The Alice Smith School has been welcoming new students since 1946.  From that time onwards, it has earned a well deserved reputation for being a warm and caring community, where students can settle quickly and move forward to develop their individual strengths and abilities.  Equally, it is a challenging place in which everyone is encouraged both to enjoy their education and to give of their best in all things.

However, when you are a newcomer to a school, things are not always easy and, even for established students, returning at the beginning of the school year can seem difficult.  If you do have any problems, we will help you to overcome them and we hope that you will soon build the confidence to reach for your ambitions and feel secure and content within your environment.  We know that your happiness and self-esteem are essential both to successful learning and personal development, and our goal is to ensure that these things take place.

The Social Code plays an important part in helping us to help you.  It has been created by student, teacher, parent and governor representatives who have come together to provide you with a clear set of guidelines for living and working positively within the school community.  If you read and understand what follows, we feel confident that you will have been given a strong foundation upon which to build a successful future at Alice Smith because you will begin to understand what we are all about and what our aims and expectations are.  So, make a good start.  Read on ......

This statement has been put forward by the School Council who represent the opinion of the student body as a whole.  As such, it is amongst the most important declarations in this document as it outlines the social values of your peers within the context of the school.  It is fitting, therefore, that these views come first in this booklet.

In fulfilling this mission and to reflect the school motto, the primary aims of the school are to

• promote personal excellence in academic, physical and aesthetic achievement
• develop individuals as responsible, reflective, caring and confident members of society

Implicit within these aims are the values of the Alice Smith community as defined in the statements that follow.
Upholding these values is the corporate responsibility of the students, staff and families of the school and should be inculcated in everything that we do, say, accept, tolerate or forbid.

At the Alice Smith School we aim to:

Develop "Citizenship" through individual contributions and through community interaction

At the Alice Smith School we value:

• the development of the potential of the individual so that they are:
  • responsible
  • caring, compassionate and courteous
  • confident with high self-esteem
  • academically fulfilled
  • eager to maximise the breadth of opportunities life offers.
• the enjoyment of a mutual respect with fellow students, teaching and ancillary staff and the parent body
• the provision of an environment where students find fulfilling friendships and no enemies
• a sense of identification with the Alice Smith School community and the values of that community
• an appreciation of and a tolerance and care towards our multicultural society, other cultures and the wider community.
• an appreciation and care for the environment, school, community and global.

Ourselves

“We value ourselves as unique human beings capable of developing our
potential academically, physically, aesthetically and morally.”

On the basis of this, we should :

• develop an understanding of our own characters, strengths and weaknesses
• develop confidence, self-respect, self-esteem and self-discipline
• make responsible use of our talents, rights and opportunities
• demonstrate a commitment to the values of the Alice Smith School community; be a “good citizen”,
• develop leadership qualities and a willingness to take responsibility
• have a sense of and take a pride in our achievements
• display a willingness to broaden our experiences and develop our skills
• strive for academic and non-academic fulfilment, wisdom, knowledge and understanding
• display an enthusiasm for learning and the initiative to aid our own learning
• develop a positive work ethic and organisational skills
• display a high level of attendance
• collaborate co-operatively with others
• aspire to achieving the highest possible levels of attainment
• display a willingness to listen to the views of others and the ability to put forward one’s own ideas in an appropriate manner
• enjoy a full life and broad extra-curricular programme
• recognise our achievements in non-academic pursuits and take pride in them
• pursue a healthy lifestyle, making informed judgements on issues such as diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol, sex, drugs etc
• take a pride in our own appearance and conduct
• dress appropriately for school related activities
• be courteous towards fellow students, staff, parents and visitors, demonstrating good manners and sportsmanship.

Relationships

“We value relationships as fundamental to the development and fulfilment of others and ourselves.

On the basis of this, we should:

• foster relationships based on care, trust, affection and respect
• respect others and enjoy mutual respect with fellow students, teaching and ancillary staff, parents and visitors to the school
• demonstrate to others that they are valued and recognise their achievements
• work co-operatively with others
• oppose and display a distaste for discrimination of any kind
• display a distaste for anti-social behaviour such as bullying and swearing
• play a role in supporting newcomers to the school
• listen to others sympathetically and voice our opinions appropriately
• resolve disputes peacefully
  

Community / Society

“We value truth, freedom, justice, human rights, the rule of law and collective effort for the common good.  We recognise the importance of The Alice Smith School values, the support we give each other and the care we display towards others.”

On the basis of this, we should :

• contribute to a purposeful, dynamic, warm and caring community
• develop an understanding of and carry out our responsibilities as citizens
• refuse to support values or actions that may be harmful to individuals or the community
• respect the privacy of others
• support and care for our families and others within the community, especially those who experience difficulty
• help members of the community  to know about the law and legal process
• respect the rule of law and encourage others to do so
• contribute towards good systems of communication
• respect the fabric of the school and help to improve the school environment
• support school events and demonstrate team spirit
• display pride in our school, our House and our friends
• develop a sense of belonging, and strategies for coping with change and the problems associated with living in a transient society.

"We value an appreciation of and a tolerance and care towards our multicultural society, other cultures and the wider community."

On the basis of this we should :

• display an interest in learning about other and avoid offending others’ sense of decency
• develop an understanding and appreciation of Malaysian culture
• refuse to support values or actions that may be harmful to other communities
• appreciate that we have a role to play in the wider / global community
• develop an understanding of global issues and current affairs – religious, cultural, political, environmental, economic and social
• develop a  caring attitude and an awareness of the plight of those less fortunate than us and attempt to make a difference through charity initiatives
• actively participate in the outside community and make use of that community as a resource.
  

The students at the Alice Smith School believe that the whole community should aim to

• create a welcoming and friendly environment
• have self-respect and confidence in our actions
• take pride in our school and collective responsibility for the well-being of its members
• promote fairness, co-operation and trust
• appreciate and respect the beliefs and practices of every individual
• work hard and make the most of our time.

We are opposed to:

• any form of bullying or intimidation
• dishonesty which includes theft of others' possessions
• discrimination or behaviour designed to make others feel excluded or uncomfortable
• all actions which cause damage to the school environment or the property of others.

The teachers at Alice Smith School are committed to ensuring that every student works to the best of his or her ability in all subject areas.  Our aim is to help you to enjoy studying and to produce work of which you can be proud.  We want all of you to have a sense of personal achievement and to make as much progress as you can.

Reaching these goals requires a partnership.  Effective teachers need thinking students who are prepared to work with determination and energy.  Co-operation and commitment are at the centre of a good teacher - pupil relationship.  Together, we can get it right!

What follows are some very important guidelines to successful study.  Read them carefully and try to remember them.  They are the key to a fulfilling programme of work and a rewarding education.

• Pack your bag with the necessary equipment the night before school.
• Make sure you always have the right equipment for your lessons.
• Be punctual and reliable.
• Listen carefully to what your teachers tell you and try to act on their advice.
• Make a contribution to the lesson.  Be involved.
• Be considerate and work co-operatively with others.
• Present your work properly and as neatly as you can.
• Take care that your work is completed and handed in as required.  Deadlines should always be met.
• Organise your free time.  Make sure that you have set enough time aside to do your homework.  Don’t leave things until the last minute.
• Take responsibility for your own education and be proud of your achievements.

It is not always possible to get all of these things right all of the time but do your best.  We cannot ask for more than that.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

It is important that all personal possessions are kept securely in your locker at all times.  School cannot accept responsibility for the loss of personal items including telephones and audio equipment.  Bags must not be left around the school at any time.  Unattended bags will be removed.  Bags may be recovered from Mr Lazaroo’s office.

Referral takes place when a student either cannot cope with the work being set or is consistently failing to reach his or her own potential level of attainment.  When this happens a chain of communication and action begins which we call the referral system.  The purpose of this system is to try to find a solution to the student’s problem.  The channels of referral work are:

As soon as the student is able to work properly and effectively again the process of referral stops.  In fact it is usually unnecessary for a problem to be passed all the way down the line through to the Principal.  In extreme cases a Council Disciplinary Panel may be convened.  Effectively, referral means that other people come to know of the problem and will play a part in helping to overcome it.  Very often, the only people concerned are the subject teacher and tutor.  Only if the problem becomes serious, do others get involved. Of course, your parents also have a right to know if your work is causing concern and the school will often communicate with them to help find a successful answer to the situation as quickly as possible.  Equally, parents should initially contact the subject teacher or form tutor with specific concerns.

The most important point about all of this is that the referral system is there to assist you and has your best interests at its heart.  This may not always seem to be the case, especially when getting you back on track again may involve things like setting extra work or requiring that tasks be repeated, and so on.  However, the aim is not to punish but to help and support the student.  If things go wrong, we want to put them right again.

STUDENT WELFARE

A vital part of our education is non-academic.  It is about understanding what we are and the world we live in.  It is about finding a positive identity for ourselves and learning to exist within the community with tolerance and respect for others.

This learning process is not always an easy one and sometimes help and advice is needed. For this reason all the staff at the school have a responsibility to give personal and social guidance to students or, in other words, to provide student welfare support.

If you have a problem, don’t hesitate to share it with one of your teachers.  We all experience personal difficulties sometimes and talking them through often helps.

Should the need arise, it is usually best to choose someone who you know well and feel able to speak to freely.  This could be any member of staff but most often it will be your tutor.

THE ROLE OF THE TUTOR

The tutor’s role is to look after the personal and academic welfare of every member of the tutor group.  Their aim is to get to know you well and to give you encouragement and support in all areas of your school life.  If things are going wrong for you, they will play an active part in trying to put them right.  If things are going well, they will be pleased and proud of your achievements.  Above all, your tutor will take a particular interest in you and what you do and they will be at the front line of communication with yourself, your teachers and your parents.  Value your tutors as they value you.  They are there to help.

The secondary school enjoys the services of a qualified and experienced counsellor, who is in school on a part-time basis.  Students who wish to discuss any issues with the counsellor on a confidential basis can either contact the counsellor directly or ask a teacher to make an appointment for him/her.

Further information of the service offered is available from the school.

What follows is a statement made by the Student Council.  It explains who the members of the Council are, how it works and what it does.

“Each class at the campus elects a representative to be a member of the Council for one year.  The Council elect their own chairman from amongst their members and a member of staff attends meetings as the Council Secretary.

The Student Council is the voice of the students.  Your representative can raise and discuss issues on behalf of you and your class.  Ideas accepted by the Council can then be passed on to the Principal and other Senior Managers via the Council Secretary for further discussion or action.  The Student Council may, as representatives of the student body, be approached on issues where a student viewpoint is required on certain issues.  This is valued by staff and management as it offers a student perspective on matters which directly relate to you.

Here is your opportunity to influence some aspects of the organisation of the school and make changes that are aimed to improve the quality of your time here.”

Make full use of the Student Council.  It is very positive as a means of communication and understanding between all persons at Alice Smith.

Every student at Alice Smith belongs to one of its four houses:  Fleming (red), Fairfield (blue), Muir (yellow) and Scott (green).  These houses have two main functions.  They represent four separate groups which compete against each other in events such as Sports’ Day, inter-house quizzes and so on.  Of course, this is all done in good spirit and the chief purpose of the house system in this sense is to create intra-school challenges and competition.

They also have another equally important role to play.  Each house has a special responsibility to form links with the community at large.  They might, for instance, put together an  assembly to  which  they  invite  visiting  speakers or  groups of outside contributors.  They also organise fund-raising events raise money for charity.  In effect, this is one area of school life in which the specific aim is to look outside our immediate environment and to see what we can learn about or contribute to the lives of others.

Students in the Sixth Form can apply to be prefects.  They submit a letter of application and are interviewed by senior members of staff.  The students who are chosen are thought to have certain distinguishing qualities.  For instance, they should have a strong sense of responsibility and be able to use their own initiative.  They should also be willing to get involved in things and have a genuine interest in supporting the school and their fellow students.  Above all, they should be caring, honest people who earn the respect of others through their actions.

The function of the prefect is not to hold any kind of power or authority over other students.  They will be given certain responsibilities and they may be called upon to help the school in a range of different ways.  Nevertheless, they will not be given any special privileges in return. Their prefect status will be recorded in references and other documentation but no more than that.  In fact, the greatest reward for being a prefect is the special public recognition that they are a trusted and respected member of the school community.

There are many highly valued students at our school and not all of them will become a prefect.  However, on the whole, prefects are chosen because they are worthy representatives of the rest of the community and as such they are a clear reflection on all of us.  Remember, they are selected members of Alice Smith School and they stand for the success of everyone.

Teacher/student relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.  Students who fail to comply with the Social Code or who conduct themselves inappropriately, including during school organised visits and activities out of school, must face the consequences of their actions.

Sanctions for Misbehaviour

If an incident occurs involving the misbehaviour of a student, the parents of that student will be informed and, where appropriate, invited into school to discuss the matter in person.

Incidents of inappropriate conduct may involve sanctions. These can include:

• Detention at break, lunchtime or after school
• A removal of privileges such as participation in activities, representing the school in sports, concerts, visits
• A task to be completed for the benefit of the school community

Repeated minor offences may be treated as a serious breach of discipline.

Procedure in the event of a Serious Breach of Discipline

A serious breach of discipline could include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Possession of or access to pornography
• Bullying in any form
• Insubordination to any member of staff
• Serious misbehaviour, violence, threatening behaviour or abusive language to any member of the school community
• Theft or vandalism
• Smoking
• Truancy

Illegal Drugs

The possession of illegal drugs in any form is considered to be a serious breach of discipline.  Police may be informed.  Please refer to the separate drugs policy.

Pornography

The possession of or access to pornographic material in any medium, as defined in Malaysian law, is considered to be a serious breach of discipline.

We hope that you have read this booklet carefully and found it useful. As a final point, we would like to emphasise that achievement is based not only on ability but also on confidence and an inner sense of well being. We trust you will find these things at Alice Smith School.