Policy

Admission and Registration Policy

Test and Exams Policy

Tuition and Fees Policy

Code of Conduct and Compliances

Honor Code!

Admission and Registration Policy

1. All students, parents and guardians must observe this Policy Note 002 and subsequent rules, regulations and procedures relating to Admission and Registration at Headstart School. Registration follows after the admission has been offered to the student

2. Headstart management reserves the right to admission/registration for students at all entry levels. Students of all nationalities are eligible and encouraged to apply

3. The Admission criterion includes appropriate age, satisfactory information on previous schooling, learning achievement, and proficiency in English language

4. Entrance test in English language, mathematics, and Urdu (optional) is given to determine the placement of students. Placement is also based on a number of factors mentioned above. The principal’s decision on placement of the student is final

5. An appointment is required to schedule the entrance test

6. The minimum age for entry into Playgroup is 2 years before August 15, of the registration year. Some general age levels are 7th grade (12 years); 8th grade (13 years); O-level Part-1 (14 years); and A-level Part-1 (17+ years). Only marginal exceptions may be allowed by the management. Birth dates are verified in the form of birth certificate or B-form of National I.D. Card, or passport, at the time of registration

New students

7. For the registration procedure to be complete, a parent, guardian or student must complete all entries in the School’s registration form (HS-Reg-Form 002); provide recent passport size photographs on blue background, 6 photos for Playgroup to Class 8 and 10 photos for O and A-levels are required; transcripts and references from previous schools, and an undertaking for compliance with the prevalent School’s policies, rules, regulations and procedures. If these requirements are not complete, the student may not be allowed to commence classes

Returning students

8. At the end of the academic year, parents will ensure that a registration renewal form is completed. This form must be completed irrespective of whether or not the student will return to Headstart. This is important to ensure that classroom space is reserved for the student or else the School may not have room for the student. In case of non-returning student non-completion of this form may delay issuance of the leaving certificate

9. Students are issued a student ID number and an ID card on registration. Lost ID card is replaced for which a duplicate fee is charged

10. The School reserves the right to hold student’s progress reports, transcripts, school leaving and other certificates if it is determined at any time that the admission’s criteria was not fully satisfied

11. All parents and guardians responsible for enrollment of their child(ren) will read and sign an undertaking for compliance with the School’s policies. The School reserves the right to revise and make alterations to its policies at any point in time. However, it is the School’s policy to give appropriate advance notice for effectiveness of any changes

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Attachment(s)

(1) Registration Form (HS-Reg-Form 002)
(2) Admission/Registration Procedure (HS-Reg-Procedure 002)
(3) School Leaving Procedure (HS-School Leaving-Procedure 002)

Admission/Registration Procedure

School Leaving Certificate Procedure

Test and Exams Policy

All students, parents and guardians must observe this Policy Note 005 and subsequent rules, regulations and procedures relating to Tests and Examination Policy at Headstart School.

Headstart School conducts tests and examination for students at all levels.

Monthly tests for Grades 6 to 8 contribute to 50% of the mid-term and final exams result/grade. Students who miss these tests due to unavoidable circumstances can make up by requesting a test on a later date during the same month. For Grades 9 to 12, these tests form the basis of the monthly report which in turn becomes the ‘school transcript’.

Mid-term and Final-term exams are very important as they build exam taking skills and time management while children learn to cope with stress. The exam papers are extensive and cover the entire course for the term. Only one paper is made and there is no option for taking these exams before or after the stipulated dates. Students will have to contend with a zero in case they are
absent for any reason. In case of severe illness, the reason for being absent will be written in the comment box of the report card. This will only be possible if a doctor’s certificate is furnished. These report cards are extremely important as they will constitute the “school transcripts” which all universities and colleges require from grade 9 to 12.

90% attendance in a school year is mandatory. In case of absences of more than two days from school a written application duly signed by the parents/guardians should be submitted to the school office, before taking leave. In case the absences exceed the given limit, students may not be allowed to take the final exam and in extreme cases the registration for Cambridge International Exams may be withheld.

The School reserves the right to hold student’s progress reports, transcripts, school leaving and other certificates if it is determined at any time that the tests and examination criteria was not fully satisfied.

All parents and guardians responsible for their child will read and sign an undertaking for compliance with the School’s policies. The School reserves the right to revise and make alterations to its policies at any point in time. However, it is the School’s policy to give appropriate advance notice for effectiveness of any changes.

Tuition and Fees Policy

1) All students, parents and guardians must observe the following rules and regulations as outlined in his Policy Note 001 regarding Tuition and Fees.

2) Tuition and fees, payable in Pak Rupees, for the Academic year beginning August 2008 onwards is as follows:

3) A one-time Registration fee (non-refundable) will be paid by all new students in full within two weeks of confirmation of enrollment. Annual charges to cover the expenses for computers, science laboratories, and photocopies of syllabi and instructional materials will be paid in full prior to attendance irrespective of joining date. Books, magazines, and stationery are billed on actual costs. The Tuition fee is paid for the full quarter on billing, i.e. August-October, November-January, February-April, and May-July. For new students Tuition fee is paid for the full month irrespective of the date of joining in that month. Tuition fee for the full year (which includes May-July period) is paid in full as long as the student has attended School.

4) Invoices and fee challans are issued latest by 20th of the billing month and sent home through students. It is the responsibility of the parents to inquire from the School’s office if they have not received the challan by the 5th of the billing month. All dues are paid directly to the Headstart Account at the designated Bank. The due date is marked on the challan, and late-fee is collected by the Bank at the time of payment. The late payment charges will not be waived nor reduced.

5) Registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. For students leaving mid-way, balance payment of tuition fee is not refundable. No refunds for any payments will be made if student is suspended on disciplinary grounds, and parent or guardian will be liable for paying up for any damages caused to the School property, as determined by the School management.

6) For returning student, all previous dues including any fines must have been cleared. Non-payment or underpayment of dues may result in suspension of enrollment, refusal to re-register and/or withholding of student records.

7) The School reserves the right to hold student’s progress reports, transcripts, school leaving and other certificates if the dues have not been cleared.

8) All parents and guardians responsible for guaranteeing payment of School dues will read and sign an undertaking for compliance with the School’s policies. The School reserves the right to revise and make alterations to its Policies at any point in time. However, it is the School’s policy to give appropriate advance notice for effectiveness of any change(s).

Code of Conduct and Compliances

Headstart strives to generate a life long passion for learning within and beyond the classroom. An important goal is to develop the students into good citizens. At the time of registration and as and when the management requires, all parents and students must sign a statement of compliance “declaration” with the School's honor code, policy and rules and regulations and it is expected of them that they will uphold these to the highest standard of compliance. Some examples of offences are as follows:

MISCONDUCT, FOUL LANGUAGE, HOMEWORK-NOT-DONE, MISUSE OF OR DAMAGING SCHOOL PROPERTY AND OTHER DEMEANING ACTS IN VIOLATION OF THE HONOR CODE! The Offender is given a written warning which can range from detention after school for remedial work to suspension from attending school for the stated period on the warning slip. After three warnings the student is expelled from school and reinstated only when Parent reports in writing that corrective action has been taken and the offender demonstrates sufficient commitment not to repeat the actions that led to expulsion. A sample of warning slip is attached at the end of this note.

PHYSICAL FIGHTS, OR POSSESSION OR USE OF FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, OR OTHER DANGEROUS WEAPONS OR SUBSTANCES, OR LIGHTING AN OPEN FLAME IN A SCHOOL BUILDING! The offender is suspended from School and may be reinstated when Parent reports in writing that corrective action has been taken and the offender demonstrates sufficient commitment not to repeat the actions that led to the suspension.

TOBACCO SMOKING, POSSESSION OR USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ON CAMPUS! The offender is immediately expelled from School. This expulsion is irrevocable as there is zero tolerance for this offence. Such an offence is determined by a faculty member and reported to the Vice Principal's office for expulsion order.

LITTERING IS TABOO! The offender pays Rs.100 for littering on campus and Rs.500 for littering in the classroom. The menace of littering has almost disappeared since the fine was imposed.

LIBRARY BOOKS MISPLACED, TORN OR RETURNED LATE! The offender pays a modest fine commensurate with the cost of the book or replaces the book.

LOST FEE RECEIPTS, PHOTOCOPIES OF EXAM SYLLABI AND HANDOUTS! The offender pays Rs.100 for duplicates plus the actual cost of replacement. At least 20 percent of the fee challans and exam syllabi are lost and duplicates have to be issued.

TARDINESS! Students are allowed only a 5-minute extra margin. Based on our assessment, if students are late and miss the tests or lessons, invariably it is due to the fault of their parents or guardian. For a student to reach School on time, the ultimate responsibility lies with them. The School does its very best for education and grooming therefore parents should not shift this burden to the School.

DRIVING WITHOUT A PERMIT! Students without a valid driving license are not allowed to drive to School. If found guilty the matter is reported to the parents or guardian.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY! Cheating, plagiarism and improper collaboration are all vulgar practices and completely intolerable. Students are counseled and this offence can lead to results without grading, detention and failure to obtain any recommendation from the school. A student may even be asked to leave the school and this offence will go into his/her personal school record for all future purposes.

ATTENDANCE! 90% attendance in a school year is mandatory. In case of absence of more than two days from school a written application duly signed by the parent/guardian should be submitted to the school office before taking the leave. In case of medical leave, kindly inform the school by sending a note from the doctor or calling the school. In case the absence exceeds the given limit students may not be allowed to take the final exam and in extreme cases the registration for Cambridge International Exams may be withheld.

BUNKING CLASSES!
For O-level: ONE day suspension on first offence. Second time bunking is EXPULSION.
For A-level: ONE day suspension on first offence. TWO day suspension on Second offense. Third time bunking is EXPULSION.

This expulsion is irrevocable.

GOING HOME WITH A FRIEND(S)! A prior written permission from parent/guardian is required for going home from school with a friend(s).

CELL PHONES! Cell phones are not allowed on school premises and will be confiscated. Students can deposit these at the reception when they come to school in the morning and take them at home time. Calling facility from school is available for students at a nominal charge.

UNIFORM! When in school students should be in uniform! If not the student will be sent home and no excuses will be entertained. Last Friday of the month students may dress in coloured clothes. Students must dress modestly and decently keeping our cultural values and norms in mind. T-shirts and shirts with any kind of writing are not allowed.
SUMMER UNIFORM: Blue Pants and Headstart Polo Shirt for Boys; Prescribed White Shalwar Kameez with Navy Blue Sash or Dupatta for girls;
WINTER UNIFORM: Blue Pants, Headstart Polo Shirt and School Sweater for Boys; Prescribed White Shalwar Kameez with Navy Blue Sash or Dupatta and School Sweater. Jewelery and makeup is not allowed.

TEACHERS or STAFF's CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR! Teachers and staff's conduct and behavior is monitored by the school management at all times. Any incident such as a teacher or staff having physically abused a student can lead to warnings, suspension and possible termination of employment. The school reserves the right to take a final decision on matters related to termination of employment of teacher or staff.

COMPUTER LAB RULES!
* All faculty and students are welcome to use the computer Lab. They can use computers for their project/research/assignments/online notes/online test/college application etc.
* Examination Resource we keep nearly all past papers, examiner’s reports, marking schemes, and syllabi in our computer lab.
* Internet is meant to be used for educational purpose and is available most of the time. We have a high-speed DSL connection installed in our computer Lab. Any unnecessary web surfing, chatting, emails, offline messaging, downloads are not allowed. Any student found guilty will be fined.
* Printing is allowed on payment.
* Storage medium: Using floppies, CDs or any storage medium is not allowed.
* Playing computer games is not allowed.
* Drinks or eatables are not allowed in the computer lab.
* Littering is prohibited.
* Chairs must be put in place after you finish using the computer lab.

SCIENCE LAB RULES!
* All students must wear a Lab Coat for all the science practical.
* Hair has to be tied (for girls and boys with long hair)
* Do not use gel when you have a practical (specially Chemistry)
* Carry all your stationary with you.
* Leave your bags outside the lab.
* Do not touch the Chemicals and Apparatus un-necessary.
* Before leaving the lab wash your apparatus and clean your work area.

A SAMPLE OF WARNING NOTICE

Dear Parents / Guardians:

The school considers violation of honor code and other related offences as serious and treats them as missed obligations on the part of the student. To discourage this practice students are reminded again and again of the consequences of such an offence both verbally and in writing as soon as the offence is noticed.

Your son/daughter ____________________________,

 was late for school

 was late for class

 has bunked his/her class

 did not abide by the school rules regarding the prescribed school uniform

 does not bring relevant books/copies/appropriate stationary material/lab coat to class

 has been reported for inappropriate behaviour

 did not complete/submit home/class assignments on time

 was involved in a physical fight

 was constantly a source of disturbance in class/school

 was found eating/drinking in classroom/science lab/library/computer lab

OR

 Any other reason
__________________________________________________________________________

We are left with no choice but to:

Warning No. __________ Fine ______.

Detention after school on from _______ to _______.Kindly make suitable transport arrangement for this day.

Sent him/her home: not allowed to attend school Suspended on from ____________ to ___________.

Your cooperation and support will help us in maintaining discipline.

Thanking you,

Vice Principal

(Please acknowledge receipt & return it to the office not later than ________)

Remarks (if any)
__________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: Dated:_________

DECLARATION
I hereby solemnly declare that I have read the orientation letter thoroughly. I accept that if I’m unable to abide by the rules and regulations, or in case of any misbehaviour, the school will have the right to cancel my admission or expel me or recommend that I be registered as a private candidate.
I accept that the school has the right to take any step(s) necessary to protect its interest and environment, which may require the expulsion of a student from the school at any time.

Student’s Name Student’s Signature

Parent’s /Guardian’s Signature Date

Honor Code!

With an attitude of gratitude

I will care for what is given to me

I will keep the promises I make

Live up to the trust put in me

Love the truth and speak it without fear

I will be kind helpful and respectful to those around me

Open and honest

If I have a problem with something someone did or said

I will talk to them and not about them

My words will be clean and kind

My actions full of honor and integrity

This I promise myself, my fellow students and my school