Miss W

One of the dangers of basing an entire behaviour policy on ‘relationships’ is that it can become an excuse for poor behaviour. I’ve even heard leaders say, “Student X misbehaved because they don’t have a relationship with Teacher Y.” This argument falls apart when the same student is dismissive and rude even to teachers with whom they supposedly have a strong relationship. Attributing misconduct to a lack of rapport with a teacher creates a built-in justification for unacceptable behaviour. The expectation should be that students treat all adults with respect—regardless of whether they know them well, like them, or get along with them. Politeness, respect, and civility should not depend on personal relationships; they are fundamental standards for how people interact with one another.

‘If you want to be sure of what behaviour is like in a school, find out how cover lessons go, most especially those supervised by a supply teacher. That’s the only way you’ll find out whether the school runs on a unified ethos or whether it runs on the force of personality and/or the years of brow-beaten experience chalked up by its staff. From the stories I hear from the classroom, we’ve got a long way to go.’