Staff Structure Handbook
Staff Structure Handbook
Staff Structure Handbook
Mission Statement
The chief aim of the school is to provide an excellent education for students of varied
backgrounds in a spiritually healthy atmosphere. Brazil is crying out for a decent education
for its young people and we have a niche here in Manaus where we can respond to that need.
All teachers are entreated to respond to our mission wholeheartedly, working to witness an
eternal harvest.
While we have chosen not to be a Christian school, we have the desire is to build a
school on the principles of respect for God, for His Word, the Bible, and for others of all
nationalities and backgrounds. Teachers, while not necessarily expected to be either Bible-
believing or God-fearing, are asked not to work against these principles. The leadership of
the school desires that the school should be a vehicle to further God’s Kingdom here on Earth
and in Heaven.
It has already been stated that respect is an essential quality to see in all members of
the school. Honesty, trust, justice, obedience, kindness, creativity and a love of knowledge
are other qualities that should be esteemed in the school. Staff need to model these qualities
so that they can help to instil them in the pupils. However, it is important to remember that
we are human, and so err, and to be ready to admit we are wrong as necessary. Forgiveness
is also a vital quality in all our relationships.
Finally, we recognise that each pupil in the school is an individual, and our aim is to
see each individual grow and flourish according to his/her strengths and inclinations within
the guidelines of the qualities esteemed by the school. Teachers are expected to work with
the students under their care to further this aim, whilst recognising that the advancement of
one student cannot be at the expense of either, other members of the school, nor the aims of
the school.
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Staffing Structure of AEA
Amazonas English Academy works with three directors for different aspects of the school
life, however their roles and functions overlap considerably and they are in constant
communication. Their aim is to present a harmonious environment in which we can all
function and can work to make a difference in lives.
There are three main departments within the school this semester. These are:
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Responsibilities of Co-ordinator
Most importantly they are not only line managers between the directors and the teachers in
the department, but they are facilitators, mentors and encouragers within the department,
using their experience to help all members of the department work together in harmony to
make a difference for eternity in the lives of students and their families.
1. Get alongside all staff and help as necessary encouraging peer-observation and peer-
mentoring within the department since “no man is an island”. The objective here is so that all
work together as a team.
2. Keep the department running smoothly: appoint responsibilities for scheduling substitute
teachers in case of absence, for letters and messages to go home when necessary and make
sure that each teacher has the support she needs in case of disciplinary situations or parents
with a concern.
3. Let directors know of any problems with teachers, with lessons or with students and their
parents.
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Responsibilities of Form Teachers
Register
1. To take morning and afternoon attendance each day, returning the register to the
designated place immediately afterwards.
2. Make sure the registers are completed, in pen, as required and are accurate. If a
student arrives between 08:00 and morning break they are counted as late; if they
arrive between morning break and lunch they are absent for the morning. If students
are not present in the classroom at register time in the afternoon they are late.
Students may not be marked present for the afternoon if they leave before 2:15.
3. Adding up numbers of presents, absences and lates for each student over each 2 week
period. The yearly attendance on the report card must total 200 for all students who
have been enrolled for the whole year.
Timetables
1. Helping each student to compile/understand their timetable. Making sure that each
class in the schedule is appropriate for that student and that the student knows where
to go for these classes.
2. Placing the number of each class on the report cards in the appropriate column.
3. Posting a copy of the timetable in the form room – and keeping it updated each time
there is a change.
4. Posting a copy of the timetable on the whatsapp group for the parents´ convenience
(or sending home in the agenda).
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Equipment
1. Check agendas, uniform and all personal equipment of the students in the form two or
three times a week.
2. Ensure all students have the required textbooks, and that they keep them in good
condition and return them at the end of the semester.
3. Remembering to give textbooks for all subjects to new students who enter during the
semester.
4. Ensure students have their own cup/water bottle.
5. Coordinate with PE teacher to see that student brings PE kit/Swimming kit regularly –
informing parents of any problems.
Grades
1. Supervising the completion of the two progress reports per semester, making sure all
subject teachers are aware of the deadline for the grades to be entered in the on-line
document.
2. Supervising the completion of the comment sheet at the end of the semester making
sure that a comment is received for each subject that the student is taking. The
language of the comment sheet should be in that (English or Portuguese) best
understood by the parents, and should be in one type of font and one size of font.
3. Supervising the completion of the report card at the end of each grading period
(bimester) – making sure that all grades are received by each student.
4. Informing Dr Pamela, before the deadline, that the documents above are ready for her
to preview.
General
1. Be available to answer any queries or problems that the student may have.
2. Be available to deal with queries and problems of the parents informing the
Coordinator and directors as necessary.
3. Try to deal with any behavioural issues before they become a problem – don’t forget
to inform your coordinator.
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Responsibilities of all Teachers
This is a heading that includes many things, including, but not restricted to the
following.
1. Attendance of Teachers
Teachers need to be in school on all school days – regular doctor visits and other
business, etc. should be timetabled for when students are not in school. When absence is
essential because of illness, the teacher will send an appropriate doctor’s note to school.
Teachers are encouraged to get in touch with the headmistress at the earliest possible time to
inform of any necessary absenteeism including arriving late or leaving early. During school
holidays there will be some teacher training etc for staff – please check with directors before
you plan holidays. Teachers have one month of holiday per year – some of this will be set by
the school as the school will close (eg two weeks for Christmas and New Year).
2. Punctuality
3. Dress Code
Staff demonstrate pride in themselves and their school by their dress and appearance.
Common sense and good taste dictate appropriateness, as does an understanding of Brazilian
and other cultures. Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to, shorts or bemudas, tank
tops, bare midriffs, halter tops, sleeveless muscle shirts, clothing with inappropriate language,
slogans, pictures or advertising and beach sandals (flip flops), tight or revealing clothing.
Sunglasses and hats are inappropriate in the classroom. Jeans should not be torn or ripped.
4. Resources
Staff are asked to help the school to spend money wisely by being careful, sparing and
honest in all their use of school resources. Attention is drawn to the following areas:
1. All damage of school equipment should be reported to the appropriate person as soon
as it is noticed, if possible with an explanation of what happened.
2. Teachers are asked to provide their own personal equipment such as pens, pencils,
erasers, sharpeners, whiteboard pens and erasers, glue, scissors, stapler etc. It is
obviously inappropriate to borrow from students. Any items clearly marked with
names can be returned to the owner if they are mislaid.
3. Lights should be switched off when leaving a room. Air conditioners need to be
switched off if the room will be empty for at least an hour. Form teachers remember
to check your form rooms at 4:20 pm.
4. School internet is not for personal use during school hours. It is inappropriate to
download videos etc for personal use using school time or internet.
5. The Xerox machine or printers are only for school copies. In an emergency personal
photocopying can be done, during non-busy times, at a charge of 15 centavos per
copy. This must be worked out with Juan after approval has been obtained from the
appropriate director.
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6. Plugging in mobile phones to recharge in the classroom at all times or in the teachers’
room on a regular basis is inappropriate. Sockets in the teachers’ room are primarily
destined for the use of computers.
4. Planning
Teachers are responsible for their semester plans for each subject and also for daily
lesson plans. Semester plans should be sent in digital form to the Headmistress before the
school semester begins. Each lesson plan needs to be elaborated in some form to include
learning objectives, a time guide and list of teacher and student activities. A form that could
be used is provided in the handbook. Teachers are advised to prepare these lesson plans
digitally so any plan can be provided as requested.
5. Blue Books
These need to be kept up to date and also to be stored in school in a location known to
the coordinator of the division. Attendance must be marked for each class each time they
meet. Students who are absent 20% (about 10 days) of one period (bimester) are in danger of
not passing due to absence. All absences, including school-related absences, will be
considered a part of this limit. Teachers will need to issue attendance reports and notify
students and their parents when their absenteeism is seen to be excessive. If a student is more
that 5 minutes late for a class, then they are to be counted as absent from that class (unless
extenuating circumstances exist) – the teacher will decide whether or not to accept the student
into the class or request they report the director. In exceptional circumstances the school
administration will authorize an absence, but the student will be required to make up all work
on return to not be penalized. The student has as much time to make up work as he was
absent.
5. Others
Cellular phones should be switched off or to silent mode during class times – it is
inappropriate to use cell phones at any time in the presence of the students: this includes for
facebook or whatsapp in all circumstances. Do not encourage parents to get in touch with
you during class hours. Urgent messages during school hours for students can be sent to the
secretary’s office.
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Discipline Policy
Everyone who works and studies at Amazonas English Academy has rights that apply to the
entire school day, including off-campus activities and after-school events. These rights
include:
1. The right to an education – this means that teachers should be free to teach and
students free to learn without being interrupted by inconsiderate or misbehaving
students.
2. The right to be respected – this means that due respect is to be paid by all to teachers,
other staff-members and all members of the student body.
3. The right to an education in a safe environment which is conducive to learning and
emphasizes respect for all people.
4. The right to freedom from physical and mental abuse, intimidation, harassment or
prejudice because of race, sex, religion, physical strength or size, friendship groups,
age, culture, handicap, financial status, classroom performance etc.
5. The right to have personal and school property respected. Our school should be a safe
place for property as well as for people.
All school staff are responsible to see that these rights are safe-guarded for all, and deal
appropriately with students who deny others these basic human rights.
These are a simple form of discipline to emphasize to students what is good behaviour and
what is unacceptable. It is expected that all students will receive a few merits per week, and
it is not uncommon for even good students to receive the occasional demerit. With merits
there will be extra privileges for the student. There will be a loss of privileges for students
who receive demerits repeatedly for the same reason, and for those students who receive
more than three demerits in one week or more than three demerits for the same reason.
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Reasons for Demerits
These are to be assigned as appropriate by any teacher to any pupil.
(a) Late for register (after the first time per week)
(b) Late for class
(c) No letter after absence (can be removed if letter is brought within 48 hours)
(d) No homework
(e) No school shirt
(f) Extra clothing that is not school uniform
(g) Using a hat or hood in class
(h) Sitting inappropriately
(i) Having a cell phone or music making equipment in school
(j) Wasting time during study hall
(k) Lack of necessary equipment
(l) Negative display against values – either school values or Cambridge values
For example
a. Disrespect
b. Disobedience
c. Irresponsibility
d. Dishonesty
The pupil must understand clearly why a demerit is being given. Obviously some demerits
are of more importance than others – depending on the reason they were received. The form
teacher must be informed of any demerits given and the reason.
1. Detentions
a. Detentions, during lunch or after school, are assigned as necessary by the class-
teacher or the form teacher.
b. Parents are to be notified.
c. Students who fail to serve the first detention will be issued two detentions by the
teacher or principal.
d. Failure to serve either of the two detentions mentioned above will result in a
suspension pending a parent conference.
2. Removal from class
a. When a student’s behaviour interferes with the educational atmosphere, the
student may be sent to the director.
b. The student will be given a report slip (the teacher retaining a copy) and must
report immediately to the director.
c. The teacher will subsequently contact the parent.
d. A referral form, documenting the incident, and the parent contact, needs to be
made by the teacher.
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e. A second dismissal from any class will result in a mandatory
student/parent/teacher/director conference to establish a contract for class
attendance prior to attending class.
3. Suspension from School or In-school suspension
a. Based upon serious misconduct, either in a single incident or through a series of
infractions, a student will not be permitted to attend school or be on the campus
for a specified period of time.
b. This consequence is assigned primarily for anti-social behaviours which indicate
that the student is really not ready to be physically present on campus.
c. In school suspensions might be used for a first offender, or where it is judged
these will be more effective than suspensions from school.
d. Suspensions may only be given by the director of the school.
4. Expulsion
The permanent removal of a student from school is taken as a last resort when the
headmistress is convinced there is no other way to secure the good of the individual student
and the school as a whole.
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Grading Policy
It is important that grading is done according to the student’s maturity level (school year) and
to fairly reflect their overall work habits. Withholding grades is not a way of punishing a
student – either for poor behaviour or for poor work practice.
Primary 1 – Primary 3
All subjects follow the same pattern. Daily work is much more important than evaluation
with quizzes and tests. Use table 1 to calculate all grades.
Table 1
For most subjects the grade is calculated in accordance with table 1. For the main curriculum
subjects (Example: English, Portuguese, Maths and Science – use table 2.
Table 2
At the end of Year 6 the student will do the Primary Checkpoint Exam with Cambridge
International Examinations to obtain the standardized grade given by that University.
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Years 7-9
The grades for non-academic subjects are to be calculated in accordance with table 1. The
grades for academic subjects are to be calculated in accordance with table 3.
Table 3
At the end of Year 9 the student will do the Lower Secondary Checkpoint Exam with
Cambridge International Examinations to obtain the standardized grade given by that
University.
Years (10-13)
The grades for non-academic subjects are to be calculated in accordance with table 1. The
grades for academic subjects are to be calculated in accordance with table 3.
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Passing and Failing (Years 1-13)
To pass a given subject the student in years 1-13 needs to have a semester average of 50% or
more. Progress reports will be issued after the first 4 weeks of each period. If a student has
less than an average of 50% on the progress report they will be assigned, as necessary, to re-
enforcement classes after school, during lunch-time or on Saturday mornings. The content of
these re-enforcement classes will be in accordance with the individual needs of each student.
Failure to attend these classes regularly will result in a parent-teacher conference to decide
about the future of the student. It must be remembered that when students are in their first 3
months of attendance at the school, and they begin with no knowledge of English, a low
grade is no surprise, and the student might not need extra classes to reach his/her potential.
Students who finish with a semester average of less than 50% in any given subject will fail
that subject. Further re-enforcement classes during the holiday will be assigned to all
students who have failed in any class (unless it is decided that their performance is related to
their lack of the English Language because they have been at the school for less than 3
months). The purpose of these classes is to enable the student to do better in the coming
semester – they do not lead to any increase in the grade of the semester that is past. The
student who regularly attends all prescribed re-enforcement classes should be able to finish
the school year with grades above 50%.
If a student should finish the school year with a grade that is below 50%, then he/she will be
considered to have failed in that subject. The seriousness of the failure (depending on the
level of English of the student and the number of subjects in which the student has failed)
will be taken into account when a decision is made whether the student is promoted to the
next year or needs to repeat the same year.
In Y7-Y13 the school has an honour roll and high honour roll. Honour roll is for all students
who have an average grade of more than 70% with no failing grades. High honour roll is for
all students who have an average grade of more than 85% with no failing grades. Both
honour rolls are calculated on Progress Reports and for Bimester grades and reported to
parents. The final honour roll is calculated on the semester grades, and for this the student
should not have any fails (even final exams) during the semester.
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Homework Policy
Homework becomes more important as a student moves up the school. During the
first years, parents and students should be encouraged to do things together that will reinforce
what the school is teaching, but will not be supplied by the school. Examples would be read
a book together or bake a cake together.
Stage in School
Infants - Absolute minimum
- To allow parents to accompany child´s progress in school
- Less than 30 minutes per evening for the slowest child
- Notebooks should be sent home regularly to “show what you
have done” – to encourage habit of taking things home and
bringing them back again
- Text-books should be sent home regularly to “tell what you have
learned this week”
Primary - About 45 minutes per evening in main subjects only (maths,
P4, Y4-Y6 science, Portuguese and English), of which about 10-15 minutes
for each subject, observing the maximum of 45 minutes.
- Quantity of homework can be managed by form teacher if
necessary.
Lower Secondary - 60-90 minutes of homework each evening, which about 15-20
Y7-9 minutes for each subject, observing the maximum of 90 minutes.
- Quantity of homework can be managed by form teacher if
necessary.
Upper Secondary - Students should control their own studying
Y10-13 - Those studying for external examinations should do at least 2
hours per evening (total amount of time for all subjects)
- Quantity of homework can be managed by form teacher if
necessary.
After the progress report of each period, students should receive the chance to hand in
any homework that had not previously been done in an attempt to recover any failing grades.
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Uniform Policy
The aim of a school uniform is to teach students to dress smartly and to take pride in their appearance
and in their school. For this reason we ask that all school uniform should be in good repair and clean
and tidy. Even more importantly, a uniform means that students do not need to worry about peer
pressure when they dress to come to school. It means they can concentrate more on their studies and
less on their appearance. For this reason it is important that the uniform is not supplemented by
something that is not uniform.
The most important thing is that students are expected to change for
PE and back again afterwards. It is not acceptable for a student to do
PE in school uniform, nor to pull uniform on over PE-kit to go back
into the classroom. If PE is first lesson of the day students may come
in PE kit – bringing uniform to change into afterwards. If PE is last
lesson of the day students may go home in PE kit (also taking their
uniform home).
Jewellery Bracelets, dangling ear-rings, other piercings and large necklaces
really have no place in a school environment where they can be caught
on something and lead to injury.
Discrete ear-rings and necklaces are acceptable, but they are the
responsibility of the student.
Spectacles If a student has been prescribed glasses for reading it is important
he/she brings them to school each day and uses them as appropriate.
We would remind all students that glasses are a personal item and
should not be shared with friends.
Very occasionally, an item of uniform is not available in the school office, as we are dependent on our
suppliers. In such cases, ask the secretary for a note explaining that you have tried to buy it for your
child, and then the shirt or jacket can be substituted for another of one colour (preferentially blue or
red) until it comes into stock again. The student will need to keep the note from the school secretary
in his/her pencil case so it can be shown to teachers to avoid misunderstanding.
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Medicine Policy
General guidance :
It is established that the school teachers / workers can’t give any medicine to students
unless with specific written authorisation signed from parents / guardians and sent to
the Form Teacher of the student. Also, sharing medication between students is
completely prohibited.
Students under 14 years old are not allowed to administer medication to themselves
inside the school.
Year 11 – Students are free to bring what they personally will use, under a
Year 13 statement signed by both parents and students, undertaking to only use
medicines personally and not administer to anyone else.
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Cell Phone/Electronics Policy
Cell phones, i-pads and computers can all have positive contributions to the education of a student if
they are used correctly. However they can also be a big form of distraction.
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Policy of School Trips
Preparation
Week Hand in Trip Planner
1st Period
Semester
2nd Period
First
Trips (1 or 2)
3rd Period
4th Period Concentrate on finishing semester
Preparation
Week Hand in Trip Planner
1st Period
Semester
Second
2nd Period
Trips (1 or 2)
3rd Period
4th Period Concentrate on finishing semester
Principles
1. One or two trips for each group of students per semester
2. Trips need an educational objective
3. Trip planner should be handed in at least one month before the prospective date of trip. The idea is
that the trip planner is approved BEFORE any planning has been done on the trip.
4. Informative letter to parents should be sent out at least a fortnight before the prospective date of
the trip telling about venue, educational objectives – to which subjects the trip and linked and how the
trip will link to classwork and follow-up work. Please send a copy of this informative letter to the
Headmistress.
5. Bus must be booked (with Juan) by the teacher leading the trip planning at least a fortnight before
the prospective date of the trip
6. Half day trips don´t include visits to fast-food places
7. Standard cost of transport is R$15/person (could be more or less depending on location – guidance
from directors)
8. School uniform should be used for school trips.
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Trip planner
Who is planning trip?
What date?
Where to?
Duration of trip
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Teachers’ Declaration
I affirm that I understand and accept the policies and I will do all that is in my power to carry
them out.
Signature: _____________________________________________
Manaus, ____/______/___________
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