In this version of the school policy the phrase
'the pupil' has been replaced by the word 'you' and some of the
legalistic language has been simplified..
1. Applications:
This is about the misuse of controlled drugs and other substances
and applies to all pupils at Abingdon School.
It applies at all times, including holidays,
whether or not you are in the care of the School.
2. Drugs and Substances:
This refers to the possession, use and supply of all drugs (controlled
or legally available) including:
* performance enhancing drugs,
* anabolic steroids,
* glue and other substances.
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AIMS AND POLICY
3. Prevention:
The central aim of this policy is to keep drugs out of Abingdon
School.
We aim to do so by means of
* education,
* pastoral care,
* detention of users and
* a sanctions policy.
4. Education:
We educate you to understand that the use of illegal drugs
* is or may be a criminal offence and
* will be harmful to your health, integrity, independence, opportunities
and careers, and
* will damage the society in which you live.
We educate you by means of personal development courses and by example,
discussion and by means of lectures from outside experts.
5. Pastoral Care:
We encourage you to discuss your worries about drugs or substances
in confidence with a member of staff or school counsellor.
If you or your parents want to discuss a problem with drugs (perhaps
because you genuinely want to sort out a problem you have), then
what you discuss with the counsellor or member of staff will be
‘ring-fenced’ from disciplinary sanctions.
BUT
If it is suspected that you are involved with drugs or substances
outside this context you will face the full disciplinary consequences.
6. Detention:
Every complaint or report of involvement with drugs and substances
will be followed up and investigated.
A pupil suspected of involvement with drugs and substances may be
suspended.
7. Sanction for supplying:
ANYONE SUPPLYING DRUGS MUST EXPECT TO BE EXPELLED
IMMEDIATELY
even if you are about to sit public examinations.
8. Sanctions for possession or use:
Anyone possessing or using drugs MUST ALSO EXPECT TO BE EXPELLED
but in exceptional circumstances a supportive regime, including
drug testing, may be offered as an alternative to expulsion.
TESTING FOR DRUGS.
9. Urine sample:
If there is reason to suspect that you have been involved with drugs
or substances, you may be required to supply, under medical supervision,
a urine sample for analysis.
The reason for this policy is:
* To deter the use of drugs and other
substances
* To identify users
* To absolve those who have been wrongly
suspected
Reason to suspect use of illegal drugs may arise
a) as a result of information or a complaint received or
b) because of behaviour.
10. Informed consent:
You are the one who gives consent to this test (even if you are
under 16).
11. Notifying parents:
Your parents or guardians will be informed that a urine sample is
required and the reasons why it is required.
12. Medical supervision:
The urine sample will be taken under medical supervision, normally
by the senior school nurse. Another member of the school staff will
also be present.
Every care will be taken to respect your privacy and human rights.
13. Refusal:
If you refuse to supply a urine sample, you will be asked to say
why you have refused.
Your response and attitude may strengthen the case for expulsion,
and the police may be informed.
14. Testing procedures:
These will be accordance with standard good practice.
15. Medical record:
The outcome of the test, whether positive or negative, will not
form part of your permanent medical record.
16. Outcome:
This part of the full policy deals with the immediate response to
the health centre chemical strip test or the laboratory report.
17. Procedure:
The School will treat a positive laboratory test as evidence that
you have been using drugs.
A meeting will be arranged with the Headmaster and another adult
chosen by you.
18. Sanctions:
If the Headmaster’s decision is that you have been using drugs,
the Headmaster will explain the range of sanctions he is considering.
He will then consider mitigating circumstances (if there is any
genuine 'excuse') and your academic and disciplinary record before
deciding on the sanction.
19. Review:
lf you are expelled or required to leave, you and your parents will
be offered a Governors’ Review within ten days.
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