Discipline

Dealing with Discipline Respectfully and Responsibly

Discipline is possibly one of the most widely used terms used in the measurement of schools.  It is also possibly one of the most frequently misunderstood.  Our objective at Somerset House is to assist children in learning to make the right decisions with regard to personal actions and behaviours.  We do so, recognising that children make mistakes and must learn from them in order to grow.  The ability to self-regulate ones behaviour is a valuable attribute. 

We take discipline seriously and are advocates of an environment which is based on mutual respect and responsibility rather than fear.  We believe strongly that if a positive and constructive environment is created in our school, there will be fewer discipline issues to deal with.  Equally, if we deal with discipline issues respectfully and responsibly, our children will learn to respect rules and be responsible in abiding by them.  We therefore emphasise our responsibilities more than our rights.  We emphasise consideration for others in all our actions.

The “Yellow Card” system is used in the prep school which ensures that parents are informed timeously if their child is involved in disciplinary problems as opposed to only finding out at term end.  It also encourages behaviour correction on the part of the child and offers a ‘clean sheet’ at the beginning of each term.  Because the problem behaviours are tracked, it indicates patterns of behaviour, not only of the individual child, but also in the classes or school as a whole.  It has been very successful since introduced in 2008.

At Somerset House we expect:

  • Good manners from all who make up the school community
  • Responsible behaviour
  • Respect for others regardless of differences of appearance, culture, religion, language, opinions of beliefs
  • Respect for school property and the property of others
  • Pride in our school, our grounds, our appearance
  • Children to handle problems in a responsible manner by consulting the relevant staff member leading to a speedy solution