THE HCI ADVANTAGE

4. Sexuality Education is delivered in a holistic manner through the school curriculum. The content for Sexuality Education is grouped into five main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviour, and, Culture, Society and Law.

 5. The subjects that incorporate topics on sexuality include:

a. Science

b. Civics and Moral Education

Growing Years (GY) Programme:

i. “The Teenage Years” (Lower Sec) Teaching & Learning resource package
ii. “Sense & Sexuality” (Upper Sec) Teaching & Learning resource package

6. The values and attitudes of our youth towards sexuality are increasingly shaped by their peers, exposure to the media, popular culture and the internet. Adolescence is a complex stage in life as the adolescent attempts to find his/her own identity and often struggles with new social relationships. The period of middle adolescence (generally from 15 – 17 years old) can be a turbulent period for adolescents. The gap between physical and emotional/cognitive maturity may result in a tendency to act on impulse, experiment with various activities (including sexual activities), sometimes without understanding the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such experimentation. The need for peer acceptance can be overwhelmingly strong, and hinder one’s ability to act responsibly.  Given the pressures faced by the middle adolescent from within themselves and from peers, it is important to build a strong sense of self-worth, personal conviction and an understanding of the possible consequences of sexual behaviour.

7. Through “The Teenage Years” and “Sense & Sexuality” packages, secondary students will have the opportunity to develop a positive self-esteem, develop their character, and expand their understanding and repertoire of skills to deal with various issues related to sexuality, which are of prime concern at this age.

Goal of HCI Sexuality Education

Sexuality Education (SEd) is viewed holistically as part of our pastoral care and moral education (PCME) programme, and specifically within the context of the social and emotional development of our students, with the view to achieve the PCME goal of nurturing a respectable and exemplary Hwa Chong scholar and gentleman.

Specific Objective of Sexuality Education

The specific objective of the programme is to equip our students with competent life skills to make wise judgement of the information they received from various sources (friends, media, etc.), as such forming correct attitudes and developing sound values to be independent and confident in making informed choices about sex, sexual identity, sexual relationships and its impact on self, others and the society.

HC Sexuality Education Framework

The SEd Framework covers a broad range of issues within the context of the social and emotional development of the students, which comprises four dimensions: (Ref:  The Growing Years series, MOE, Singapore)

- Physical:  Physical sexual maturation, the physiology of sex and
human reproduction;

- Emotional: Sexual attitudes and feelings towards self and others;

- Social:  Sexual norms and behaviour and their legal, cultural and
societal implications;

- Ethical:  Sexual values and moral systems.

The four dimensions are covered in a developmental process that emphasizes acquiring accurate information on SEd.  These information about SEd are useful if and only if complemented with essential life skills development so as to allow the students to act wisely, independently and confidently.  Important life skills such as assertiveness, negotiation, differentiating infatuations, love and sexual desire, establishing healthy relationships with the opposite sex, handling break-ups, including skills to differentiate correct and incorrect information in the media or heard from their friends, would be covered.

These life skills would provide the foundation that forms their attitudes and values system towards sex, sexual identity and sexual relationships, among others.  This helps them to make informed choices within appropriate moral and cultural framework, one that emphasizes respect for self and others.  With full commitment to this programme from all parties, it is hope that this SEd programme would be able to enhance our students’ independence, self-esteem, and personal power, and ultimately to be a respectable and exemplary Hwa Chong scholar and gentlemen.

The Hwa Chong SEd Framework

eTeens Programme

8. eTeens is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for Secondary 3 students. The programme was introduced to secondary schools in 2007 as the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) programme, to provide students with accurate information on STIs, HIV and protection from a health perspective. eTeens is conducted in two segments – a mass talk segment and a class-based programme.

9. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say “no” to sex and negative peer pressure. They also learn that the impact of STIs/HIV extends beyond themselves and involves their family. Abstinence and upholding family values are the key messages. The desired outcome of the eTeens programme is that students are empowered to make wise, informed and sensible decisions.

The eTeens programme will be implemented as follows in 2012:
 

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

10. Parents may opt their children out of Growing Years, eTeens and/or sexuality education programmes by external providers. 

11. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Growing Years (GY) programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form is downloadable here. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office.

12. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the eTeens programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form is downloadable here. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office.

13. Parents may wish to attend the school sexuality education programmes with their children. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements.

14. Parents can contact the school at Tel: 6466 5912 for discussion or to seek clarification about the school’s sexuality education programme.

4. Sexuality Education is delivered in a holistic manner through the school curriculum. The content for Sexuality Education is grouped into five main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviour, and, Culture, Society and Law.

5. The subject that incorporates topics on sexuality includes:

    a. Science

Growing Years (GY) Programme: “Love Matters” Teaching & Learning resource package

The Art of Loving

6. The four main themes of the programme are Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and, Societal Influences.

7. The focus for ‘The Art of Loving’ is on issues in relationships. Relating  with  peers  is  a  major  component  in  the  lives  of  JC  students,  who spend an average of half to two-thirds of their waking hours with their peers. The focus  of  the  package  is  on  Interpersonal  Relationships,  with  themes  of  Human  Development,  Sexual  Health  and  Behaviour,  and  Societal Influences woven into the main focus on relationships.

At Hwa Chong Institution (JC section), the following lessons will be covered:

eTeens Programme

8. eTeens is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for Secondary 3 students. The programme was introduced to secondary schools in 2007 as the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) programme, to provide students with accurate information on STIs, HIV and protection from a health perspective. eTeens is conducted in two segments – a mass talk segment and a class-based programme.

9. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say “no” to sex and negative peer pressure. They also learn that the impact of STIs/HIV extends beyond themselves and involves their family. Abstinence and upholding family values are the key messages. The desired outcome of the eTeens programme is that students are empowered to make wise, informed and sensible decisions.

At HWA CHONG INSTITUTION (College Section), the eTeens programme will be implemented as follows in 2012:
 

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

10. Parents may opt their children out of The Art of Loving, eTeens and/or sexuality education programmes by external providers.

11. Parents who wish to opt their children out of The Art of Loving programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form will be distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable here .  A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office.

12. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the eTeens programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form will be distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable here .  A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office.

13. Parents may wish to attend the school sexuality education programmes with their children. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements.

14. Parents can contact the school at Mrs Kathleen Goh, Senior Consultant/ Counselling at kathleen@hci.edu.sg  for discussion or to seek clarification about the school’s sexuality education programme.

Good Discipline for Effective Learning

Our students are responsible for observing all school rules and for exercising self-control through self-discipline, courtesy and respect for each other, school personnel and property. They believe in working together and caring for each other. Their behaviour will include appropriate conduct in school, at functions, and in public places. They demonstrate social and personal responsibilities and excellent work attitude.

When a student is to be disciplined or suspended, the school official shall notify the parents of the student concerned. The Principal and Principal Consultant (Student Care) or other teachers so assigned are authorised to take disciplinary action in connection with the offences.

The decision of the School Authority is final. The School reserves the rights not to divulge the reason or reasons as the case may be. The School Authority also reserves the right to determine what meets the requirements when there is a question of acceptability or appropriateness.

1. Attendance
To maintain and attain excellence performance in school, regular attendance is necessary.

• Students must assemble at the school terraces by 7.20 am punctually for the commencement of the daily flag raising ceremony.


• Students who are not present at the flag- raising ceremony will be considered as late or absent.


• In case of inclement weather, students should be in school not later than 7.30 am. Those not in classes by 7.30 am will be considered as late or absent.


• Pupils who are Singapore citizens must sing the National Anthem and recite the pledge. Individuals reciting the pledge shall clench their right fists to the left side of their chests as a gesture to symbolise loyalty to the nation.


• Pupils who wish to leave school before the end of curriculum time must seek permission from his form teacher or school personnel. He has to complete an Out of Campus Pass which can be obtained from the High School Reception.


• Pupils who are away for competitions, attachment or school programme outside school will not be considered as ABSENT instead they are regarded as 'Out-of-School' on official programme.

2. Absence with excuse
Absence with excuse shall include the followings:

• Personal illness, death in the immediate family, emergencies at home, or where permission has been granted by the school authorities, or medical officer.

• Absence from class without prior knowledge and approval of a teacher or school authority.


• Students who are absent from 3rd Language lesson without prior knowledge and approval from school or MOE language centre.

The rules in the canteen are as follows:

• All students must deposit meal litter in the proper waste bins.


• Students MUST return all utensils and cutlery to the respective stalls or receptacle bins.


• Keep the table and floor around the place in a clean condition.


• All food must be consumed in the canteen, or at the place of purchase.

NOTE: Students whose conduct is prejudicial to the school population shall constitute grounds for disciplinary actions.

• Library is a source of information for our students. Students are encouraged to use the library during opening time for recreational reading pleasure, class assignments, and reference work. Playing of computer games is prohibited.


• Students are expected to put the books back on the correct shelf, and observe Library rules.


• For the benefit of all students, materials or books borrowed must be returned in good condition.


• Silence in the library MUST be observed at all times.

• Hacking into school computer system


• Using other login account other than his own personal account


• Use of obscene, vulgar or disrespectful messages on the internet


• Using the school computers or laptops for non- educational purpose


• Downloading and uploading of undesirable or offensive materials


• Installing games / programmes in the server


• Playing games on the school computers or your laptops


• Copyright infringement by possessing copyrighted and / or pirated material


• Spamming


• Rowdy behaviour in the computer laboratory


• Eating or drinking in the computer laboratory


• Use of messages and / or images that constitutes to defamation of another individual or organization

• All students are required to look neat and clean. They are not allowed to wear jewellery or other ornamental accessories in school. Ear or body piercing or tattooing is not permissible. Parents are to ensure that their sons are properly dressed in a manner befitting the positive mental attitude of a scholarly gentleman of Hwa Chong Institution.


• Face must be clean-shaven. Sporting of beards or moustaches is not allowed.


• The school uniform consists of a white, short- sleeved shirt and a pair of khaki shorts for Sec 1 to 3. The shirt is attached with four brass buttons, two of which are pinned on the shoulder pleats. The other two buttons are pinned, one on each side of the shirt pockets. The school uniform for sec 4 consists of a beige shirt and long pants. Belts (optional) worn must be black or brown with no fanciful design. The School collar pin must be pinned on the left collar when student puts on the school uniform. No other ornamental accessories or jewellery are allowed to be worn by students. Students should take pride in wearing their school uniform when coming to school. They are to ensure that their shirts are correctly tucked in at all times. Modification to the uniform is not allowed.


• Students playing games or sports must be in PE or CCA shirts with their school shorts or pants.


• The approved colour for shoes shall be white, or a dominant colour of blue or black. The socks must be ALL white. Socks must be pulled up to the ankle. The socks should be worn above the ankle at all time.


• Hair should be short and neat. Students may be asked to go for a hair cut if they have unacceptable hair style.


• Fingernails should be trimmed and cut.


• Highlighting, dyeing or colouring of hair is forbidden in the school.


• Students should not wear 'T' shirt or PE attire when in Lecture Theatres, Auditorium, Library, Tech Centre or Drama Centre when attending lectures or performances.


• Student may be asked to return home to make necessary changes if not dressed appropriately.

• Students must produce a letter of excuse from a Medical Officer if they are unable to participate in PE lessons.


• All students are required to change into their PE attire when attending PE lessons.


• Students in school are to wear their school 'T' shirt or CCA shirt when playing games.


• On weekends and holidays, students visiting the school must be in proper uniform. School 'T' shirt must be worn at all times when playing games in school.


• Sandals or slippers are not allowed to be worn in and around the school campus at all times and on all days.

• Students should play at designated areas only, or play under the open sky. They are not to play at covered areas or along corridors, stairwells or in the classroom.


• Students should be respectful of school property.

• The Nation's Law specifically prohibits smoking in school premises. Cigarettes, lighters, and/or matches should not be brought into the school campus.


• Students under 18 years of age are prohibited from consuming intoxicated drinks, and possessing, purchasing or smoking cigarette.


• Any violation of this regulation may result in immediate Suspension or Caning or both.

• Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent mode during curriculum time.


• Mobile phones should not disrupt lessons by ringing or beeping.


• Unless express permission is granted, mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, and take photos or videos or any other application during school lessons.


• While on school premises, students should use soundless features such as text messaging, answering services, call diversion and vibration alert to receive important calls.
  1. If students are caught violating the above rules on the use of mobile phone, they will face the following consequences:
     1. Students who are caught violating the rule (first offence) will be given a warning and their parents will be informed by the form teachers or CSE mentor.
     
     
     2. Students who commit the offence a second time will have their mobile phone confiscated for 1 week and given 1 demerit point. The form teacher or CSE mentor will inform the students' parents. Mobile phones will be handed over to DM.
     
     
     3. Those who commit the offence again will be sent to the disciplinary master. Their mobile phones will be confiscated for at least a month and 2 to 5 demerit points will be given. Student may not be allowed to bring mobile phone to school. Mobile phones will be kept by DM.
  
  
  2. School teachers, with permission from the Principal, are allowed to check and browse through the contents of the students' mobile phones. This is to ensure that they do not use their mobile phones for illegal purposes.
  
  
  3. It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile phones onto school premises to adhere to the guidelines and take care of their own mobile phone.
  
  
  4. The following are criminal offences related to the use of mobile phone.
     1. Any student/s caught using a mobile phone to cheat in exams or assessments will face disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Principal or discipline committee.
     
     
     2. Any student who uses vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language while using a mobile phone will face   disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Principal or discipline committee.
     
     
     3. Students with mobile phones may not engage in personal attacks, harass another person, or post private information about another person using SMS messages, taking/sending photos, videos or objectionable images, and phone calls. Students using mobile phones to bully other students will face disciplinary actions as sanctioned by the Principal or discipline committee.
     
     
     4. It should be noted that it is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person. As such, if action as sanctioned by the Principal or discipline committee is deemed ineffective, the school may consider it appropriate to involve the police.

• Plagiarism: attempts to pass off as your own work, whole or part, the work or ideas of another person or institution, without proper acknowledgment of the source.
  Collusion: attempts to copy from another person’s work, with or without his knowledge.
  Cheating: attempts to give or receive information during an exam; possession of unauthorized materials (notes, dictionary, electronic devices) during an exam; and alteration or fabrication of marked work or reports.
  *   The term “Exam” includes test, term paper, and assignment, either given in class or online.
• Penalties for academic integrity- related offence:
  A maximum of 10 demerit points and/ or not more than 5 strokes of cane, and marks for that particular exam would be nullified. A letter of reprimand would be sent to the parents and the student would be required to attend compulsory counselling with the school counselor. Students would also be disqualified from all awards in HCI. Penalty for second offence: Expulsion. The penalty imposed would be at the discretion of the Principal and the Discipline Committee.

Note: [With regards to the shoes and socks, the School has the sole rights to determine the colours of the shoes, and socks to be worn. These guidelines specified above are subject to some interpretations.]*

      1. For minor offences, start with 1 demerit point. Higher demerit points will be given for repeat cases, subject to the maximum stipulated.
      2. For major offence, start with 3 to 10 demerit points. Higher demerit points will be given for repeat cases, subject to the maximum stipulated.
      3. The demerit points and offence committed with affect a student’s conduct grade.

•   CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCES

      1.   Attendance-Related Offence (Max 4 demerit points)

           1.   Absence from flag- raising ceremony
           2.   Late for school

      2.   Irresponsible Behaviour (Max 5 demerit points)

           1.   Leaving school without permission
           2.   Absence from school without valid reason
           3.   Absence from CCA without valid reason
           4.   Absence from lesson or school programme without valid reason
           5.   Using other login account to enter school computer network

      3.   Attire-Related Offence (Max 4 demerit points)

           1.   Inappropriate attire or grooming
           2.   Long hair
           3.   No school collar pin or brass button
           4.   Shirt not properly tucked in
           5.   Socks not covering ankle or not visible
           6.   Wearing of sandals or slippers without medical reason

      4.   Misconduct (Max 4 demerit points)

           1.   Being a public nuisance
           2.   Consumption of food (excluding finger food) in places beyond the canteen
           3.   Disturbing the peace within the school premises
           4.   Failure to return utensils to receptacle bins after use
           5.   Inappropriately using mobile phones during curriculum time
           6.   Late for lessons (including level assembly)
           7.   Littering
           8.   Lying to teachers or other misbehaviour
           9.   Non compliance to instruction
          10.  Playing / Rowdy behaviour
          11.  Playing card games in school
          12.  Refusal to do duties
          13.  Taunting, quarrelling or scuffling
          14.  Playing computer games in school

      5.   Abuse of computer or Network Facilities (Max 10 demerit points)

           1.   Defamation / 'Flaming' of teachers or peers in online blogs or forums
           2.   Downloading of MP3s, videos, software or other non- distributable contents
           3.   Downloading of undesirable, offensive or pornographic materials
           4.   Hacking
           5.   Copyright infringement
           6.   Spamming
           7.   Unauthorized access into another person's account
           8.   Using foul language in email messages or websites

      6.   Uncivilized Behaviour (Max 10 demerit points and / or not more than 5 strokes of cane)

           1.   Defaming people, especially teacher(s)
           2.   Harassing / insulting / verbally abusing people, especially teacher(s)
           3.   Open defiance and rudeness to teacher(s)
           4.   Using obscene / foul language or vulgarities

      7.   Integrity-Related Offence (Max 10 demerit points and / or not more than 5 strokes of cane)

           1.   Cheating in test or exam
           2.   Misappropriation of funds
           3.   Stealing
           4.   Plagiarism
           5.   Forging signature on document(s)
           6.   Lying (compromising one's integrity)

      8.   Criminal Offence (Max 10 demerit points and / or not more than 5 strokes of cane)

           1.   Instigating trouble (s)
           2.   Arson / Vandalism / Damaging school property
           3.   Bullying / Harassing / Causing hurt to other person
           4.   Extortion
           5.   Fighting
           6.   Insulting modesty / Voyeurism
           7.   Possession of dangerous items or weapons
           8.   Possession of pornographic materials
           9.   Downloading of undesirable, offensive or pornographic materials

•   CONSEQUENCES

      1.   Sabbaticals

           1.   Student who accumulated 1 - 4 demerit points per term will have 100 points per demerit point deducted from the sabbatical.

           2.   Student who accumulated 5 or more demerit points per term will be recommended to attend corrective work order during sabbatical week.

      2.   Awards and Hwa Chong Programme

           1.   Student who has accumulated 5 or more demerit points may be derived of special programme, such as

                •   Overseas programme
                •   Sponsorship for competition or attachment
                •   Bi-cultural programme (BSP)
                •   Incentive trips
                •  Centre for Scholarlistic programme (CSE)
                •   Local or overseas attachment

           2.   Student who has accumulated 5 or more demerit points will not be recommended for school-based or external award, such as

               •   Model Student Award
               •   Hwa Chong Young Gentleman Award
               •   EAGLES Award
               •   Hwa Chong Outstanding Award and All Round Excellent Award
               •   School-based or external Scholarship

           3.   Student who has accumulated 10 or more demerit points may be derived of Hwa Chong Integrated programme.

      3.   Rehabitation Programme

           Repeat offenders and student who has committed serious offence will be required to attend counselling and mentorship programme. Mentor assigned to the student will supervise and monitor student's behaviour and conduct.

      4.   Other Punishment

           1.   Corrective Work Order of 1 to 5 hours for each offence.

           2.   Student who has accumulated 9 or more demerit points and those who have committed serious offence may be:
                (i)      Removed from or deprived of leadership post in CCA and Council.
                (ii)    Given Probation
                (iii)    Caning of not more than 5 strokes for student who has committed criminal or integrity- related offence
                (iv)   Suspended from School
                (v)    Expelled from School
                (vi)   Not given any testimonial

           3.   The school will have to report students who have committed serious offences to the Ministry of Education and other external organisation (eg. Government agencies, Scholarship board and Universities) who requested for the students's school report. 

A student's term conduct grade is an average of the grades given by all his subject teachers and form teacher or CSE affective mentor.

Subject teacher will grade the student on the Quality of Work and Meeting Deadline:
      A, 1 = Excellent
      B, 2 = Good
      C, 3 = Satisfactory
      D, 4 = Unsatisfactory

Form teacher or CSE affective mentor will grade him on Personal Quality and Social Responsibility:
      A, 1 = Excellent
      B, 2 = Good
      C, 3 = Satisfactory
      D, 4 = Unsatisfactory

In addition, the following conditions apply:

•   If a particular teacher has given the student a grade D for any of the above items, he will not be given conduct grade A.
•   If the student has committed offence and accumulated demerit point(s), his conduct grade will be downgraded according to the table below.

Final Year Conduct Grade

A student's Final Year Conduct Grade is an average of the grades given in Term 1, 2 and 3. If the student has committed offence and accumulated demerit point(s), his conduct grade will be adjusted according to the table below. Student with a conduct grade C in at least one term will not be given conduct grade A (Excellent grade) at the final year.