Purpose & Objectives

This Students Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of every student at Providence English Private School (PEPS), so that our school remains a safe, respectful, and happy place for everyone to learn and grow. It draws together, in one place, the everyday expectations that also appear in more detail across the school's other policies.

The objectives of this Code are to:

• Give students, parents, and staff a single, clear statement of what is expected of every student at PEPS;
• Promote respect, honesty, responsibility, and safety as everyday habits, not just rules;
• Support consistent standards across every classroom, section, and area of the school;
• Explain, in plain terms, what happens when this Code is not followed, and how good conduct is recognised.

Scope

This Code applies to every student at PEPS, from FS2 to Year 13, during the school day, on school transport, at school-organised events, and during educational visits. It also applies, where relevant, to students' online conduct affecting the school community, in line with the Social Media Policy and Digital Citizenship Policy.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

This Code operates within the expectations of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) regarding student conduct, and sits alongside the more detailed policies referenced throughout this document, which take precedence on the specific topics they cover.

Our Core Values

Reflecting our school motto, "Wisdom is Strength," every student at PEPS is expected to embody:

• Respect — for themselves, for others, and for the school environment;
• Responsibility — for their own learning, choices, and belongings;
• Honesty — in their words, their work, and their relationships with others;
• Safety — looking after their own wellbeing and that of others.

General Conduct Expectations

All students are expected to:

• Follow the reasonable instructions of any member of staff;
• Attend school regularly, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn;
• Behave in a way that allows themselves and others to learn without disruption;
• Speak and act honestly, and take responsibility for their own actions and choices;
• Move around the school calmly and safely, and follow site-specific safety rules.

Respect for Others

Students are expected to treat every member of the school community — students, staff, and visitors — with kindness and respect, regardless of background, ability, or any other characteristic. Bullying, discrimination, harassment, and violence in any form are not tolerated at PEPS and are addressed in detail under the Anti-Bullying Policy and the Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Violence Policy.

Uniform & Appearance

Students wear the correct PEPS uniform, worn properly, every school day, and maintain a neat and appropriate appearance, in line with the School Uniform Policy, which sets out the full detail of uniform, PE kit, and grooming standards.

Attendance & Punctuality

Students are expected to attend school regularly and arrive on time to school and to every lesson, in line with the Attendance & Punctuality Policy, which sets out the full detail of authorised and unauthorised absence.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to complete all classwork, homework, coursework, and examinations honestly and independently, unless collaboration is explicitly permitted, in line with the Academic Integrity & Anti-Cheating Policy, which sets out the full detail of what counts as academic misconduct and how it is addressed.

Care for School Property

Students are expected to treat school buildings, furniture, equipment, books, and facilities with care and respect, in line with the School Property Protection Policy, which explains the difference between accidental damage and damage caused by carelessness or deliberate action.

Technology & Social Media Conduct

Students are expected to use school ICT equipment, personal devices brought under the BYOD arrangements, and social media safely, respectfully, and only as instructed, in line with the Digital Citizenship Policy, BYOD Policy, and Social Media Policy.

Health & Safety

Students are expected to follow all health and safety instructions given by staff, including during fire drills and emergency procedures, to behave safely in specialist areas such as science labs, sports facilities, and on school transport, and to report any hazard, accident, or safety concern to a member of staff promptly.

Canteen & Healthy Eating

Students are encouraged to make healthy choices at the school canteen and to behave considerately during mealtimes, in line with the School Canteen & Healthy Nutrition Policy.

Community Participation & Citizenship

Students are encouraged to take part in community initiatives and service activities, and to act as positive, engaged members of the school and wider community, in line with the Community Participation Policy and the school's Global Citizenship Policy.

Conduct In and Around the School

• In classrooms: students arrive prepared, listen attentively, participate positively, and allow others to learn without disruption.
• In corridors and communal areas: students move calmly, keep noise to a reasonable level, and keep these areas tidy.
• In the playground and at break/lunch times: students play safely, include others, and follow staff instructions regarding out-of-bounds areas.
• On school transport: students remain seated, wear seatbelts where fitted, and behave in a way that does not distract the driver or endanger other passengers, in line with the Transport Policy.
• On educational visits and trips: students follow all instructions from staff and behave in a way that reflects well on PEPS, in line with the Educational Visits & Trips Policy.

Prohibited Items & Zero-Tolerance Behaviours

The following are strictly prohibited at PEPS and are treated with zero tolerance:

• Weapons of any kind, or any object brought to school with intent to threaten or harm;
• Alcohol, illegal drugs, and any related paraphernalia;
• Smoking and vaping, and any related products;
• Physical violence, threats of violence, or intimidation towards any member of the school community;
• Any act of serious discrimination, hate speech, or harassment.

These behaviours are addressed under the Behaviour & Discipline Policy and, where relevant, the Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Violence Policy, and may result in the most serious sanctions available to the school, including suspension or permanent exclusion.

Recognition of Positive Conduct

PEPS believes in recognising and celebrating good conduct, not just addressing poor conduct. Students who consistently demonstrate the values in this Code are recognised through the school's rewards system, positive communication home, and celebration in assemblies, in line with the Behaviour & Discipline Policy.

Consequences of Breaching This Code

Where a student does not meet the standards set out in this Code, the school's response is fair, proportionate, and consistent, following the stepped approach set out in the Behaviour & Discipline Policy. Minor, first-time issues are usually addressed with a reminder or conversation; repeated or more serious breaches follow a clearer escalation, up to and including suspension or permanent exclusion for the most serious cases.

Roles, Responsibilities & Policy Review

Students

Are expected to know and follow this Code, and to ask a member of staff if they are ever unsure what is expected of them.

Teachers & Section Supervisors

Model, teach, and reinforce this Code consistently, and are the first point of contact for any question or concern relating to student conduct.

Parents

Support their child in understanding and meeting the standards in this Code, and work with the school constructively where a concern arises.

This Code is reviewed periodically by the Vice Principal to ensure it remains clear, current, and consistent with PEPS's other policies.

This Code and Its Related Policies

This Code brings together the everyday expectations covered in more detail in the following policies. Where this Code and a linked policy differ in detail, the linked policy is the authoritative source.

Student Pledge

As a PEPS student, I will do my best to:

• Treat everyone at my school with kindness and respect;
• Come to school on time, ready to learn, in the correct uniform;
• Do my own honest work, and ask for help when I need it;
• Look after my school, my classroom, and everyone's belongings;
• Use technology and social media safely and kindly;
• Speak to a trusted adult if I am worried about myself or someone else.

Younger students (Foundation Stage and lower Primary) may complete this pledge together as a class activity rather than an individual signature.