Our Values & Behaviour - Felixstowe International College

Our Values Shape Who We Become

At Felixstowe International College, education is about more than academic results. Guided by our motto, Friendship Through Education, we help young people grow in character, confidence and responsibility.

Our eight shared values shape how we learn, how we treat one another and how we contribute to our school community.

Our values are not simply words displayed on a wall. They are the standards we encourage students to live out every day in the classroom, in boarding, in friendships and in the wider community.

Compassion

We notice others, act with kindness and support those who may be struggling.

Contribution

We encourage students to participate, help others and make a positive difference.

Diligence

We approach learning with care, effort and a desire to do our best.

Resilience

We learn from setbacks, keep going and grow through challenge.

Responsibility

We take ownership of our choices, behaviour and commitments.

Honesty

We speak truthfully, act with integrity and have the courage to do what is right.

Friendship

We build relationships based on kindness, loyalty, inclusion and mutual support.

Respect

We value ourselves, others, our environment and every person’s right to learn.

How Our Values Shape Everyday Life

Our Behaviour Policy puts these values into practice. It helps create a calm, safe and respectful environment where every student can learn, grow and feel secure. We set clear expectations, recognise positive choices and respond fairly when standards are not met. Because we are a small school, staff know our students well and can combine consistency with individual support.

What We Expect of Our Students

Our student code of conduct asks every student to:

behave in an orderly, self-controlled way and move quietly around the school
show respect to members of staff and each other, and in class make it possible for all students to learn
wear the correct uniform at all times and treat the school buildings, boarding houses and school property with respect
only use devices in lessons when the teacher allows
accept sanctions when given, and refrain from behaviour that brings the school into disrepute, including outside school or online
for boarders: follow house routines – a tidy room, prep time used for study, and respect for others’ sleep, privacy and possessions.

Recognising Positive Behaviour

When a student’s behaviour meets or goes above and beyond the expected standard, staff recognise it clearly and fairly through:

verbal praise, in the moment
merits, awarded for any praiseworthy work or behaviour, e.g. high effort, helpfulness, contributions to class discussion, or going beyond what is expected
rewards, chosen from the approved list for every 20 merits
discussions and emails with parents to share praise
recognition in assemblies
positions of responsibility.

When Behaviour Falls Short

Verbal reminder: for a first instance of low-level disruption or a minor breach
Demerit: for repeated low-level disruption, lateness, missing equipment, incorrect uniform or device misuse at break, recorded and monitored by the tutor or houseparent
Detention: for high-level disruption, device misuse in lessons, disrespectful behaviour or damage to property, with parents informed by email
Parent partnership: persistent misbehaviour brings behaviour emails, a meeting with parents or guardian, and an agreed behaviour contract
Structured support: a support plan agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), with the SENCO consulted where underlying needs are suspected; possible suspension
Suspension or exclusion: only for the most serious incidents and only as a last resort, decided by the Principal under the exclusions policy.

Safeguarding runs alongside every stage: changes in behaviour can be a sign that a student needs help, and where that may be the case we follow our child protection and safeguarding policy.

Our Promises to Every Student

That is what happens when a school is small enough to actually know every student — academically, personally, and pastorally — and stays close beside them until they leave ready for whatever comes next.

Every student has the right to feel safe, valued and respected, in lessons and in the boarding houses. Rewards and sanctions are applied consistently and fairly to all students, day and boarding. No sanction will ever humiliate or degrade a student, and boarders are never deprived of food, drink, sleep, contact with their parents or medical care. Restrictive interventions, including reasonable force, are only ever used as a last resort, and every significant incident is recorded and reported to parents. A student’s SEND, mental health and personal circumstances are always considered, with reasonable adjustments where needed. Bullying, child-on-child abuse and sexual harassment are never ignored – every incident is taken seriously. And families, carers and educational guardians are our partners in supporting good behaviour.