Positions of Responsibility – Duty Statements

ALL STAFF AT ARKANA COLLEGE ARE SCREENED IN ACCORDANCE TO CHILD SAFETY LEGISLATION

ARKANA COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Professional Code of Conduct

Rationale

As an educational community, Arkana College values the dignity and worth of individuals and aims to promote self-esteem and self-discipline. We create an environment where staff and students feel safe and secure by acknowledging the rights and responsibilities of each member of the community. A Professional Code of Practice provides principles, guidance and processes which help to ensure that those rights and responsibilities are recognised and protected.

Principles

The professional ethics set out in this Professional Code of Practice are based on the following principles.

Fairness

At Arkana the exercise of fairness in all our relationships and activities entails the recognition of the inherent dignity of each individual and the awareness of the rights and responsibilities of all. Critical reflection promotes just relations in a community.

Integrity

At Arkana integrity and truths are closely allied, bringing value into our everyday busy lives. In all facets of school life we endeavour to develop a sense of truth, and a secure sense of self worth and dignity in each individual. Integrity entails a consistency between words and actions, between values and practice and leads to commitment and service. Personal integrity grows from the practice of self-reflection and honest and direct dealings in relationship with others.

Service

At Arkana we are invited to exercise Islamic Principles and leadership through the sharing of our particular gifts, as well as respecting and understanding individuals’ contribution to the ethos of the School. These principles underpin the three commitments central to Arkana College.

• Commitment to relationships based on respect and dignity.
• Commitment to the care of students.
• Commitment to professionalism.

Staff shall seek to establish and maintain professional relationships with students and each other. Commitment to this standard would be indicated by conduct such as:

• Maintaining a positive and respectful educational environment;
• Liaising with Supervisors and the Principal;
• Referring students to the Principal or other professional personnel where appropriate;
• Identifying students with special needs;
• Maintaining clear boundaries between pastoral and personal relationships with students;
• Maintaining loyalty to colleagues, students and to Arkana College.

Staff shall create an inclusive environment where individuals are valued and enriched. Commitment to this standard would be indicated by conduct such as:

• Promoting gender and racial equality;
• Using a variety of teaching methodologies that meet the range of the student needs;
• Using language that focuses on behaviour, rather than the person;
• Recognising diversity of style amongst colleagues and students;
• Responding with sensitivity to the needs of colleagues and students;
• Responding with sensitivity to the needs of colleagues;
• Supporting School celebrations;
• Students shall be valued as positive, active participants in their world;
• Supporting student leadership programs;
• Recognising the individual gifts of each student.

The School shall continue to develop a collaborative partnership between parents / guardians, staff and students. Commitment to this standard would be indicated by conduct such as:

• Developing shared leadership which requires staff to act with fairness and in a manner befitting their role in an educational community;
• Recognising the role of parents / guardians as primary care givers and being proactive in communication about the students;
• Providing information regarding School policies to parents / guardians and students;
• Being open to development and challenge;
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality during social activities.

Care of Students

Staff shall ensure that the rights of students are respected and protected. Commitment to this standard would be indicated by conduct such as:

• Adhering to the legal requirements of duty of care;
• Recognising duty of care when managing students at designated venues and on public and private transport;
• Exercising courtesy and good manners in dealings with colleagues and students;
• Ensuring that professional expectations are clearly communicated.

Professionalism

Staff shall act with professionalism in the exercise of their duties. Commitment to this standard would be indicated by conduct such as:

• Being punctual and meeting deadlines;
• Being thoroughly acquainted with all areas of responsibilities;
• Striving for best classroom practice and reflecting critically on these practices;
• Accepting ownership and implementation of policies and practices;
• Accepting accountability for their own professional practice.

Teaching Policy

Student learning is greatly affected by the quality of teaching that they experience.Teachers therefore must ensure that their teaching skills, knowledge and commitment are of the highest standard.

Aims

To be the best teachers that we can be, and to work hard at providing the best learning experiences possible for our students.

Implementation:

- Teachers at our school acknowledge that students deserve the very best teaching possible.

- We do not accept that students be provided with generic whole class lessons that do not allow for, or are not focussed upon, individual difference or need.

- Learning experiences will be challenging, engaging, and involve practical hands-on activities and first-hand encounters where ever practicable.

- Individual learning plans will be developed with each student and their parents identifying targets and achievement goals that reflect the curriculum and each childs individual needs.

- Parents will be kept well informed of their child’s progress, will be invited to be active participants in their child’s learning, and will be provided with ongoing opportunities to improve their own teaching skills.

- Prior to each unit of work, students will be assessed against relevant curriculum learning outcomes with subsequent learning experiences reflecting each students needs.

- Learning opportunities will be open-ended, will develop thinking skills, and will be based upon cooperative whole child learning strategies.

- Sequential courses of study in all key-learning areas will be developed and implemented by teams of teachers who constantly review and analyse content, resources and teaching techniques.

- Both extension and intervention opportunities will be provided for all students according to need.

- Partnerships will be formed with agencies, organisations and members of the wider community where appropriate to broaden teaching and learning opportunities for students.

- Teachers will become skilled practitioners in the use of learning technologies, and will routinely encourage the use of technologies to enhance learning opportunities.

- All teachers will undertake to enhance their skills by development and active involvement in personal professional development programs.

- Under the direction of the Principal, all staff members are expected to show a high degree of teamwork spirit, creative and innovative approach to their duties, and loyalty & commitment to the organization and its goals.

- Office staff are obliged to follow the same standards and principles of the teaching staff. The front office is often the first point of contact with the school and staff are expected to be courteous and efficient. The front office will assist with queries, collect fees and other payments and assist the Principal with general administrative duties.

The Head Teacher will be responsible for managing curriculum and student discipline. The Head Teacher will report directly to the Principal.