Mobile phones policy

1. Possession of Mobile Phones:

Mobile phones are allowed on school premises but must be turned off whilst on school premises.

School Premises is defined as the gates on the way in and out of the Student Entrance by Student Information Centre (SIC) or Reception.

Students must keep their mobile phones in their bags or lockers when not in use during class hours.

2. Classroom Use:

Mobile phones should not be used in classrooms unless specifically directed by the teacher for educational purposes.

Students are not allowed to take calls or send text messages during lessons or anywhere on the school site.

This is the same for the 6^th Form as for the Main School.

3. Photos and Videos:

Taking photos or videos on school premises without permission is strictly prohibited.

Any use of phones to invade the privacy of others is unacceptable.

4. Use of Headphones:

Headphones are not allowed to be in use or stuck in ears and should not be used during lessons unless instructed by the teacher.

5. Emergencies:

In case of absolute emergencies, students may use their mobile phones discreetly, and only with explicit permission from a teacher or staff member. For other lesson urgent but perhaps necessary phone calls, pupils can ask to use the phones in SIC.

Consequences for Violations:

1. First Offence:

Verbal warning and the mobile phone will be confiscated until the end of the school day. The teacher will bring the phone to Ms. Kasicki who will log it and keep it locked in the lock box. The pupil should then collect it from Ms. Kasicki in SIC at 3.30pm.

Parents will be informed of this via email.

If a pupil openly defies the instruction to hand over the phone, they automatically face a day of in-school exclusion in the Reflection Room.

2. Second Offence: (A repeat of consequences for First Offence)

Verbal warning and the mobile phone will be confiscated until the end of the school day. The teacher will bring the phone to Ms. Kasicki who will log it and keep it locked in the lock box. The pupil should then collect it from Ms. Kasicki in SIC at 3.30pm.

Parents informed by email that this is now the second occasion, reminded of the rationale and logic behind the school’s policy, signing of the school contract, and informed that if it should happen on a third occasion, the student will receive an hour detention and not be able to collect it until the end of the next school day. The school sincerely wishes to avoid this waste of everyone’s time.

If a pupil openly defies the instruction to hand over the phone, they automatically face a day of in-school exclusion in the Reflection Room.

3. Third Offence:

Phone confiscated. until the end of the next school day. The teacher will bring the phone to Ms. Kasicki who will log it and keep it locked in the lock box and inform the pupil’s Head of Year. The pupil should then collect it from Ms. Kasicki in SIC at 3.30pm the following day.

Parents will be informed of this via an email.

One hour detention with HoY that day or the next to include a phone call home. Parents informed this is now the third occasion, reminded of the rationale and logic behind the school’s policy, signing of the school contract, and informed that if it should happen on a fourth occasion they will be asked to come and collect it at the end of that school week at the end of the SLT Detention at 5pm. The phone can only be collected by a parent or carer who will meet with the Head of Year and SLT. The school very sincerely wishes to avoid this waste of everyone’s time.

4. Fourth Offence:

2 hour SLT Detention, and the mobile phone will be confiscated for the remainder of that school week. Parents will be required to collect the phone in person at the end of that school week.

5. Repeated Offences:

The cumulative count of offences resets at the start of each half term.

Further disciplinary action may be taken, including a meeting with parents, suspension, or other appropriate measures if this particular type of open defiance persists.

Review and Amendments:

This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended as necessary to address emerging challenges and technologies.

By implementing and enforcing this mobile phone policy, we aim to create a positive and focused learning environment that fosters academic success and personal development.

Greig City Academy, November 2023