Behaviour & Culture

Behaviour in the classroom

At Bolton St Catherine’s Academy (BSCA), we believe that a warm, welcoming and friendly culture is the foundation of a thriving school community. It sets the tone for everything we do—from how we greet each other each morning to how we support pupils in meeting our consistently high expectations.

Our approach to behaviour is a reflection of this positive culture, ensuring that every pupil feels safe, respected and ready to learn. By creating an environment where kindness, consistency and clear routines thrive, we give all our students the very best chance to succeed—in the classroom, around school, and in life beyond BSCA.

We are proud of our positive culture, but we are also unwavering in our expectations. We will not accept behaviour that falls below our standards, because we are fully committed to ensuring that every child receives the very best education. Every pupil at BSCA deserves to learn without disruption and to be supported in becoming the very best version of themselves.

Our approach to behaviour is rooted in high expectations, consistent routines and meaningful support. This helps us create a learning environment that is calm, safe and focused, where all children can flourish and achieve their full potential.

At BSCA, we believe that excellent behaviour is not just about following rules—it plays a vital role in shaping strong character and securing a positive future:

• Good behaviour supports great learning. Focused classrooms mean everyone can achieve their best.
• Positive behaviour builds strong character. Respect, responsibility and self-discipline are skills for life.
• Consistency creates safety. When expectations are clear and fairly applied, pupils feel secure and supported.

We believe that good behaviour must be taught, just like any other subject. At BSCA, we are committed to explicitly teaching our pupils what good behaviour looks like—in lessons, in corridors, at social times, and beyond.

Our staff lead by example every day, modelling the values, language and conduct we expect our pupils to show. Through this consistent approach, we help students develop the lifelong habits that lead to confidence, independence and success—both in school and in life.

The BSCA Way: Values and Routines

Our culture is built on four powerful values that shape everything we do:

• Believe in ourselves
• Strive to reach our goals
• Care for each other and the world
• Achieve all of which we are fully capable

These values are brought to life every day through our core routines and our distinctive culture affectionately known as “The BSCA Way.”

Our core routines help create a calm and focused environment where students know exactly what to expect, and what’s expected of them. Students feel a sense of belonging and reassurance because they know the routines we use and understand why we use them. Everything we do is designed to help pupils feel confident, supported, and ready to succeed.

We are committed to:

• Creating a calm and safe learning environment for all.
• Building positive relationships with pupils and families.
• Having high expectations and supporting children to meet them.
• Teaching and modelling good behaviour every day so pupils can learn and thrive.
• Ensuring behaviour is understood, taught and applied consistently and fairly.

We do not accept behaviour that disrupts learning or prevents others from thriving. Every pupil at BSCA has the right to learn—and the responsibility to contribute to a positive learning environment.

What We Expect from Our Pupils

At BSCA, we expect all pupils to:

• Focus on learning
• Complete work to the best of their ability
• Never disrupt the learning of others
• Use good manners: “Sir/Miss/Please/Thank you”
• Follow instructions first time, from all staff
• Be kind and respectful to everyone
• Respond appropriately when spoken to
• Take responsibility for their own organisation and conduct, including:
• Bringing the correct equipment
• Using the toilet at designated times
• Wearing the correct school uniform
• Being punctual to school and lessons
• Looking after our school environment and community

Corrections

At BSCA, we are committed to fostering a positive learning environment. When behaviour falls below our high expectations, we apply corrections to help pupils reflect, take responsibility, and improve. Our corrections system is both clear and fair.

 While we do apply fair and consistent consequences, our focus is on helping pupils learn from their mistakes. Through restorative approaches, we encourage reflection, rebuild relationships, and support personal growth. Every correction is an opportunity to guide pupils in understanding the impact of their actions and help them make better choices in the future.

Parents and carers can view a live log of both corrections and achievement points through our school app, EduLink.

Working Together

We know that when school and home work together, children flourish. We ask parents and carers to support us by reinforcing our expectations, celebrating positive behaviour, and working with us when things go wrong. Together, we can help every child grow in confidence, character and capability so that they can achieve their excellence

Home-Academy Agreement

Expectations of our Students

At BSCA, we believe that strong partnerships between staff, governors, parents, and the wider community help every child succeed. We share high expectations for all our pupils, and we know that when these expectations are consistently met, everyone benefits. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil:
• Enjoys school
• Stays healthy and safe
• Feels secure and supported
• Reaches their full potential
• Makes a positive contribution to BSCA and the wider community
• Leaves school ready for further education, work, and adult life

We are proud of the respectful attitudes and positive behaviour shown by the vast majority of our pupils every day—this is something we value deeply and are committed to protecting. We wholeheartedly believe in our BSCA mission statement and the values that underpin our school ethos. These high standards are not only essential for learning, but for shaping the character and confidence our pupils need to thrive in life beyond school. Together, through shared values and a warm, welcoming culture, we help every student become the very best version of themselves.

 We expect all students to follow our Home-Academy Agreement. It is the role of the parent and school to uphold the expectations and values of the Academy and support the child through these.

1. 1. TO SPEAK RESPECTFULLY TO STAFF

This means:
• speaking quietly and in a polite tone of voice
• thinking before you speak
• speaking when it is appropriate to do so
• using polite and respectful language.

2. TO BEHAVE RESPECTFULLY TO STAFF

This means:
• doing as you are asked or told without argument
• sitting where you are asked to in class
• entering and leaving classrooms and learning bays quietly and sensibly
• accepting that members of staff have authority over students because they have responsibility for your welfare
• treating staff as professionals and co-operating with them.

3. TO SPEAK RESPECTFULLY TO OTHER STUDENTS

This means:
• speaking politely to other students
• thinking before you speak
• keeping quiet if you have nothing pleasant to say
• keeping 'street language' out of school
• working co-operatively with other students when asked to in lessons.

4. TO BEHAVE RESPECTFULLY TO OTHER STUDENTS

This means:
• queuing correctly and as instructed
• sitting where you are asked to in class
• showing consideration on the corridors
• moving around school in a sensible, thoughtful and responsible way, carrying bags carefully
• avoiding physical contact with other students
• respecting other students' space
• telling a member of staff if there is a problem with another student.

5. TO RESPECT THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY

This means:
• keeping the school tidy, clean and free from graffiti
• putting rubbish in the correct bins – in and out of classrooms
• looking after and having pride in your tutor room
• ensuring standards are met when in specialist rooms, using specialist equipment e.g. in the Science labs; Sports areas, Technology and ICT rooms
• reporting any damage to a member of staff
• making sure you are in the right place at the right time, including at lunchtimes
• eating and drinking only in the designated areas
• not chewing gum anywhere in the Academy
• no energy drinks in the Academy.

6. TO HAVE RESPECT FOR YOUR OWN LEARNING

This means:
• wanting to Achieve your excellence
• demonstrate our key learning behaviours of –
Focus& Engagement Pace& Purpose Care& Consideration Sustain & Maintain
• being on time to school, line up, form time and all lessons
• having the 'determination to succeed' for attendance for academic achievement
• being work ready
• doing the work to the best of your ability
• doing and completing your homework and handing it in on time.

7. TO HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHER STUDENTS' LEARNING

This means:
• working hard in class without disturbing others
• celebrating other students' successes as well as your own.

8. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AMBASSADORS FOR OUR SCHOOL

This means:
• wearing the correct uniform correctly
• ensure all mobile devices are not seen or heard after entering the school grounds and throughout the day
• having respect for the school's reputation at all times
• having respect for the local community and environment
• being proud to be members of our school community.

FAILING TO MEET EXPECTATIONS

Students failing to meet our expectations will receive a correction in line with our academy behaviour policy and correction system. We do not accept behaviour that disrupts learning or prevents others from thriving. Every pupil at BSCA has the right to learn—and the responsibility to contribute to a positive learning environment.

What to do if...

...you are late

The student entrance is on Newby Road, and you must be through the gates before 8.28am, at which point they are locked. Therefore, if you are late, you will need to sign in at the main reception which is located on Stitch-Mi-Lane. You will need to sign yourself in to ensure that you receive a mark and then go straight to form time or your lesson. It is extremely important that you sign in so that we have a record of attendance in case of fire and emergency. If you are late, you will receive a 15-minute correction unless you have an authorised reason.

...I need the toilet during lesson

Pupils are not allowed to go to the toilet during lesson time, unless you have a toilet pass due to a medical condition or it is an emergency. Therefore, make sure you use the toilets during break times.

...you are in school and don’t feel well

If you genuinely do not feel very well, you should inform your teacher how you are feeling. They will be able to assess if you need some ‘timeout’ or if an On Call needs to be made for first aid/support. You will not be able to leave school without permission from a member of the senior leadership team. If given permission, you will be sent to the On Call Support room where a member of the pastoral team will contact home.

...I have a medical appointment

It is best if appointments are made outside of school hours, however, we know this isn’t always possible. If you do have to attend a medical appointment during the school day you must bring the appointment letter or card into school, and show the Attendance Team as proof, and to be authorised.

...I need to contact home

If you need to call home during the school day you should go to the on-call support room or your Head of Year or Assistant Head of Year either before school, at break time, lunch time or after school.

…you have no money on your ScoPay account to pay for lunch

You will still be able to have a lunch, but your account on ScoPay will go into deficit (debt), and you should let your parents/carers know that they need to put money on your ScoPay account. 

...I have forgotten some of my ‘work ready’ items or uniform

If you are not work ready i.e. are not wearing full uniform, come to school in non-authorised footwear or uniform, you will be issued with a 15-minute correction at lunch time however, you will be given the opportunity to borrow the items that you are missing where possible to support you in being ready to learn.

...I have forgotten my PE kit

School has spare PE kit for you to borrow to support you in engaging in the lesson if you forget your own kit. You will not be given a correction if you borrow school kit. Refusal to borrow school kit will result in you being unable to take part in the practical element of the lesson therefore, you will be issued with a 15-minute same day correction. 

…I forget my work or homework

If you forget to bring your work, make sure you speak to the subject teacher first thing in the morning, they may offer for you to complete this by the next day or lesson however, failure to complete independent study will result in a 15-minute correction.

...I would like a locker

Lockers are useful to store school items in, so your school bag isn’t too heavy. To have your own locker, you will need to take a £5 deposit to the Attendance Team, and they will be able to allocate you one.

...you or your friend feel like you are being bullied, or you see another student being bullied

Tell someone about what is happening. You can speak to any member of staff in school, your Head of Year, form tutor or class teacher.  You could also speak to a friend or family member. You must tell somebody what is happening so that they can support you.

Remember, school cannot help if we don’t know about it.

...you are concerned about home

• Talk to your Form Tutor.
• Talk to your Head of Year.
• Talk to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

...you are concerned about friendships

• Talk to your Form Tutor.
• Talk to your Head of Year.

...you are concerned about a friends well-being

• Talk to your Form Tutor.
• Talk to your Head of Year.
• Talk to the Designated Safeguarding Leads.

 Achievement & Rewards

At Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, we are deeply committed to recognising and rewarding our pupils. We are incredibly proud of their effort, progress, achievements, and the positive choices they make every day. Celebrating success is more than a tradition—it’s a fundamental part of who we are.

Achievement and rewards sit at the heart of our positive school culture. As a key element of ‘The BSCA Way’, our rewards system brings our core values to life—encouraging every pupil to believe in themselves, strive for excellence, care for others, and reach their full potential.

Through daily recognition, meaningful celebration, and a shared belief in every child’s potential, we are a school where effort is valued, success is celebrated, and all pupils feel valued, supported and inspired to be their very best.

Achievement Points

One of the key ways we celebrate success at BSCA is through our achievement point system. This system allows us to consistently recognise and reward the everyday moments of excellence that happen in our classrooms, corridors, and wider school community. From outstanding effort and positive behaviour to acts of kindness and resilience, pupils earn points that reflect their contributions and growth. Throughout the year achievement points lead to a range of exciting rewards and recognitions.

 How pupils earn achievement points:

Achievement 1 – Classroom (1 point)
Awarded for positive behaviours such as:

• Answering questions
• Working hard
• Helping others
• Showing resilience
• Handing in homework
• Completing work to an excellent standard

Achievement 2 – I Am BSCA (2 points)
Awarded for going above and beyond to demonstrate our school values:

• Outstanding engagement in lessons
• Moving with purpose and focus
• Showing kindness and care to others
• Demonstrating excellent progress or commitment

Achievement 3 – Community (3 points)
Awarded for positive contributions to our school community:

• Excellent line-up and corridor conduct
• Helping others or setting a positive example
• Representing the academy at events
• Caring for our environment or supporting enrichment

Achievement 4 – 100% Attendance (4 points)

• Awarded weekly to pupils with 100% attendance
• Because every day in school matters

Achievement 5 – Golden Ticket (5 points)

• Awarded for outstanding learning and demonstration of BSCA values
• Weekly raffle draw for ticket holders to win exciting prizes

SLT Award – Senior Leadership Recognition (5 points)

• Awarded to pupils who go above and beyond expectations
• Recognises role models, sustained improvement, and excellence

Rewards and Recognition

At BSCA, we don’t just give rewards and achievement points—we celebrate them. Pupils are recognised daily, weekly, half-termly, and termly in a variety of meaningful and motivating ways:

• Golden Ticket Raffles
• Vouchers and Prizes
• Positive Phone Calls and Letters Home
• Headteacher’s Award
• Badges for Points Milestones
• Subject and Year Team Awards
• Student of the Week / Half Term
• Weekly Assembly Recognition
• Rewards Trips
• Queue Jump Passes
• Competitions and Raffles
• Weekly Attendance Awards

We also celebrate achievement through:

• Weekly leaderboards highlighting top-performing pupils, forms, and the most improved
• Weekly 100% attendance awards, recognising those who haven’t missed a session
• Termly rewards assemblies honouring academic progress, values, effort, and attendance across all subjects and year groups

The BSCA Badge System

Our badge system recognises pupils' achievements and rewards dedication, effort, and excellence in all areas of school life. Whether excelling academically, showing outstanding behaviour, leading in the community, or demonstrating resilience, every positive action counts.

At the end of each term, pupils earn badges based on their total points:

• Bronze – 500 points
• Silver – 1000 points
• Gold – 1500 points
• Platinum – 2000 points
• IAMBSCA – 4000 points (Our highest honour, for the most dedicated and high-achieving students)

These badges are worn with pride. They represent our pupils' effort, determination, and character—the habits and values that will stay with them for life and show the world what it means to be a BSCA student.

Together, we believe in our students—and we are proud to celebrate all they achieve.