Behaviour for Learning

At The Howard, we want all our students to get the very best out of the learning opportunities that we can offer.  We have therefore agreed upon the following points that each student can expect in every lesson they attend in school.  These are what we expect from students and are the basis of the good behaviour that is essential for us to be able to teach students and for students to learn properly:

• As you arrive for lessons on time, the teacher will greet you at the door and check your uniform as you enter. You are expected to wear your uniform smartly at all times.  An orderly and punctual start to the lesson is essential for you to learn effectively.
   
• The teacher will decide on a seating plan, which will normally be boy/girl. This seating plan will be the same for that subject every lesson.   It is important that you sit in this seating plan as you often learn best when you are sitting away from your friends and able to concentrate on your own work.
   
• On entering the classroom, stand behind your chair and sit down when invited to do so by the teacher.  Showing good manners throughout the lesson creates an orderly environment in which you will be able to learn effectively.
   
• If you need to leave the lesson for an important reason, you will need to ask the teacher’s permission. If the teacher allows you to leave the classroom, you will be given a card with the teacher’s name on.   It is important that leaving the classroom during a lesson is kept to a minimum as it can be very disruptive to your learning.
   
• Teachers will do everything possible to be fair to everyone in the way that they give out rewards and apply sanctions.  If you show fairness and respect to teachers, they will show the same to you.
   
• When you enter the classroom, place your planner on your desk so that it is available to make notes in during the lesson.  The planner is a very useful tool to help your learning, organise your work and to make sure you keep to deadlines.
   
• At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher will share the lesson objectives with the class.   This will help you to understand why you are completing certain tasks during the lesson.
   
• At various points during the lesson, the teacher will put aside some time to look back over what you have learnt and ensure that you understand it (the plenary).   This is helpful in making you understand what you have learned, how it fits in with the rest of your work and to correct any misunderstandings.
   
• At the end of the lesson, you need to pack away when the teacher asks you to and stand behind your chair until dismissed. At this point, your uniform will be checked again.  A well-ordered end to the lesson ensures that you are ready to move onto the rest of your learning.