TME Learning Beyond the Classroom Policy

TMS has a strong commitment to the added value of learning beyond the regular school day and beyond the school premises by the use of carefully planned visits and participation in functions. This is how all TMS schools provide a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development and prepares our students for the opportunities and experiences of adult life.

Each year schools should arrange a number of activities that take place off the school site and/or out of school hours. Therefore, the following policy statements apply:

Teachers and Extra-Curricular Activities

• • Teachers will take an attendance list at the beginning of each activity and keep as a record to be given to the school Head
  • Teachers must be aware of school policies, Health and Safety procedures and fire evacuation/ security procedures prior to commencing any activity
  • Teachers are responsible for ensuring that all furniture, materials etc are returned to their original state at the end of any activity
  • Teachers are responsible for matters of discipline during extra-curricular activities. Any discipline problems must be reported immediately or as soon as possible to the school Head

Discipline and Extra-Curricular Activities

• Normal school rules apply to all extra-curricular activities. In the event of repeated and continual disruptive behaviour by a student, especially where this can cause harm to others or damage to property, a student should be excluded from an extra-curricular activity.
• The teacher will discuss any minor issue of discipline with the parent, as a means of resolution, prior to raising the issue with the school Head.
• In the case of serious discipline issues, the teacher must make a written report to the school Head. The Head should then contact the parent to discuss the issue.

There are a wide range of clubs and societies in operation at TMS. For many students, their involvement with clubs and societies is an important feature of their school lives, providing opportunities for friendship, social development and personal growth, as well as adding to their academic development. The clubs and societies supported by TMS paint a picture of what its students consider important to themselves, to their place in their school, and to their place in the world.

A complete listing of clubs and societies are provided on the TMS website. At TMS, clubs and societies reside within the following broad thematic areas:

Environment

Clubs and societies which focus on interests and issues around the environment are a means by which TMS students are empowered to participate and take up meaningful environmental activities and projects. Involvement in such clubs helps students realise the power they have to reach out to influence and engage their peers, parents and wider communities in promoting sound environmental behaviour. Our environment club empowers our students to explore environmental concepts and actions beyond the restrictions of the school curriculum.

Community Service

Community service and active citizenship is an important component of the TMS ethos of developing global understandings and local action. Students organise and participate in charitable events, campaigns and local service projects through being involved in such clubs and societies. Through community service clubs, our students gain confidence as they realise that they can make a difference in their community.

Arts, Languages, Music and Cultural Societies

The main point of these clubs and societies is to promote creative, traditional and also performance skills of students. Through these clubs and societies various events related to developing and honing students’ interested in creating art and promoting art in all its forms. At TMS we support students’ involvement in activities relating to their interest to follow the Pakistani traditions, promote regional cultures, as well as exploring a wider world of arts and cultures. These clubs and societies provide entertaining extra-curricular activities for students, encourage creativity, and build students’ confidence.

Governance, Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Developing an understanding of business, leadership, government and issues around global social justice is provided through these clubs and societies, giving a unique and powerful perspective to the holistic development of TMS students. Through these clubs our students develop a better appreciation of the world around them.

An integral part of our courses is having our students participate in a number of field trips. We aim for our students to participate in relevant, exciting field experiences that enhance their understanding of a subject and provide valuable hands-on learning about the world around them.

There should be opportunities for field trips or excursions that allow students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the real world embedded into every course. Connecting the classroom to outside life experiences should be an integral part of the TMS curriculum and a powerful method for students to gain knowledge, authenticate learning, build confidence, and develop critical thinking skills.

Internships allow students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a professional setting. Internships should offer carefully planned and monitored work experience with the goal being for TMS students to gain additional knowledge from on-the-job exposure.

Many TMS students delight in initiating, planning, hosting and taking part in events and programmes.  At TMS we recognise that students’ experiences and success outside the classroom are integral to their education and holistic development. Through the shared experiences with their peers and teachers, students learn about team work and leadership and these invaluable opportunities foster relationships, trust and mutual respect. Through an array of events through the school year, students are given the opportunities to acquire self-awareness, develop potential and realise aspirations

TMS recognises the key role of teachers in ensuring the highest standards of learning, challenge and safety during visits and with students’ learning outside the classroom environment. Teachers are encouraged and supported by TMS to develop their abilities in organising and managing students’ learning in a variety of environments. There is an expectation that teachers will use both the internal and external environment as a learning space.

For regular out-of-hours clubs, parental permission should be sought through the return of a consent slip. For school teams and nearby visits requiring transport, parents should be asked to sign a letter of consent for participation in these activities. Parents must be given the information for the activities that students are involved in and should be informed either by letter, phone call or through their son/daughter (as appropriate) if an activity has to be cancelled.

For any visit lasting a day or more or involving significant travel, or adventurous activity, parents must be asked to sign a letter which consents to their son/daughter taking part.

As part of the parents’ consent they should be fully informed by the school of the activities and arrangements for the visit.