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Port Moresby International School – Grades 7-10 Handbook 2012

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PORT MORESBY

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

GRADES 7 - 10

HANDBOOK

2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

POMIS MISSION AIMS and VALUES 3

IEA OUTCOMES 3

2012 STAFF 4

SCHOOL FEE POLICY 5

GRADE 9 & 10 PATHWAYS & COURSE SELECTION 6

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION STATUS 7

COMMON QUESTIONS 8

RULES and PROCEDURES 9

CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOUR ISSUES 10

STUDENTS ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVIEW COMMITTEE 11

EMERGENCIES AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES 13

UNIFORM 17

USING THE LIBRARY 17

ASSESSMENT POLICY and PROCEDURES 19

THE PROFILE OF A POMIS STUDENT 23


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MISSION

To prepare students for success in the modern world by being the leading provider of

secondary education in Papua New Guinea.

MOTTO:

Excellence, commitment, diversity & integrity

Objectives To provide a structured curriculum that recognises the individual needs of the students with a wide ability range.

To encourage students to strive for excellence in order to achieve their full potential.

To prepare students for entry to educational institutions and careers internationally, and to use their leisure time

constructively.

To ensure an effective teaching and learning climate and to encourage positive student-teacher relationships.

To foster amongst students, staff and parents an atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, support and concern.

To provide opportunities for cultural, sporting and social contacts with the Papua New Guinean and international

communities.

To encourage and support professional development of staff.

To encourage parent, staff and community participation in the school.

To provide appropriate resources and facilities and to ensure their effective allocation and use.

Port Moresby International School values: Equal opportunities for individuals to realise their full intellectual, social, physical and creative potential

Its high academic standard within an internationally accepted educational framework -a diverse curriculum and a range

of enjoyable activities that provide students with a variety of ways of understanding the world

The unique position and role the school occupies in the country and in the lives of its students

Student centred learning which reflects an understanding of the stages of development of individuals

An environment in which individuals can grow into positive community members who exercise responsibility for their

own actions and have a caring attitude towards others

The diversity of nationalities, cultures and religions within the School

Careful and responsible management of natural and human environments to ensure their safety and stability for present

and future generations

Contributions from all members of the school community

The importance of ongoing professional development for all staff

The students of the School will be assisted to: Recognise and respect the values for which the school stands and carry these into the wider community

Regard intellectual, artistic, imaginative and physical skills as worthwhile

Have an individual voice, as well as respect the opinions of others

Respect the religious and cultural beliefs of others

Develop self-esteem and self-discipline

Be tolerant and sensitive to others

Share their culture with others

Be honest and responsible members of the community

Care for natural and human environments

Prepare for further education, employment and leisure activities

Accept national and international responsibilities

Discover that learning is deeply satisfying, and approach it enthusiastically

IEA Key Outcomes (The Key Outcomes are the ultimate attainments of education in all IEA schools)

IEA schools assist each child to …..

Be self directing - One who is self-confident, has high self esteem and personal integrity and a positive vision for

self and the future

Communicate effectively - One who confidently conveys and receives information, instruction, ideas and feeling

appropriately and effectively in a range of different cultural, language and social contexts.

Behave ethically - One who exhibits appropriate morals, manners and virtues in a range of social and cultural

settings.

Work collaboratively - One who develops good relationships with others and works in cooperative ways to

achieve common goals.

Analyse and solve problems - who accesses a range of information sources appropriate to the resolution of

complex issues and applies strategies with accuracy and thoroughness.


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2012 STAFF AT PORT MORESBY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Mr Christopher West PRINCIPAL

Mrs. Keuts Vui-Neuendorf DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (Operations; Student Welfare)

Mr Steven Rowley DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (Academic)

HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS

Mr. Andrew Briggs PE/OUTDOOR EDUCATION/ARTS/MUSIC

Mrs Anna Dusava HUMANITIES

Dr. Christopher Hart SCIENCE

Ms. Ann Iberson-Hurst MATHEMATICS

Ms. Diana McManus LANGUAGE

Ms. Maria Nodalo TECHNOLOGY

TEACHING STAFF

Ms. Benita Akila Information Technology

Mr. George Badapipi Mathematics

Mrs. Sovori Bade Mathematics

Mrs. Maristella Baras Social Sciences, Business Studies

Mr. Umba Ben Physical Education, PSE

Ms. Nicole Boin French

Ms. Rebecca Daniel Geography History

Mrs. Connie Davies English

Ms. Avaireso Enoch Physical Education, PSE

Mr. Dean Foy Science

Mr. John Ga‟a Music

Mr. Bagu Gavera Humanities

Ms. Abigail Gima English

Mr. Gibson Giti Information Technology

Mrs. Jane Graham History

Mr. Fredrick Guande Humanities

Mrs. Lina Gui Mathematics, Information Technology

Mr. Ricky Gure English

Dr. Anuradha Guru Science

Mr. Andrew Hriehwazi Information Technology

Mr. Patrick Hughes English

Mr. Stiofan Hunter Science

Mrs. Ansila Irima Accounting/Economics

Mr. Joshua Kali Mathematics

Mr. Thomas Kavanamur Science

Mr. Charlie Kiah Design and Technology

Mr. Kerry Kimiafa Science

Mrs. Olive Koim Humanities

Mrs. Faas‟o Kuama Science

Mr. Mika Laku Mathematics

Mrs. Joan Lalie Home Economics/Mathematics

Ms. Genevieve Lavai Science

Dr. Catherine Levy French

Mr. Robert Mabone English

Mr. Greg Malie Humanities

Mr. William Marabu Physics

Mr. Simon McMao Design and Technology

Mr. Ishmael Nombe Mathematics

Mrs. Julie Nombe PE/PSE

Mrs. Kaia Obi-Araga Mathematics

Ms. Konio Pala ESL/Social Science/Humanities

Mrs. Elizabeth Pascoe Science

Ms. Elizabeth Rasehei Mathematics

Mr. Haroun Rashid Business Studies

Mr. David Rocchi Music

Mrs. Alice Sareke English


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Mr. William Teka English

Mrs. Joyce Tokauba English

Ms. Valerie Tulasoi Humanities

Ms. Janice Umpa Information Technology

Mr. Jim Vaname Visual Arts

Mr. Ken Vovoki Visual Arts

Mr. Simon Wapiyu Mathematics

Mrs. Bella Wartovo Science

Ms. Roselyn Wuniki English

Mrs. Elizabeth Yaneku Mathematics

School Fee Policy

School fees are determined and approved for the following academic year by the Board of Governors at the

beginning of Term 4. Tuition fees are charged annually in January at the pre-determined rate approved by the

Board of Governors. The comprehensive tuition fee charged includes items that are required for teaching

requirements. Excluded items are uniforms, stationery, and excursions.

Tuition Fee & Collection Procedures

School Fee invoices will be issued upon Registration or prior if requested. Invoices will show either

annual/term fees.

Annual or 1st Term fees are due at Registration. Students will not be accepted to enrol if fees cannot be

paid.

Students with outstanding fees from a prior year will not be enrolled at Registration.

Approval for proposed fee payment in instalment will commence after term one based on a written request.

Arrangements for payment of fees in instalment are treated confidentially.

A full term‟s tuition fee is payable for any part of a term attended.

Withdrawing students automatically forfeit a penalty of 5 weeks in lieu of a term‟s fee.

Term fees for all grades will be billed in the first 3 terms of the 2012 school year.

Students who are removed from the school and have paid an annual fee will be charged the pro rata term

fees.

Students will be removed from the school roll records after 15 school days of being withdrawn from the

school for non-payment of fees. If students then re-enrol the enrolment fee of K100 will apply.

Students will be eligible for a refund of the difference in fees charged between courses if the school is

formally notified in writing of the desire to change courses before the end of week 4 in Term 1 or during

week one of term 3 (Refund the difference for semester 2 only).

Students who move to a higher fee paying course must pay the full two-year fee difference if it is in the

second year of the course i.e. grade 10 and 12.

Students who pay an annual fee and change courses will not be eligible for a refund.

Students who pay an annual fee and suddenly decide to leave the school in term 4 will forfeit all fees paid.

Term fees are due and payable in full before the first day of each term. Students will be excluded from

classes until fees are paid.

Fee Concessions

The school offers a 10% discount for the third child to families with three or more children in the school.

Enrolment, Textbook and Other Fees

A non-refundable fee of K100 is charged on the initial enrolment of students not previously enrolled in

IEA Schools. After February this is increased to K200.

An annual text book fee of K220 is applicable and magazine purchase of K45 is added to the term one fee

invoice and is in addition to the above fee amounts and is non refundable. The annual costs of text books

per students would be in the vicinity of K1500 if this fee was not charged. The aim is to provide students

with textbooks at a more affordable level.

Transport

Transport fees are payable before students are allowed to get on the bus

Citizen fees are offered to all students holding a PNG passport.


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PATHWAYS AT PMIS

GRADE 7 & 8

International Preparatory Years Including Cambridge International Exams Grade 8 Checkpoint Exams (optional)

International Course Papua New Guinea Course

IGCSE

Available to: All PMIS students

Criteria: Students paying the

International fee in grade 9 & 10 will

do the IGCSE Eng & Maths exams.

They may opt to do others at extra cost

per exam

N.B. Papua New Guinean students can elect this

course and complete the PNGSC

requirements.

PNG School Certificate

Available to: All PNG Students

Criteria: Students must sit the examinations and

meet other criteria as determined by the

PNG Department of Education.

Compulsory for PNG citizens

SELECTING YOUR COURSE

Choosing subjects is an important step and there are certain points you should bear in mind.

Consult your subject teachers and listen to what they have to say.

Do not choose a subject only because you like the teacher. Next year you may get a different teacher.

Choose subjects and not teachers.

Do not choose a subject because your friend has chosen it. It is your own future you must consider.

You may need to choose a subject that you do not like at the moment, because it is essential for a career that

you are interested in.

If you need advice, ask for it. If the person you ask cannot help s/he will direct you to someone who can.

Most employers welcome people who have a broad education, who are adaptable and who have shown that they

are capable of achieving a reasonable standard in a variety of subjects, rather than people who have only a

narrow range of skills.

WHO CAN HELP!

Make sure that you get as much help and advice as you can. The following are people you should ask for help:

Your parents

The staff who teach you at present are the best people to advise you about prospects in their subjects.

The Heads of Departments or Teachers-in-Charge of particular subjects.

Your Grade Coordinator

The Deputy Principals Mr. Steven Rowley & Mrs. Keuts Vui-Neuendorf

The Principal Mr. Christopher West

NOT ALL SUBJECTS OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET WILL NECESSARILY BE RUN IN 2008.

THERE ARE MINIMUM NUMBERS REQUIRED BEFORE COURSES WILL BE TIMETABLED.


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COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Grade 7&8: All students follow a general course consisting of English Language; Mathematics; Science;

Society and Environment, LOTE (French); Craft, Design and Technology OR Home Economics; Art OR Music;

Health and Physical Education; Personal Development; Computer Applications. In English, Maths and Science

students follow the Cambridge International Exams Lower Secondary programme. Papua New Guinean students

in Grade 8 are given extra preparation for the Certificate of Basic Education Grade 8 Examinations. Students

may elect to sit the Cambridge International Checkpoint exams in English, Mathematics and Science at the end

of grade 8. There is an extra cost per exam which is dependent on the exchange rate at the time. These

examinations will be compulsory for all students entering Grade 7 in 2011.

The two-year course required by Grades 9 - 10 students at PMIS is:

All students must study:

English (Advanced/Intermediate)

Mathematics (Advanced/Intermediate)

Science (Co-ordinated or Combined)

Humanities (History, Geography or Social Science)

3 Electives (These are offered for individual choice)

Health and Physical Education

Personal and Social Education

THE INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

Students who wish to attain an IGCSE qualification need to consult the following subject guide to determine

which subjects are following the IGCSE syllabus. There is no minimum or maximum number of subjects

required except for the attainment of the International Certificate of Education (ICE), which is awarded the

status of Pass, Merit or Distinction. The ICE requires seven or more IGCSE subjects, including two from the

Languages group, and one from each of the Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics and Creative, Technical &

Vocational groups. The decision to enter for the IGCSE examinations is made during Grade 10 at which time a

fee is set by Cambridge. Those who pay the International Fee automatically sit the English and Maths IGCSE.

THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA SCHOOL CERTIFICATE

Students who wish to be awarded a PNG School Certificate must take

English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and at least two of the following subjects: Business Studies ,

Music, Art and Design, Design and Technology, Family and Consumer Studies, Information Technology or

Computer Applications

CERTIFICATION STATUS OF EACH SUBJECT

Listed below is a table that highlights the qualification that each subject may lead to:

IGCSE PNG SC

English - First Language * *

Mathematics * *

Combined/Coordinated Science * *

French *

Geography *

History *

Social Science *

Additional Mathematics *

Art and Design * *

Business Studies * *

Computer Applications *

Information Technology * *

Design and Technology * *

Music *

Family and Consumer Studies *

Health and Physical Education


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WHAT DO I DO IF ???

I forget where I have to go?

Firstly see if any of your classmates know where to go, if they don‟t ask a teacher or an older

student. If you get really stuck go to the reception counter and ask there.

I arrive late for school?

Report to the Late Desk; if the late desk is closed, take your note explaining why you are late

to the reception counter and Lynn will mark you present and give you a note that will allow

you to enter class. If you do not have a note, your parent/guardian will have to sign.

I wish to leave school early to attend an appointment?

Bring a note from your parent/guardian explaining your absence and detailing the time and

transport arrangements for your departure. Show this to the Principal, Deputy Principal or

Receptionist before school and they will sign it for you. Show this note to your roll call

teacher, but keep it in your possession. In the class that you need to leave from, speak to your

teacher prior to leaving and show him/her your note. When you wish to leave go to reception

to be signed out and submit your letter.

I am unable to wear my correct school uniform?

Bring a note from your parent/guardian explaining why you are out of uniform, show this to

the Principal, Deputy Principal, or receptionist who will issue you with a uniform pass for the

day if appropriate. You need to produce this pass if other teachers ask for it.

I feel sick at school?

Explain to your teacher that you are sick and he/she will write you a note for you to see a

Hane at the front office who will make an assessment and treat you. If necessary your parent/

guardian will be contacted for them to collect you from school.

I am having problems with my work or friends at school?

Speak to someone with whom you feel comfortable, whom you know is in a position to help

you. This might be an older student, your Grade Coordinator, your teacher, a principal or a

Head of Department. Problems are easily solved when shared with the right person!!

I am absent from school?

Bring a note explaining your absence the next day of your attendance and hand it to your roll

call teacher. Speak to your teachers to find out what work you have missed while you have

been away from school.


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RULES AND PROCEDURES

ABSENTEEISM

If a student is absent from school for either all or part of a school day, parents should supply a letter to the school

stating the reason for absence. This letter should be clearly marked with the student‟s name, grade, roll call

group, the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. All letters must be signed by a parent/guardian and

presented to the roll call teacher on the first day after an absence. If it is necessary for students to be absent for a

prearranged appointment, the school should be notified in advance. If an absence is prolonged then a phone call

to the Grade Co-ordinator is requested, as soon as possible. Written confirmation is required, and if prior

knowledge of the absence is known, then a note prior to the student‟s departure is requested. It is each student‟s

responsibility to ensure that class work or homework missed through absenteeism is still attempted. PNG

students absent more than 30 days are unable to sit their exam and other courses require 90% attendance.

ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricula activities are held after school. All students should be involved in at least one of these. A list of

activities available will be published as soon as possible. Any suggestions for new activities are welcomed and

should be discussed with Grade Co-ordinators who will discuss it further with interested staff and the Activities

Co-ordinator.

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL

You may only arrive and leave through either the main gate by the office or the one at the bottom of the oval by

the old IEA building. You must not use the staff car park the Boroko East School or the entrance to the

teachers’ housing compound.

ASSEMBLY

At weekly Monday assemblies from 7.50 to 8.15 students are encouraged to give reports on activities. Items for

Assembly must be given to the School Captains prior to assembly. Roll call is still held as usual on Assembly

days.

BAGS

Please ensure that all equipment is clearly marked with your name. Lost property is stored in the front office.

Unfortunately we still have occasional stealing so make sure you take care of your bags and do not leave them

lying around the school.

BANNED ITEMS

Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, betelnut, chewing gum, walkmans, whiteout and spirit-based felt pens are banned.

Mobile phones, IPODs, laptop computers and MP 3 players are discouraged within school grounds. If parents

wish for their child to have a mobile phone to make contact in case of emergencies and after school then they

should be kept in their bags and switched off. “OFF AND INVISIBLE” is the expectation. The school does not

take any responsibility for items of this nature which are lost or stolen.

BELL TIMES Normal Day Assembly Day

Warning Bell (all students should be at school) 07.45 07:45

Assembly 07:50 – 08:10

Period 1 07.50 – 08:45 08:10 – 09:05

Period 2 08.45 – 09:40 09:05 – 10:00

Home Room (9, 10, 11, 12) 09:40 – 09:55 10:00 – 10:15

Recess (9, 10, 11, 12) 09.55 – 10:20 10:15 – 10:40

Recess (7, 8) 09:40 – 10:05 10:00 – 10:25

Home Room (7, 8) 10:05 – 10:20 10:25 – 10:40

Period 3 10:20 – 11:15 10:40 - 11:35

Period 4 11:15 – 12:10 11:35 - 12:30

Lunch 12:10 – 12:55 12:30 - 01:15

Period 5 12:55 – 01:50 01:15 - 02:10

Period 6 01:50 – 02:45 02:10 – 03:05

Period 7 02:45 – 03:40

BULLETIN: STUDENT

The Student Bulletin is posted on the noticeboard and read during Roll Call. Notices should be written in the

Student Bulletin kept at the office by 3:00 p.m. on the previous day


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CANTEEN

The canteen operates at recess, lunchtime and after school until 3:30 p.m. It is self-service and operates on a

cash basis. The canteen is out of bounds to all students during class times. Special times apply during

examinations. Students are invited to make recommendations for the canteen through their Forum and SRC

representatives

CARS/MOTOR BIKES BELONGING TO STUDENTS

Parking on school grounds is not available to students with vehicles.

CHANGING SUBJECTS

Students in grade 11 may change subjects in Term 1. In the first two weeks they should see the Deputy

Academic. After the first two weeks they must use a subject change form which can be collected from the office.

They still need to see the Deputy Academic to discuss the change so that they can be advised on whether the

desired change is possible and which teachers to see. They will have to have the subject change form signed by

the teacher of the old subject, the HOD of the old subject, the teacher of the new subject and the HOD of the

new subject. They also need to have the form signed by their parents or have a letter from their parents. Once

they have the form completed it is submitted to the Deputy Academic for final processing and a new timetable

will be issued.

CIVIES DAYS

Civvies Days are usually held on the day of school dances. On these days students are not required to wear

uniform. Students are expected to dress sensibly and no thongs may be worn. Students unsuitably dressed will be

sent home. On these days students are required to bring a kina for the „privilege‟ of not wearing uniform. Money

is collected during roll call and is shared with a local charity.

CLUSTER DAYS

Cluster days are days when sporting teams go to play other schools in the National Capital District. Interested

students will be expected to attend practices in the relevant sports prior to the cluster day. The cluster days are

usually held once a term.

CONFISCATION OF ITEMS

Teachers may confiscate items they believe students should not have in class or around the school. These items

are given to the Deputy Principal. All items will be returned in due course except those which are illegal or

offensive.

COUNSELING

Port Moresby International School is a very caring school with a supportive pastoral care system. Home Room

teachers and Grade Coordinators liaise with the teaching staff to assist students who have social, personal or

academic problems. The Principal and/or Deputy Principals can also be involved in this activity.

CONSEQUENCES FOR BEHAVIOUR ISSUES

DETENTIONS

Any teacher may give detentions for half of lunchtime. Heads of Departments or the Principal/Deputy Principal

may give after school detentions. Any teacher who wishes to give a student an after school detention will send

the student to his/her Head of Department stating the reason. The student is given a letter, which must be

returned to the person issuing the detention the next day. It should be signed by his/her parents/guardians. For a

breach of discipline a Head of Department or the Principal can issue a Discipline Letter. Copies of the letter

are posted home, given to the Grade Coordinator and placed on the student's file. Detention on a daily basis is

given for students who breech the school rules on uniform, ID‟s and being late to school/class

EXPULSIONS

Enrolment may be terminated for failing to work to an acceptable standard over an extended period of time or

for matters of discipline. Parents will be notified of the Enrolment and Discipline Committee's recommendation

for expulsion to enable them to make a submission and/or to appear before the Board. The Board will meet

within 10 working days to consider a recommendation for termination of enrolment. Only the Board may

terminate a student's enrolment. Parents have the right of appeal to the IEA against a decision of termination of

enrolment by the School Board.


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PROBATIONARY ENROLMENT

Students may be placed on Probationary Enrolment at the discretion of the Enrolment and Discipline Committee.

A student‟s progress and behaviour is closely monitored during this time and at the end of the probationary

period a report will be given to the Enrolment and Discipline Committee.

SUSPENSIONS

The Principal may internally suspend a student for up to five days without approval by the Enrolment and

Discipline committee. The Principal may externally suspend a student for a very serious contravention of school

rules. (e.g. swearing at a teacher, major truancy, violent behaviour, and possession of drugs or alcohol). The

Enrolment and Discipline committee will meet within 48 hours when an external suspension has occurred. A

letter will be sent to parents giving details of the reason for suspension. Copies of the letter will be given to the

Grade Coordinator and placed on the student's file. In more serious cases students remain suspended until the

Enrolment and Discipline Committee, which must meet within 5 working days of the incident, consider the case.

The Enrolment and Discipline Committee may warn a student; require the student to do community work; place

the student's enrolment on a probationary basis; suspend the student for a specified period; recommend

termination of enrolment to the Board of Governors.

Suspension and expulsion of students

1. Any suspension of greater than 5 school days or a suspension with a recommendation for expulsion will be

referred to the Enrolment and Discipline Sub-committee of the School Board.

2. The Principal/Deputy taking action to suspend a child will report the suspension immediately to the School

Board Chairman, the student's parents and the IEA.

3. If the suspension is the first stage of possible expulsion procedures, the Enrolment and Discipline

Committee will meet as a matter of urgency, normally within 48 hours, to consider the case.

4. If the Enrolment and Discipline committee recommends expulsion the Board will receive full documentation

relating to the student's behaviour history, counselling, previous suspensions, and attainments. The student

and Parent/Guardian may be invited to address the subcommittee prior to recommendations to the Board.

5. If the Enrolment and Discipline committee recommends expulsion then IEA is to be advised that expulsion

procedures have been commenced.

6. The student and Parents/Guardian will be invited to address the Board prior to any Board decision on

expulsion.

7. If the Board reaches a decision to expel the student, the Secretary and the parents of the student will be

notified by the next day. The School Board may choose to expel a student for the remainder of the

particular year, or permanently.

8. The parents will be advised of their right to appeal to the International Education Agency and to the

International Schools Board against the decision to expel the child.

9. If, after expulsion procedures have commenced, the parents elect to withdraw the student from the school,

expulsion procedures may cease.

10. Withdrawal under the circumstances outlined above would be virtually irrevocable. Only under very

unusual circumstances would re-enrolment be permitted.

11. The Enrolment and Discipline Committee will review this policy during the fourth term of each year.

STUDENT ACADEMIC STANDARDS REVIEW COMMITTEE

Members: The committee will consist of‟- Deputy (Academic),All HODs, IGCSE Co-ordinator, IB Co-

ordinator

Procedure

At the end of each semester teachers refer students to the committee taking into accountresults, effort and

attitude. Students referred should be receiving D & E grades in achievement and effort and letters of concern

should have been sent during the semester. Teachers may make a brief report on a referral pro forma.

The Deputy (Academic) is responsible for collating all referrals, scheduling meetings and notifying parents.

If a student is referred in two or more subjects (which must not all be taught by the same teacher) they will

appear before the Committee. The student and parents are informed of the date of the Committee meeting and

given the opportunity to appear.


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At the meeting

Teachers reports on the student are presented ie. the std report sheet

Along with any letters of concern

Student and parents (if present) speak with the committee

Committee reaches a decision

Parents and student are informed of the decision in writing within a week of the meeting

Possible Decisions Open to SASRC

A simple warning to be placed on record

Referral to counselor

Advise to change teacher/subject

Academic Probation and its consequential decisions.

Academic Probation

The nature of academic probation will depend on whether we are at the end of first or second semester of Grade

9/11 or Grade 10/12:

At the end of Grade 9/11 first semester Academic Probation will mean that the student will be referred

to the next semester (ie. semester 2) meeting of the Committee where

The probation will be lifted or

The probation will be extended or

The student will be informed that they cannot proceed into the next grade

At the end of Grade 9/11 second semester Academic Probation will mean that the student will be

referred to the next semester (ie. end of semester 1 the following year when the student is grade 10/12)

meeting of the Committee where


The student will be informed that they will not be nominated for any exams

At the end of Grade 10/12 first semester Academic Probation will mean that the student will be referred

to a special meeting of the Committee at the end of term 3 where


The student will be informed that they will not sit for any exams

Where a student is told they cannot proceed to the next grade or that they will not be nominated or sit

for exams they have the right of appeal to the BOG.

DANCES

Dances are usually held 6 times during the year and are run by a particular grade/group under the control of the

SRC. All students are encouraged to attend. Extra security is employed and parents are asked to come along to

assist with supervision. Students who do not follow rules at dances may be banned from future dances and face

other sanctions. Students must be collected up to one half hour after the dance ends. Remaining students will be

sent home on a school bus at cost to the student of K20 and these students will not be permitted to attend future

dances/events.


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EMERGENCIES and EVACUATION PROCEDURES

TYPE 1 - EVACUATION OF STUDENTS TO SAFE AREA (EG FIRE, BOMB THREAT)

TYPE 2 - SECURE STUDENTS IN CLASSROOMS (EG SEVERE STORM, CIVIL DISTURBANCE)

TYPE 3 - EVACUATE STUDENTS FROM THE SCHOOL (EG TERRORIST ACTIVITIES, GROSS

CIVIL DISTURBANCE)

- Level 1 - Secure students in classrooms Level 2 - Escalation to Emergency

Collection of students by parents

Students are to be signed out from front office (or desk in situ) by parent or official driver. Under no

circumstances are parents to go to the classrooms or the holding areas to pick up students without first

checking in at the office. Students can then be collected and checked out.

Dated authority to depart slip for each student presented to teacher and then guard - No slip, no departure

In all cases students leaving with other than own family must have written permission (or the departure slip

must indicate a telephone call to the school from the family has been received).

Location of students

Use of loudspeaker system minimized to control levels of student anxiety

Parents collecting students from front office completes a slip with name and grade for each student to be

collected. This slip is needed to release the student from control of the teacher and to leave the school gate.

Student database utilized for rapid student location.

Grade 12 students assist with locating students within school in safe conditions.

Decision taken on school closure

Normally the Executive Director will determine whether or not a school closes. When this is not possible

due to circumstances of the emergency the principal in consultation with the Deputies and if possible with

advice from the School Board and civilian authorities will make the decision.

Where possible compliance with the advice of local authorities will occur, although the final decision will

rest with the principal.

Type 1 Emergency Type 2 Emergency Type 3 Emergency

Evacuate to Safe Area Evacuate to Classroom Evacuate the School

Continuous siren and PA

announcement

PA Announcement and SIREN

sounds in bursts

of three separated by 10

second intervals

PA Announcement and verbal

messages

If you are in class, await teacher's

command then move directly to

safe area via designated route.

If you are in the play ground and

hear a continuous siren, go directly

to safe area on oval

Move to Safe class areas

Grade 7 Room 20

Grade 8 Room 21

Grade 9 Room Hall

Grade 10 Room Hall

Grade 11 Room 10

Grade 12 Room 22-25

Move to Safe class areas

Grade 7 Room 20

Grade 8 Room 21

Grade 9 Room Hall

Grade 10 Room Hall

Grade 11 Room 10

Grade 12 Room 22-25

Line up in designated area in roll

call order and sit down.

Answer when your name is called.

Remain calm and quiet

Await instructions from Grade

coordinator and wait quietly with

door closed and locked if possible.

Await instructions from Grade

Coordinator and wait quietly with

door closed and locked if possible.

When notified move directly to

school office

If you know the whereabouts of any

missing students,

tell the Grade Coordinator.

Await instructions from Safety

Officer

Decision on school closure

Await instructions from the

principal. If leaving the school

complete sign out form and depart

with family or driver only through

main gate. Show departure slip to

guard.

Decision on school closure

Complete sign out form and depart

with family or driver only through

main gate. Show departure slip to

guard.

Decision on school closure.

ESOL/LEARNER DEVELOPMENT

Port Moresby International School recognises that every student has their own distinct learning needs. Staff in

the ESOL - Learner Development Department work to provide assistance to students who:-

* speak English as a second, or foreign language.

* are ready and able to be extended in their studies.

* are encountering difficulties with their studies.


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EXCURSIONS

Our Excursion Program provides an opportunity for students to be involved in educational activities that relate to

the school curriculum. A number of the excursions are a course work requirement of subjects such as Science,

Geography. Security guards accompany students on excursions in the National Capital District. Permission has

already been obtained from parents when they sign the Enrolment Agreement on enrolment of the student. For

overnight excursion within PNG or overseas a permission slip is sent home. This must be signed for students to

be able to attend. Collection of all money connected with excursions is done through the office.

GRADE FORUMS

These consist of representatives from each Home Room. Grade 12 forum members are responsible for their

common room.

HOME ROOM

Each morning, after Period 2, students attend Home Room with their Home Room teacher. Important notices are

read out from the Daily Bulletin each morning. A roll monitor will return the roll to the office.

HOMEWORK

All students are expected to do homework regularly.

The minimum requirements are:

Grades 7&8 8 -10 hours per week

Grades 9 10 - 15 hours per week.

Grade 10 15 -20 hours per week plus significant hours during their term breaks.

All students should have a homework diary; this is compulsory for Grade 7 and 8 students. They must bring this

to all lessons. Subject teachers and roll call teachers check the diary from time to time.

HOUSE SYSTEM

The whole student body is divided up into 4 House groups, which carry Motuan names:

Dina (yellow), Guba (blue), Ranu (green), Tano (red) The House groups are organised by the student House

Captains with the assistance of the teachers in the House groups.

ID CARDS

All students are issued with a photo identity card that should be kept with them at all times. They must show it

on entry at the school and be able to produce it on request to teachers at any time. If a student loses the ID Card

he/she must replace it at once. The cost is K5 and the student must provide a new photo.

INTERNET

The Internet is available in the Library, the 5 Computer labs, and throughout the campus with wireless

connections. Students must have a log-on account, which they can obtain from any Computer Department

Teacher. To maintain your account, the rules as determined by the Computer Department should be followed

strictly.

LATE ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL OR CLASS

If a student is late in the morning parents/guardians should either give him/her a letter of explanation (including a

contact number in case follow up is required) or accompany the student and sign him/her in. If there is no letter

and the parents/guardians do not provide an explanation in person then the parents/guardians will be phoned and

the student will be issued with a warning letter. The second time that this occurs the parents/guardians will be

contacted again and the student will do detention after school the next day. The third time late will result in the

student doing Community Service after school. The fourth time a student is late without a written explanation or

the parents/guardians explaining in person the parents/guardians will be called to the school for an interview.

Further lateness can result in further disciplinary procedures right up to the level of BOG Discipline Committee.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL PREMISES

While waiting to be collected after school in the afternoon students should wait in the area near the gate. They

are not to wait outside the gate or in the office. No students may go to the Boroko East triangle shops.

LEAVING SCHOOL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Students are not allowed to leave school during school hours unless they have a note from parents, or your

parents collect them. The Principal or Deputy Principal must sign the note before it is presented to the office.

The student or the person collecting him/her needs to sign the “sign out” book. Leaving school without

permission is putting the student at risk and is also against the school rules.


15

LEAVERS: STUDENTS

Students must collect a form from the office and collect signatures of all teachers to show that all books etc. have

been returned. They are issued with a transfer certificate on their last day. For further information see a copy of

the leaver's form.

LETTERS OF CONCERN

These are sent to parents/guardians to inform them of work that has not been completed, poor performance or

any other areas of concern.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF STUDENTS

All students must live with parents or guardians at all times. Where this condition becomes impossible for some

reason the school must be notified immediately, and alternative arrangements be made for the child to live with

and to be cared for by some person over the age of 21. The school must be notified of this arrangement within a

reasonable time of it occurring, or, where an emergency situation arises, within 24 hours of it occurring. Failure

to comply with this condition constitutes a breach in this agreement enabling the school to terminate the student's

enrolment forthwith. Upon such termination the school will no longer be responsible for the well-being, care or

education of the student in question.

LOCKERS

Students may have the use of a locker if they wish. Lockers cost K10.00, which is non-refundable. They will

need to provide themselves with a good strong padlock to keep belongings as safe as possible. Cheap padlocks

can be very easily opened. Students are not allowed to share a locker. Do not leave money or valuable

possessions in the locker. Valuable things, money, mobiles, IPods, etc. should not be brought to school. There

are not enough lockers for everyone and they are hired on a first-come first-served basis. Students can always

put their names on the waiting list if they have missed out on a locker.

MAGAZINE

An excellent school magazine is produced each year by staff and students. Students are encouraged to contribute

to the magazine.

MEDICAL

Students who are sick should go to the front office. If necessary they will be sent with another student. They

will be dealt with by the admin staff. Under no circumstances are students given any medication (including

aspirins) without permission from parents. Under no circumstances will students be sent out of the school by

themselves. All visits to the office are documented to parents.

NEWSLETTER

There is a regular fortnightly Newsletter to parents. This is given out on a Friday. There may be special

Newsletters issued at other times.

PARENTS

Parents are encouraged to contact the school through the administration or Grade Coordinator. Parents are

always welcome in the school.

PARENT TEACHERS INTERVIEWS

Parents are invited to the School twice a year for Parent/Teacher Interviews. These are held in Term 1 and Term

3. However, parents are invited to the school at any time to discuss with teachers the progress of a student.

Parents are asked to contact Grade Coordinators or the Principal for appointments.

PHONE

There is a phone near the office for students. It may not be used during class time. Phone cards are available

from the office. Students may only use the office phone if the student phone is out of order or for other

unforeseen reasons with the approval of the Grade Co-ordinator or Principal.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM

Physical Education uniforms must be worn during Physical Education classes. Students should bring their

uniforms to school to change into; they may not be worn to school.

PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES

Prizes and Certificates are awarded at Graduation/Presentation ceremonies held at the end of the year.


16

PROBATIONARY ENROLMENT

Students may be placed on Probationary Enrolment at the discretion of the Enrolment and Discipline Committee.

A student‟s progress and behaviour is closely monitored during this time and at the end of a probationary period

a report is given to the Enrolment and Discipline Committee.

PROVISIONAL ENROLMENT

All new students in Grades 11 and 12 are automatically placed on Provisional Enrolment. If progress is

satisfactory after one term, enrolment can be confirmed, left on a provisional basis for a further term or

termination of enrolment can be recommended to the Board.

Students with unsatisfactory Grade 10 Results are automatically placed on Academic Probation (see Academic

Standards Review Committee) which means they will appear before the Committee at the end of the first

semester of grade 11.

REFERENCES

All official school references (i.e. those on school letter head) are signed by the Principal, Deputy Principal or

Grade Coordinator. Students requiring a reference are asked to fill in background forms available from the

reception desk.

SAFE STORAGE

Sometimes students will need to bring with them some item or money, which needs to be looked after. It is wise

to ask the Receptionist to keep it safe for you at the office. They will need to sign it in and out of safe keeping.

SECURITY

The school employs guards for both daytime and night time security. Please take every precaution with your own

and school materials; the school does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to any personal property.

Anything suspicious should be reported directly to one of the guards and to the Manager of Security, Mr. Simon

Wai or the Principal.

SPORTS CARNIVALS

Student participation is the main emphasis of these carnivals. All students are expected to take part and

represent their House.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Like all major cities, Port Moresby has security problems, which could affect any one of us. There is no need to

be alarmed but it is wise to be aware of some simple ground rules for living safely here:

Dress sensibly.

Keep with friends and / or family.

Do not be alone, especially at night.

Don‟t flash money around.

Don‟t lend money or possessions to people you don‟t know well even if they are in your class. This often

results in ill feeling and there is a chance that things get lost or stolen and you end up the loser.

Tell your parents where you are going and when you expect to be back.

The school asks you to:

Stay inside the school gate until you are picked up after school.

Do not loiter around the Boroko East triangle.

THEFT

It is important to look after your possessions but should something go missing record it in the Theft Record

Book in the office. The Deputy Principal and the Grade Co-ordinators will closely monitor this and direct

appropriate action. In order to stamp out theft and get those that commit it the help they need, it is very important

to report any information you have about people involved in stealing.

UN CONCERT

Once a year the many nationalities celebrate the different cultures in our school. This evening is a highlight of

the school year and we encourage all parents and students to be involved.


17

UNIFORM

All students are expected to wear the school uniform, all day, to and from school. Anyone out of uniform should

have a note from his/her parent/guardian and take steps to replace the item(s) without delay. Students may be

sent home if they are inappropriately dressed.

Grade 7 to 8

Girls - regulation uniform green dress/tunic

Boys - regulation uniform green shirt and regulation blue shorts

All - for Health & Physical Education the regulation PE uniform

Black shoes with clearly visible white socks (no ankle socks); the shoes may be training shoes or proper

shoes but they must be all black (no thongs, beach type sandals or boots permitted)

If a hat is worn it must be a school cap or hat. It must not be worn in class/lecture hall

School shirts should be the correct size. No large out-of-size shirts should be worn

T-shirts under uniforms must be plain white

Grade 9 to 10

Girls - regulation uniform blue unisex shirt and regulation blue skirt or tailored shorts or trousers

Boys - regulation uniform blue unisex shirt and regulation blue shorts or trousers

All - for Health & Physical Education the regulation PE uniform

Black shoes with clearly visible white socks (no ankle socks); the shoes may be training shoes or proper

shoes but they must be all black (no thongs, beach type sandals or boots permitted)

If a hat is worn it must be a school cap or hat. It must not be worn in class/lecture hall

School shirts should be the correct size. No large out-of-size shirts should be worn

T-shirts under uniforms must be plain white

USING THE LIBRARY

The PMIS library aims to provide sufficient up-to-date materials in the fiction and non-fiction areas to support

the curriculum and to cater for recreational reading interests. During lesson time you can only come in with your

subject teacher, Senior students on a study period should also come in with their supervisor, or your teacher

gives you a class pass stating the purpose and period of your visit. This pass must be presented to a member of

the library staff as soon as you arrive.

The library should always be a reasonably quiet place, where students can concentrate on their work. There is a

silent reading area and when you are doing group work during class time and need to discuss your work, this

must be done as quietly as possible.

The library has a photocopier for student use.

It will cost you 10t for an A4 copy and 20t for an A3 copy.

Also personal copies are charged at 20t per copy.

The computers in the mini lab in the library are mainly used for internet, word processing and other softwares.

Note the computers are restricted to access certain applications. Therefore these computers should be used in

the way they are to be used. An improper use will result in your user account disabled. The library is a place of

academic activity and so the playing of computer games is not allowed. If you have items of particular value, you

should ask that these be kept behind the library desk until you leave.

Students who damage, steal or attempt to steal library items will be dealt with under the discipline policy.

Pass your library books and textbooks around the security system on your way out, If the system alarm goes off,

you should return to the desk. Books that are found to be damaged when returned will also attract a replacement

cost of the item..

Opening hours

The Library is open from 7:30am until 4:00pm on Mondays to Thursdays and on Fridays it is open from 7:30am

until 3:00pm during the term. During school holidays the library is usually open for a week only.

Computerised catalogue

The Library‟s catalogue is computerised. The Inquiry machine‟s catalogue lists what the library holds as well as

what is on order or being considered for order. It also can tell you if a particular item is on loan and name of the

person it is on loan to and when it is due.

See library staff if you need assistance with the use of the Inquiry Machine.


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Borrowing

Students should start borrowing 10 minutes to the end of the period, recess, lunch or closing time. Go to the

library desk when you have selected something to borrow.

Present your student ID Card to the Library staff on duty and also present the item(s) you wish to borrow.

Ensure that all items are correctly checked out and a date due stamped before leaving the library. All items, no

matter what type or how short the borrowing period, are to be checked out by library staff. Remember, No ID

Card, No Borrowing.

The number of items allowed out at any one time is set according to your grade level and has been found to suit

most students; however, any student may at any time ask that the number be temporarily increased. The

borrowing period on most items is two weeks.

The library’s resources are for everyone at this school to use. It is therefore important that you take good

care of them and when their borrowing period is over return them promptly so that others may use them.

There is a fine of 10t for each day that an item is overdue. If students are unable to pay the fine on the

spot, it is recorded against your name. Note that when the fine is recorded against your name you will not

be able to borrow anything else which is similar to when you have an overdue item, if you have any

outstanding library books or textbooks, reports or certificates will not be released.

Library procedures require an interval of time to be set after which non-returned items will be assumed lost.

Beyond this point, which is after five overdue notices have been sent, recovery attempts begin with the raising of

an invoice for the replacement cost of the item and a 20% service charge to cover physical processing costs. The

invoice is sent to the parents or guardians and is payable within seven days. Any amounts not received within

this time can be expected to be debited to fee statements or recovered from the enrolment fee in the case of a

departing student.

When you leave PMIS, you are required to return all library items. Your leaver‟s form is signed only when all

transactions with the library have been resolved. A student‟s enrolment fee is reduced by any amount

outstanding on departure.

Textbooks

Students with outstanding textbooks from the previous year will not be able to borrow any new textbooks until

the matter is resolved. The library will not lend any textbooks to students to use for the day because the other

copy was forgotten at home. Textbooks have become part of the range of information available to students

through the library and individual students should not buy these. School fees cover the loan of textbooks. At the

beginning of a new course, your subject teacher will bring you to the library to borrow the books you need for

that course.

Textbooks out on loan for a year need to be returned two weeks before the end of the school year. For grade 10

and 12 students all library items will be due two weeks before your graduation day. Students who may require

textbooks after this due date to use to study for exams should make special arrangements with the librarian. You

should check your books for any personal items and erase any pencil marks before returning them. Books with

CDROMs must be returned with the CDROM. Any returned without a CDROM will not be accepted with a full

replacement cost plus a 20% service charge applied. Books discovered to be damaged when returned will also

be charged similarly. Any books lost, however it may be, will also be charged.

Finally...

We hope that you enjoy coming to the library and that you will use it regularly and sensibly. Parents and

students who have any queries about any matter above should discuss them with the Librarian.


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ASSESSMENT POLICY & PROCEDURES

Aim The aim of assessment and evaluation at Port Moresby International School is to measure the students‟

knowledge and understanding of the topics studied, and their competence in the practical skills taught,

for the purpose of:

_ providing feedback to staff in the department on the effectiveness of the teaching strategies used.

_ diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses of individual students or groups of students and facilitating

planning of further learning so as to meet the needs of individual students.

_ identifying areas of the curriculum or teaching program which are inadequate or need to be

reviewed.

_ writing school reports to inform the students and the students' parents of their progress during each

assessment period.

Assessment Instruments Assessment tasks are designed to measure the students‟ knowledge and understanding of the topics

studied and their competence in the required skills as stated in the course document. The results of

these tasks are accumulated over the semester for the awarding of the relevant Achievement Grade.

In general, the assessment instrument should reflect the learning outcome/s relevant to the task thus

allowing each student's level of attainment to be monitored throughout the semester. The method of

recording the learning outcomes for each student is to be decided at Department level in accordance

with the nature of the particular subjects.

Note that the Achievement Grade is not a summary of the Learning Outcomes.

All classes in a particular course work towards the same goals and the assessment tasks are based on the

specific criteria which are stated in the course documents.

Internal assessment tasks are consistent with external requirements where applicable.

Timing of Assessment Tasks All students will receive a copy of the course assessment outline within two weeks of the

commencement of the course, giving details of all assessment tasks, the percentage weighting of each

task, their due dates, and the learning outcomes for the course.

Students are given sufficient time to complete assessment tasks, depending on the nature of the task and

the weighting given to the task. The Head of Department, in consultation with the course teachers,

should also consider the workload of the students at the time and other factors which may affect the

group as a whole when setting time allocations and dates for completion of assessment tasks.

Tests should be conducted and assignments collected at the time stated on the assessment outline,

unless another time has been agreed upon, in advance, by the staff and students involved.

All assessment tasks must be assigned so that they can be collected at least one week before the final

assessment date in order that action may be taken if the work is not completed, and also to allow time

for marking of work and processing of results.

Late Submission of Work Late Submission of Work

Students are encouraged to submit work on time, as this is a valuable organisational skill. Students are

also encouraged to complete work even if it is late as there are educational benefits in doing so. The

purpose of the policy is to ensure equity for all students.

Policy:

1. Except in exceptional circumstances, students must apply for an extension in advance, providing

due cause and adequate documentary evidence for late submission.

a) A late penalty will apply unless an extension is granted. The penalty for late submission is

5% (of possible marks) per calendar day late (including weekends and public holidays) until

the notional zero, calculated in (a), is reached. If an item is more than 7 days late, it receives

the notional zero. Submission on weekends or a public holiday is not acceptable.


20

2. The Principal has the right to exercise discretion in the application of the late penalty in special

circumstances with satisfactory documentation.

3. It may not be possible to grade or score work submitted late after marked work in a unit has been

returned to other students.

Absence Absence for any reason during an assessment period, which results in a student‟s inability to complete

work on time or to an acceptable standard, will be considered separately by the Head of Department,

upon the production of a letter from the parents or a medical certificate.

Teachers must ensure that students who were absent when tasks were assigned, either complete the task

at a later date or, if that is not possible, the student must be given an estimate mark based on their

performance in other tasks. If a student is given a task upon their return after a period of absence, they

should be given the same amount of time to complete the task as the other students. Students should not

be given zero for assessment tasks which were not completed due to absence.

A medical certificate may be required when a student is not able to complete work on time and requires

an extension of the due date or if the student is absent on the due date.

If a student does not provide a letter from parents or a medical certificate then a mark 2 below the

lowest mark for the item will be awarded.

Coursework Requirements In most subjects coursework is a compulsory part of the curriculum. The internal assessment of

coursework assignments is based on external coursework requirements where applicable. The

assessment and moderation of coursework requires careful planning and collaboration of all staff

involved.

Lost or Stolen Work Work which has been misplaced for any valid reason should be completed again if possible otherwise

the teacher should estimate a mark for the work.

Moderation of marks for several classes doing the same course. If several classes are doing the same course, their assessment tasks should be marked so as to ensure

that when they are combined to form one group, each student has been given a fair mark in relation to

the students from other classes. Development of an assessment scheme early each semester will spread

the load of marking fairly amongst all teachers teaching the course and minimize the need for statistical

moderation.

Several strategies may be employed in the creation of such a plan:

* One task marked by one teacher for all classes.

* A task can be split into parts and each part can be marked by different teachers for all classes.

* Meetings of teachers involved in marking before marking starts to establish mark scheme and

standards.

* Meetings after marking has finished to compare marking standards of teachers involved.

* Work is marked by more than one teacher (double marking) and then moderated by the Head

of Department.

* The judgement and discretion of the teachers and Head of Department can be used in cases

where other moderation is not appropriate

different classes obviously differ in ability.

looking at means and standard deviations of each class indicate that a teacher has

marked too hard or too easy.

or Statistical moderation - if it is obvious that moderation is necessary but no other moderation

alternatives are available. Class marks are scaled to a common mean and standard deviation.

Tasks that are marked by individual teachers and are not common to all classes, for example, bookwork

or homework, should be moderated to establish common standards.

Combination and Moderation of Marks from Different Tasks. In combining marks from assessment tasks to produce a final semester mark for each student, we must

aim to give each component of the assessment its stated weighting in the final semester total. Marks for


21

different assessment tasks rarely have the same means and standard deviations. In order to combine the

marks for different tasks to give them their fair weighting we can use the following strategies:

* Statistical moderation - marks for each task are scaled to the same mean and standard

deviation and then combined.

o usually not necessary to scale marks for all tasks for a semester.

o marks for one or two tasks may differ significantly.

o the smaller the weight the less necessary it is to scale.

* No moderation - marks are combined without scaling.

o usually if task means and SD are close.

o for mastery tasks - scaling can sometimes be meaningless.

o individual tasks have small weightings in the final semester total.

o low class numbers.

Report Achievement Grade Descriptors Students must achieve the majority of criteria to be awarded a particular grade. Students are placed in

rank order following the Department Assessment Policy and awarded one of the following grades by the

Head of Department. Grades are across the course. In subjects where there are different levels e.g.

maths, the level must be stated in the course title.

The Learning Outcome grid shows the student's level of competency.

The Achievement Grade shows the student's accumulated success in assessment items

throughout this semester.

The Achievement Grade is NOT a summary of the Learning Outcomes.

ACHIEVEMENT GRADE DESCRIPTORS

A Excellent standard

- demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of subject matter, organises

and applies information with a very high degree of success and displays a very high

level of practical and creative abilities

B High standard

- demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of subject matter, organises and

applies information with a high degree of success and displays a high level of

practical and creative abilities

C Competent standard

- demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of subject matter, organises and

applies information with some success and displays a competent level of practical and

creative abilities

D Basic standard

- demonstrates a limited knowledge and understanding of subject matter, organises and

applies information with limited success and displays a limited of practical and

creative abilities

E Below basic standard

- demonstrates little or no knowledge and understanding of subject matter, organises

and applies information with little or no success and displays little or no practical and

creative abilities

GUIDELINES FOR THE AWARD OF EFFORT GRADES

A Excellent

- is always conscientious and self motivated, always participates cooperatively in class

activities and is always well organised and prepared

B Good

- is consistently conscientious and self motivated, consistently participates

cooperatively in class activities and is consistently well organised and prepared

C Satisfactory

- is usually conscientious and self motivated, usually participates cooperatively in class

activities and is usually organised and prepared

D Poor

- seldom displays any self motivation, sometimes participates cooperatively in class

activities and is sometimes organised and prepared

E Unsatisfactory

- very rarely displays any self motivation, is very rarely cooperative in class activities

and is very rarely organised and prepared


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Timing of examinations and reports

Term 1:

Progress Review undertaken for all students. (Week 6-7)

All students in Grades 7 - 12 receive a profile to indicate progress. (Second last week of term)

Parent/Teacher Interview (Week 10)

Special note to be made of students on provisional enrolment.

Term 2:

Grades 9 to 12 have examinations. (Weeks 6-7)

All students receive a full report. (This is distributed in Week One of Term 3)

Term 3:

Parent/Teacher Interview (Week 2)

Students of concern are identified by teachers and reported to Grade Coordinators who follow up with

parents and/or students.

Trial IGCSE and PNG examinations (Week 4-5).

Term 4:

All students receive a full report. (Grades 7, 8, 9, 11 W10; Grade 10 W9)

There are examinations in Grades 9 and 11 in most subjects. (Week 7-8)

Grade 10 external examinations for PNG students and for IGCSE students.


23

The Profile of a POMIS Student

The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively

and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency

may prove the greatest menace to society.

The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason,

but with no morals. . . . We must remember that intelligence is not enough.

Intelligence plus character –that is the goal of true education.

The complete education gives one not only power of concentration,

but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate. . .

(Martin Luther King, The Purpose of Education)

The profile of the POMIS student puts the student at the centre of all that happens at this school. This is the

school motto and mission statement put into graduate outcomes. This profile should inspire and motivate the

work of teachers, students and the larger school community to help create the POMIS graduate we all desire, one

who is able and willing to meet the needs and the challenges of this country and of the world in the 21st Century.

A POMIS Graduate has achieved a level of personal excellence in all areas through genuine and ongoing

commitment to task, while celebrating and appreciating the great diversity in people this world provides, and

has developed into a person of values and value, a person of integrity.

The words of the school motto are enriched with the IEA Key Outcomes, our Values Programme, and the IB

Learner Profile, all of which are important components of the profile. EXCELLENCE

Analyse and solve problems – One who accesses a range of information sources appropriate to the resolution of

complex issues and applies strategies with accuracy and thoroughness.

April: Responsibility: Being reliable, accountable, dependable; trustworthiness.

May: Honesty: Uprightness of character and action. A refusal to lie, steal, cheat, or

deceive in any way. It is the fairness, straightforwardness, and sincerity of conduct.

June: Justice: Fair treatment and due reward with honour; conforming to a moral

rightness in action and attitude.

Knowledgeable: Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so

doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of

disciplines.

Reflective: Students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess

and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

COMMITMENT

Work collaboratively – One who develops good relationships with others and works in cooperative ways to

achieve common goals.

February: Perseverance: Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action or a goal.

July: Courage: The quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face fear, danger, or

trials in life with self-possession, confidence, and resolution.

Inquirers: Students develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and

research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be

sustained throughout their lives.

Risk-takers: Students approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have

the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending

their beliefs.

Communicators: Students understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more

than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in

collaboration with others.


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DIVERSITY

Communicate effectively – One who confidently conveys and receives information, instruction, ideas, and

feeling appropriately and effectively in a range of different cultural, language, and social contexts.

March: Compassion: A deep awareness of the sufferings or state of others coupled with a

desire to relieve such suffering.

September: Unity/Citizenship: An awareness of and a willingness to follow and uphold

the duties, rights, and privileges of being a member of a group, state, or country.

October: Friendship: The mutually cooperative and supportive behaviour between two or

more people; a relationship involving mutual knowledge, esteem, affection, respect,

and help in times of need and crisis.

Caring: Students show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a

personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the

environment.

Open-minded: Students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to

the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking

and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

INTEGRITY

Behave ethically – One who exhibits appropriate morals, manners, and virtues in a range of social and cultural

settings.

Be self-directing – One who is self-confident, has high self-esteem and personal integrity and a positive vision

for self and the future;

August: Respect: To feel or show honour; to treat with deference or regard; to show

consideration for.

November: Integrity: The quality of being honest and upright in character.

Principled: Students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the

dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the

consequences that accompany them.

Balanced: Students understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve

personal well-being for themselves and others.

Thinkers: Students exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and

approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

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