The Role of the Class Teachers

Each student is allocated to a particular Class under the care of two CLASS TEACHERS. The classes will be identified by an amalgam of the two class teachers’ initials: thus, HY would be the class, say, of Mr. H and Ms. Y.

Where possible, male and female class teachers have been appointed so that students have a point of gender reference if they have any concerns or worries about school work and relationships with other students or staff.

Class teachers play an important part in response to students’ personal needs. Their contributions are especially valuable in collecting relevant information on individual students, identifying problems at an early stage, and providing initial assistance whenever possible.

1. Management of Students in Class

   1. Class teachers should draw up a list of strategies which aims are to invite positive behaviour and, at the same time, avoid and minimize disruptive one. Despite the fact that most teachers are versed in class management and will act spontaneously, it is considered useful to recapitulate the specific techniques which lead to better management of the class.
   2. Set rules and routines: Suitable rules and routines provide guidelines for students to behave in the classroom and at the same time help them form acceptable working habits. However, class teachers should take special note of the followings when setting class regulations:
      
      1. Rules must be clear, positive and understood by every student.
      2. Students should know class teachers will enforce these rules, what they will do, and what their limits are.
      3. In enforcing the rules, class teachers should be consistent and fair, from student to student and from day to day.
      4. Class teachers should also introduce follow-up actions which are known to the students. Never use arbitrary sanctions or make them up as one likes it.
   3. Establish good teacher-student relationship: Students’ behaviour in a particular lesson depends to a great extent on the teacher's own behaviour toward them, either at the moment or at some stage in the past. It is to be reiterated that a good teacher-student relationship is found on mutual understanding and respect. The following details are worth remembering:
      
      1. Show courtesy and respect for the students (so that you can be treated the same in return).
      2. Be fair and understanding (so that they know you are just and impartial).
      3. Avoid scorning, belittling and public confrontation (or they do bottle-up and shy away from you).
      4. Be ready to talk to the students, even outside the classroom and after school.
   4. Anticipate problems: Disruptions in the classroom will be reduced if class teachers can recognize early warning signs, identify the types of problems likely to occur and make contingency plans. Class teachers can also spot the ‘key’ student(s) who may pose disciplinary problems (they may be testing your degree of acceptance to disruptive behaviour) so that appropriate actions can be taken to avoid conflicts or undesirable incidents. It is to be emphasized that positive reinforcements is always necessary and desirable. Students’ attention should be directed to how they should behave and not to their misbehaviour (so that they know what you want of them). Moreover, students should never be given any reason to assume that teachers are prejudiced or that some students are being treated illogically.
   5. It becomes clear that class teachers play a vital part in guiding and helping students. Such a pastoral role is not an easy task and can seldom be efficiently accomplished in isolation from other fellow staff, e.g. Pastoral Care Committee, School Social Worker, etc. All should work as a team to facilitate an interdisciplinary approach in educating the students.
      

2. Be Proactive to Students’ Growth Problems - Early Detection and Intervention

   1. Prevention and early intervention are crucial in pastoral care. Class teachers should be sensitive to their students’ needs and be able to pinpoint early symptoms of problematic behaviour so that these areas can be promptly attended to before minor troubles become aggravated. (Class teachers may ask for assistance from other department when necessary).
   2. Each student is a unique individual with specific characteristics of his/her own. Class teachers should, as soon as possible, get to know each and everyone of their students and be aware of all the factors which may lead to learning and emotional difficulties.
      1. Read carefully the student portfolio/record of the students in your class. Pay attention to the following areas: family background, health history, behaviour record, interests, aptitudes, etc.
      2. Observe students’ behaviours in and outside the classroom: how they interact with their peers and teachers.
      3. Talk to the students and pay attention to what they are actually saying and what they are trying to convey.
      4. Contact their parent(s) from time to time and try to understand their family relationship.
      5. Try to befriend with the students outside of classroom context to build up a mutual trust and understanding.
   3. Having collected sufficient information, class teachers can then:
      
      1. form an objective overview of the students.
      2. spot any deviation and unacceptable behaviour which need correction.
      3. draw up a systematic way of intervention and assistance to the students.
   4. Be alert to signs of at-risk behaviour: Sudden changes in a student's daily routine or behaviour may suggest an urgent need for assistance. Class teachers should be observant of these changes and be alert to symptoms which warrant further investigation and intervention:
      
      1. frequent absence from school or truancy;
      2. sudden drop in academic performance;
      3. neglect or over-consciousness of personal appearances;
      4. unusual spending behaviour;
      5. abrupt changes in mood and temper, aggressive or withdraw behaviours, etc;
      6. poor health, loss of appetite and weight and complaints of insomnia;
      7. being over-sensitive to criticism, easily irritated;
      8. refusing or ignoring responsibilities;
      9. antisocial behaviour;
      10. expression of self-destructive and suicidal tendencies.

3. Be Professional in Fulfilling the Following Duties

   1. Arrive at classroom punctually.
   2. Greet students every morning and take attendance carefully and accurately.
   3. Contact parents after a 3-day student absence.
   4. Check the appropriate wearing of school uniform
   5. Ensure that information to students is disseminated promptly and that notices and bulletin are properly posted.
   6. Collect reply slips promptly.
   7. Ensure the classroom is conducive to meeting the needs of registration and DEAR Time.
   8. Facilitate students’ reading during the DEAR Time and ensure the appropriateness of all reading materials.
   9. Promote and encourage positive interaction among students in the class.
   10. Beware of students’ feeling toward school life and their relationship with peers. Take initiative to guide students on matters concerning their learning and personal growth.
   11. Encourage students to participate and to try their best in all aspects of school life. Discuss how well students are doing and to set targets and praise when students are successful.
   12. Set clearly the roles and responsibilities among the class teachers. Form meeting regularly to discuss on matters concerning the class.
   13. Conduct one-to-one academic monitoring.
   14. Be the first person parents contact if there are concerns about students’ progress in school.
   15. Report to and seek help from the Head of Year and the Pastoral Care Committee concerning specific student cases.
   16. Give suggestions to the Pastoral Care Committee and the Student Development Committee on ways to foster a positive development of the school.

The Role of the Head of Year (HOY)

The role of the Head of Year is responsible for the welfare of the class teachers and students in that particular year group. S/he will:

• liaise with the tutors in the year and ensure that the duties of the tutor are adhered to
• meet regularly with tutors to discuss students concerns and strengths
• Induct new tutors
• oversee parents’ evenings
• keep letters of concern/praise up to date
• handle urgent and serious event when a student has been referred by class teachers
• one-to-one academic monitoring by tutors
• organise the assemblies

The Role of the Head of Pastoral Care Committee

The role of the Head of Pastoral Care Committee is to ensure the overall welfare of the form tutors and the student body. S/he will:

• work closely with the class teachers and HOY to ensure that each student receives the necessary pastoral care
• where necessary, meet with parents and tutors to discuss individual student’s cases
• meet regularly with the other Senior Management members to discuss pastoral matters
• write necessary letters to parents
• chair case study meetings
• liaise with Head of Year in serious behavioural and academic student matters
• apply and oversee any necessary action decided after consultation
• keep track on one-to-one monitoring

In consultation with the HOY, the Head of Pastoral Care Committee will decide on any further disciplinary action that may be necessary in breaches of academic and pastoral norms. Such actions may involve:

• conducting a self-reflection meeting with the student
• detention
• writing a letter to parents
• requesting a meeting with parents
• putting a student on report or a Behaviour Contract

The House System

The House system has been introduced in order to foster a friendly sports competitive spirit. Each House has a male and female Head of House appointed from the teaching staff and two House Captains – male and female – appointed by and from the student body.

There is a House assembly once a month/term.

The House names, with proposed colours, are:

Lao-Zi (blue); Newton (purple); Gandhi (orange); Austen (green); Suu Kyi (yellow); Copland (red).

Points will be awarded for inter-House competitions and there will be a winning House at the end of the Year. That House will win the Inter-House Trophy Competition. The name of the winning House will be engraved on the trophy.