch up and be supported with their work.
A summary of how we award Lesson Scores are shown below (Link to PowerPoint Slide)
A reminder that as Parents/Carers, you can track your child’s lesson scores using the Arbor App.
If you need support in doing this, please see the link below which will take you to a document on how to do this.
We also use our Lesson Scores data to reward pupils using our termly postcards, e-mails home and reporting on a pupils average lesson score as part of our interim reporting.
Punctuality
Good punctuality at school is essential for pupils to achieve their full educational potential. One of our aims here at Bridgewater is to help develop our pupils into well rounded and successful young people and encouraging them to be punctual is an important element of this. When pupils arrive late to school, they not only impact their own learning, but they also disrupt the learning of others. Pupils arriving late disturb the start to lessons, distracting teachers and other pupils from the learning that is taking place. Pupils who miss the start of a lesson are disadvantaged as they miss recap of prior learning and instructions for that lesson. Lost learning time due to lateness is obviously something that we want to avoid. Please ensure that your child therefore arrives at school so that they are present and ready for registration which starts promptly at 8.40am each day.
All pupils are expected to arrive punctually for school in the morning (by 8.35am, ready for their tutor time) and to arrive punctually for each lesson. A register is taken at the start of the day and during each lesson. Pupils arriving late are recorded as thus on the register, along with how many minutes late they are.
Being 10 minutes late every day equates to over 30 hours (approximately 6 days) of learning lost each year.
Procedures for Punctuality
Punctuality to School:-
- Pupils who arrive late to school will be met by a member of Staff and the time at which they arrive will be recorded.
- Parents/Carers will be notified by e-mail of their child’s lateness to school so that you are kept informed.
- Pupils who arrive to school late on a second occasion will receive an e-mail at the end of the school week reminding parents/carers of our expectations.
- If your child has a persistent late record or is extremely late to school, there will be escalating sanctions and you will be asked to meet with appropriate members of school staff so we can agree how to get your child to school on time.
We understand that there are occasions which may cause students to be late that are outside their or their parents/carers control, and we will be receptive if we are contacted about such incidents as quickly as possible. However, these scenarios are few and far between and will not include everyday issues that can be resolved by setting off on the journey to school earlier. A bus being late or a significant incident at home may be considered, and the validity of any reason will be decided by the school.
Did you know?
If a student arrives at school after 9.10am, without an authorised reason they will receive a ‘U’ mark in the register. This means ‘late after register closed’ and the student loses 50% of their attendance percentage for that day (there are two sessions – AM & PM).
Punctuality to Lessons:-
- Pupils are expected to arrive to all their lessons on time.
- Pupils who are late to lesson will be recorded by their teaching member of staff as Late.
- Any pupil arriving late to lesson will serve a 20-minute conduct detention that evening – Parents/carers will be informed via e-mail.
- If your child is persistently arriving late to lessons within the school day, there will be escalating sanctions and you will be asked to meet with appropriate members of school staff to ensure that we can work together to support your child in getting to their lessons on time.
The School’s Support for Good Punctuality
We place a strong emphasis on good punctuality. We support this by:
- Giving sanctions to students who arrive late to school or lessons
- Informing parents, by automated message, if their child arrives late for school
- Senior staff on duty outside the school gates first thing in the morning to encourage students not to loiter and make themselves late
- Staff on duty at lesson changeover times on school site to encourage all students to get to their next lesson quickly and on time
- Addressing issues of poor time keeping with individual students and their parents/carers where appropriate
- Exploring any possible pastoral reasons for lateness to school and/or lessons and providing appropriate support as necessary
We ask parents to support us in maintaining good punctuality by:
- Ensuring that their children get up in plenty of time to be ready and prepared for school
- Ensuring their child has organised their bag and equipment the night before so that this does not delay departure in the morning.
- Discussing any issues of lateness to ensure this does not become a habit
- Monitoring their child’s punctuality record and looking for patterns of lateness
- Taking a proactive approach and communicating with the school if you have any concerns regarding your child’s punctuality,
Pupils Support for Good Punctuality
- Ensuring that you get up in plenty of time to be ready and prepared for school
- Ensuring that you have organised your bag and equipment the night before so that this does not delay departure in the morning.
- Walking to school quickly and with purpose
- Walk straight to your next lessons with purpose and without diversions (No congregating with other pupils)
- Ensuring you know your timetable
Uniform
All students are expected to dress in full school uniform at all times on the premises and whilst travelling to and from school. A high standard of personal appearance is expected of all of our students. Wearing our uniform identifies our students, not only with each other, but also as a member of our school community. It reinforces who we are as a community and helps allow students to feel pride in their school.
Wearing of the school uniform correctly is the responsibility of all members of the school community. All form tutors will check that student uniform is correct at the start of the day and then staff will continue to monitor that standards are being maintained as the day progresses. Students can expect to be challenged if they fail to adhere to the school’s Uniform Policy. Any member of staff (teaching or non-teaching) is empowered to reinforce the expected standards of uniform whilst a student is representing Bridgewater High School, so that any issues can be resolved quickly and effectively.
Uniform non-compliance:
No pupil will be allowed to start their timetabled classes should they not arrive to school in the correct school uniform without a genuine and legitimate reason. Each case will be considered individually but one of the following decisions will be taken, in no particular order:
1. Parents/carers informed and asked to bring the correct item(s) to school so that their child may return to their timetabled lessons.
2. Spare laundered uniform and/or school shoes will be provided when available and pupils will be expected to wear this. If a pupil refuses to wear items of uniform provided by the school, we will impose sanctions according to our behaviour policy.
3. If points 1 or 2 do not rectify the situation then a pupil may be placed into our Internal Isolation. When the correct uniform is being worn the pupil will be allowed to return to their timetabled lessons.
Equipment
At Bridgewater High School, we take your children’s education seriously. We believe that learning readiness is critical to ensuring maximum time in lessons is spent building the skills and knowledge that, through a fantastic education, will contribute to the conversion of their dreams into reality. To ensure that every second, of every minute, of every lesson counts our expectations are that the student has the equipment below with them at the start of every day.
Students should take responsibility for their own equipment and arrive at lessons with all the equipment to participate in the learning.
Form Tutors will start each day with an equipment check and those pupils who are not prepared with regards to the expected equipment (see below) will receive a Personal Development Lesson Score of 3 or 4. Repeated failure to bring the correct equipment may result in further sanctions.
If you are unable to provide the correct equipment for your child please contact their Form Tutor or Head of Year and they will help to ensure that your child has access to the correct equipment in school.
Compulsory Items:-
- Pencil case
- Ruler
- 2 pencils
- 2 Biro Pen Blue/Black
- Rubber
- Highlighters
- Scientific calculator
Desirable Items:-
- Protractor
- Compass
- Colouring pencils
- Spare writing pens
Items of equipment will be available to purchase from the school to ensure that pupils have the correct equipment each day. Pupils will be informed that if they know they do not have the correct equipment, then they have the chance to purchase the necessary items before the morning equipment check.
Anti-Bullying
The full policy is available on the school website under Our Policies. We recommend reading it alongside the Behaviour Policy for a full understanding of how we support a positive school community.
Our school is built on the values of kindness, collaboration and inclusivity. We believe every student — regardless of race, culture, gender, faith, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability — has the right to:
- Feel safe and secure both in school and on the journey to and from school
- Focus on their learning and personal progress without fear or disruption
We actively promote an environment where kindness guides how we treat one another, collaboration helps us work through challenges together, and inclusivity ensures everyone feels respected, valued and able to belong. All members of our community are encouraged to contribute to a caring, supportive and effective atmosphere.
Students are encouraged to speak to a member of staff if they ever feel uncomfortable or if they witness someone else experiencing difficulties. Working collaboratively helps us address concerns quickly and effectively. Please ensure that you or your child lets us know if something is causing unhappiness, as concerns cannot be addressed if we are unaware of them.
Understanding different forms of bullying
Bullying can take many forms. The main types include:
Physical: hitting, kicking, taking belongings
Verbal: name-calling, insults, offensive language, racist, homophobic or sexual remarks
Psychological: spreading rumours, encouraging others to exclude someone, or sending unkind or malicious messages online
Any behaviour involving racial harassment, homophobia or discrimination under the Equality Act is treated as extremely serious, as it goes against our commitment to inclusivity and respect.
How incidents are addressed
All reported incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the Year Team. Responses are guided by our values of kindness, fairness and accountability, and may include one or more of the following, depending on severity:
NB – Any incident of bullying is placed on file
- A sincere apology and restorative conversation
- Detention
- Internal exclusion
- A clear warning about consequences if behaviour continues
- Parents/carers informed of concerns
- Suspension
Students who have experienced bullying will receive appropriate support and reassurance. They are encouraged to speak promptly with their Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year or Tutor if any further concerns arise.
By working together with kindness and openness, we aim to create a school environment where everyone feels safe, respected and included
| Racially motivated language | Racism can be divided in to two types. Casual racism that is not aimed at any specific individual. This could take the format of jokes or ignorant misconceptions of a person’s culture or heritage. Or it can be directed at a specific individual. All forms of racism are unacceptable. This will be highlighted to the students via and explanation of Protected Characteristics which makes discrimination against the law under the Equality Act 2010. |
| LGBTQ and homophobic language | LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning. These terms are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The most common form of homophobic language is ‘that’s so gay’ and ‘you’re so gay’. Many gay people report hearing the casual use of these phrases across the UK. These comments are sometimes directed towards people who are actually, or perceived to be, gay. However, they are most often used to mean that something is bad or rubbish, with no conscious link to sexual orientation at all. A pupil might say ‘those trainers are so gay’ (to mean rubbish or uncool) or ‘stop being so gay’ (to mean stop being so annoying). This will be highlighted to the students via and explanation of Protected Characteristics which makes discrimination against the law under the Equality Act 2010. |
| Disability | Children and young people with a learning disability can experience bullying in UK schools, singled out for being seen as different. This could be things like: speaking or moving differently Bridgewater High School has a designated provision for autism and area of school life that is accepted as regular part of the school. These students can often stand out and can appear to be different from other students. This will be highlighted to the students via and explanation of Protected Characteristics which makes discrimination against the law under the Equality Act 2010. |
Bridgewater High School has a zero tolerance approach to bullying of all kinds. We believe that it is the right of every pupil and every staff member to work in a positive and safe environment and that it is the responsibility of everyone to make sure that this happens. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to report concerns about bullying, Bridgewater uses both the CEOP reporting system for online abuse (see the button on our homepage) and also accepts emails to the address tellus@bridgewaterhigh.com. Concerns can be reported with contact details or anonymously. Any issues reported via tellus will be dealt with by our pastoral team as soon as possible.
