Behaviour Management

At the English International School – Baghdad (EISB), we are dedicated to creating a learning environment where exemplary behaviour is fundamental to both academic success and personal development. Every student has the right to learn in a safe, respectful, and inclusive space. Our Behaviour Management Policy ensures that students make positive behavioural choices while respecting the dignity of all members of our school community.

This policy is centred around fostering self-discipline, responsibility, and positive relationships, with the goal of cultivating a unified school environment. Our approach is proactive and educational, recognising and rewarding positive behaviour while addressing negative behaviour with fairness and consistency.

Aims

  • To create a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety within the school community.
  • To promote positive behaviour that supports both learning and personal growth.
  • To ensure all students are treated with fairness and dignity.
  • To provide clear expectations and consistent consequences for behaviour.
  • To help students understand the impact of their actions on others.
  • To celebrate and reward positive behaviour and achievements.
  • Understand and adhere to behavioural expectations.
  • Recognise and encourage positive behaviours.
  • Address inappropriate behaviours consistently and fairly.
  • Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.
  • Support students’ social, emotional, and academic development.

Expectations for Teachers and Students

All members of the EISB community are expected to:

  • Model positive behaviours and respectful communication.
  • Show empathy and consideration for others.
  • Contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment.
  • Take responsibility for their actions and behaviour.
  • Collaborate in resolving conflicts and restoring relationships.

Teacher Expectations:

  • Plan engaging lessons that motivate and challenge students.
  • Maintain a calm and supportive classroom environment.
  • Implement this policy consistently and fairly.
  • Use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behaviour.
  • Engage in reflective dialogue with students to support behaviour change.

Student Expectations:

  • Demonstrate respect for themselves, peers, staff, and school property.
  • Engage actively and positively in their learning.
  • Follow school rules and behavioural expectations.
  • Take responsibility for their choices and actions.
  • Participate in restorative practices when required.

Behavioural Interventions and Support

Our behaviour management approach is proactive and restorative, focusing on guiding students towards better choices. The following steps are applied consistently across the senior school:

  1. Verbal Reminder: A gentle reminder to encourage positive behaviour.
  2. Verbal Warning: Clear communication of the inappropriate behaviour and the consequences.
  3. Reflection Time: A short period of time away from the classroom to reflect on their actions.
  4. Restorative Conversation: A dialogue to understand the impact of the behaviour and repair relationships.
  5. Parental Involvement: If the behaviour continues, parents will be informed, and a behaviour plan may be implemented.

Recognition and Rewards

At EISB, we value positive reinforcement as a key strategy for behaviour management. Positive behaviours and achievements are recognised and celebrated through:

  • House Points for positive behaviour, effort, and achievements.
  • Certificates and Awards presented during assemblies.
  • Positive Communication with parents via the school’s communication platforms.
  • Special Responsibilities or Leadership Roles for consistent positive behaviour.

Managing Behaviour

Engagement with learning is always our primary aim. For most students, a gentle reminder is enough. Staff will use proactive strategies to promote positive behaviour, including:

  • Clear communication of expectations at the start of each lesson.
  • Positive reinforcement and acknowledgment of desired behaviours.
  • Consistent application of consequences for inappropriate behaviour.
  • Restorative practices to resolve conflicts and restore relationships.

Consequences and Sanctions

Consequences are in place to guide students towards making better choices. Sanctions are applied consistently, fairly, and proportionately to the behaviour. Serious breaches of conduct may lead to:

  • Verbal warning and reflection time.
  • Detentions during break, lunch, or after school.
  • Behaviour contracts or action plans.
  • Internal suspension or, in severe cases, fixed-term exclusions.

Restorative Practice

EISB promotes the use of restorative practices to resolve conflicts and restore relationships. This approach focuses on:

  • Understanding the impact of one’s actions on others.
  • Encouraging accountability and responsibility.
  • Facilitating meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.

Recording and Monitoring

All behaviour incidents will be documented using the school’s management system. Incidents requiring intervention will be reported to the Key Stage Leader or Senior Leadership Team (SLT) for monitoring and follow-up.

Support for Students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs

Students with identified social, emotional, and mental health needs will receive tailored support through:

  • Individual Behaviour Plans developed in collaboration with parents, staff, and relevant support services.
  • Regular monitoring and review of progress.
  • Access to school counselling and external support as needed.