Behaviour

Behaviour

At Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School, we believe that excellent behaviour underpins excellent learning. Our approach establishes a calm, safe and purposeful environment where every pupil can flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. We combine high expectations with positive relationships, helping pupils to make positive choices, develop self-regulation, reflect when things go wrong and restore relationships.

Our behaviour culture is rooted in our Christian ethos and our values of Love, Learning and Laughter. We seek to develop compassion, honesty, forgiveness, responsibility, self-control and respect.

HB STARS and The HBWAY

Pupils are explicitly taught the HB STARS learning behaviours and The HB Way. Together, these provide a shared, consistent language for excellent learning and conduct across the school.

HB STARS supports active participation, concentration, oracy, confidence, respectful communication and self-regulation. The HB Way sets out the standards expected from every pupil and promotes responsibility, kindness, integrity and pride in belonging to the Harper Bell community.

Positive Behaviour, Character and Recognition

Positive behaviour is actively recognised, celebrated and encouraged. Staff aim to give significantly more recognition for positive choices than correction for poor choices. Recognition includes verbal praise, House Points, WOW Cards, Praise Assemblies, the Mountain of Character and Learning, the Mountain of Excellence, leadership opportunities and positive communication with families.

Our Behaviour Response System

The system is used calmly, consistently and proportionately. Serious incidents do not need to progress through all stages before a Red Card is issued. Where patterns emerge, pastoral, SEND and other targeted support are considered.

Emotion Coaching, Regulation and Restoration

We recognise that behaviour can be influenced by emotions, experiences and individual needs. Our Emotion Coaching approach helps pupils recognise, understand and regulate emotions while adults maintain clear behavioural boundaries and expectations. Zones of Regulation, restorative conversations and pastoral support may also be used.

Reset Sessions are educational and restorative rather than punitive. Pupils are supported to reflect on what happened, understand the impact of their actions, repair relationships where appropriate and prepare for a successful return to learning.

Our Pupils

We want pupils to demonstrate excellent learning behaviours, understand and follow the HB Way, confidently use HB STARS, regulate their emotions increasingly independently, take responsibility for their choices, repair relationships and show kindness, respect, resilience and Christian character.

Behaviour is monitored through Class Dojo and Arbor, alongside pupil and staff voice, observations, pastoral information and communication with families. This enables leaders to identify patterns early and evaluate the effectiveness of support.

How Are We Inclusive?

Expectations remain high for every pupil, while we recognise that some children need additional support or reasonable adjustments to meet them. This balance of consistency and individual support promotes fairness and equity.

Working Together with Families

Positive behaviour is most effectively developed when pupils, parents, carers and school work together. We value open, respectful communication and will work collaboratively with families where concerns arise or additional support may benefit a child. We will also celebrate excellent behaviour with families.