Building a culture of responsibility and humanity in our schools A ...

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A school code of conduct,
while making expectations,
behaviour and consequences
clear, should integrate
these core values and their
related responsibilities:
equality, dignity, life, family
and parental care, education,
work, freedom and security
of the person, own property,
freedom of belief, religion
and opinion, live in a safe
environment, citizenship,
freedom of expression.
Building a culture of responsibility and humanity and
accountability in our schools
A guide for teachers
an rights at school are often regarded as the reason that
children misbehave or that teachers are unable to exercise
‘control’ over the learning environment. It is essential that this
is a misinterpretation of what human rights are about. For
there to be a true culture of rights at school, responsibilities
are key! A rights-based culture at school would be based on
respect, responsibility, self-discipline and dignity. It therefore
goes without saying that the respect for others, their person
and their belongings as well as hard work, the pursuit of
excellence, and participation and commitment to the well being
of others in the school community (and outside of) are central
features of a school with an ethos of human rights and
responsibility.
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A school code of conduct should:
• Be based on the South African Constitution
• Uphold human rights and engender a culture of responsibility
• Ensure that related legislation is adhered to and implemented (see SASA 1996)
• Be developed collectively, collaboratively and inclusively
• Be relevant to all members of the school community including teachers, learners and
parents
• Through the processes of development or ongoing evaluation, provide space for
members of the school community to think through their respective roles, rights and
responsibilities
• Provide learners with an opportunity to think about their own behaviour at school and
to recognise where it might need to change
• Be part of a proactive and positive approach to handling discipline at school
• Set expectations, responsibilities and consequences thereby creating an environment in
which teaching and learning can take place effectively
• Clarify that everybody in the school is collectively and individually responsible for their
learning and behaviour at school
• Create a framework within which self-discipline and responsibility can be practiced.