Challenge Tutees are encouraged to challenge themselves intellectually and feel supported in their academic progress. Tutors and House staff have high aspirations for their tutees and motivate them to make the most of every opportunity Aiglon offers them both inside and outside the classroom.
Respect Tutees are encouraged through a mutually respectful environment in which they can flourish. Tutors and House staff develop strong rapport and relationships with their tutees and the community which surrounds them, which facilitates open and honest dialogue based upon an open-mindedness, respect for oneself and an understanding of common humanity.
Responsibility Tutees are encouraged to grow as individuals who develop a moral responsibility based on honesty, self-respect and personal integrity. Tutors and House staff appreciate the boarding life of Aiglon and are valuable members of the House team that contribute and promote the collective values which are focused on developing young people who understand the consequences of their attitudes and actions.
Diversity Tutees are encouraged to fully embrace the diversity Aiglon offers and build a real breadth of interest. Tutors and House staff guide the balanced development of their tutees through appropriate guidance and individual strategies in a compassionate culture of mentoring and coaching.
Service Tutees live in an environment characterised by service, kindness and selflessness. Tutors and House staff enjoy their role and relish the opportunity to inspire the students of Aiglon, engaging in the moral education and emotional welfare of the students.
Students accepted at Aiglon understand that they make a sincere commitment to pursuing the general aims of Aiglon and show the effort and will to achieve them. Amongst other things, this means that students and their parents should be prepared to carefully study the expectations and statement of principles.
The Student Behaviour Code contains particularly selected rules. In highlighting these, the School draws attention to points which, if observed, provide a robust framework for a safe, healthy, supportive and self-disciplined community. Students and their parents should be aware that:
Any student who uses or possesses illegal drugs or substances, or seeks to procure them, transport them or brings them to school, cannot expect to remain a member of Aiglon. Substance testing: fully random, as well as random samples within a targeted group, are used as part of our anti-drugs programme.
Smoking (on or off campus) is banned in the interest of health. This includes all smoking related products, for example, snuff, e-cigarettes, vaping or other devices / methods.
Drinking alcohol is not permitted for all students except those in Years 12 and 13 (aged 16 or over) who, by virtue of their position and age, may have the privilege of drinking, with parental and houseparent consent, wine or beer in moderation, but not spirits, alcopops, cocktails, apéritifs or other distilled drinks.
Possession of unauthorised sums of extra money (undeclared money exceeding the pocket money guidance) is unacceptable and will normally result in confiscation and a sanction.
Respect for other people’s possessions is vitally important for the School community to thrive. Therefore, any form of theft is dealt with very seriously and may lead to suspension or expulsion.
Insensitive, offensive behaviour, including aggression, bullying, cyber-bullying and sexual misconduct is unacceptable and may lead to suspension or expulsion.
Public displays of intimacy which cause others to be embarrassed are totally inappropriate. Couples will not be alone together in a closed room without specific authorisation and supervision from an adult. Acts of sexual intimacy or cases where students are found in compromising situations, may lead to suspension or expulsion.
Hate speech is seen by Aiglon as public expressions which spread, incite, promote or justify hatred, discrimination or hostility towards a specific group. Students involved in any form of hate speech will need to demonstrate, through their actions, they have learnt it is not acceptable and should they continue in this manner their place within the Aiglon community will be put in jeopardy.
Serious breaches of school rules (usually, but not exclusively, involving drugs, alcohol, smoking, theft, bullying, violence, sexual misconduct) will lead to a disciplinary panel and are likely to lead to sanctions that may include suspension and expulsion. Students and parents should be aware of the following: The School reserves the right to administer regular and random tests for drugs, alcohol or other substances, based on urine and/or saliva or other appropriate samples, and to take any necessary measures to prevent attempts to falsify such tests.
Whilst the holidays are properly a time for relaxation, young people should not be given complete freedom to indulge in a lifestyle which is contrary to what is expected at School. Apart from the confusion of double standards which this creates, it markedly increases the danger of serious rule-breaking during term time
In a small village community, the behaviour of Aiglon’s students in their free time and at weekends is an important factor in forming the School’s reputation locally. The same is particularly true of day students, given the greater freedom that they may enjoy at weekends. Day students should respect all school rules and codes of behaviour, whether that be during free time in the evenings or at weekends. The school expects the cooperation of its day parents in ensuring that their children observe this.
Misconduct of any kind outside Aiglon, or via communications media, will be subject to school discipline if the welfare of a student, or the culture or good name of the school is placed at risk.
The School records all absences in the form of lessons, activities or other formal school commitments missed. Staff record absence data in lessons and activities as well as in houses and enter this on a central database. The School reports absences to parents at the end of each term. Attendance at house events, inter-school competitions, cultural trips, long expeditions, academic classes and other school events are all equally important, and we expect parents to avoid making private elective medical and similar engagements during term time.
Absences Absence During Term Time Unofficial absence from class is a serious matter and will not be tolerated at Aiglon.
Parents should contact houseparents as soon as practicable if an emergency absence is required so that teachers can provide work for students where this is desirable and possible. Agreed absences are often for official school business or essential medical appointments, though the impact on a student’s education can still be disruptive. Students are expected to catch up on work missed, as well as other commitments such as expeditions, whatever the reason for the absence.
Absence from School Lessons, Events or Commitments Unofficial absence from school functions, including sports fixtures and practices, outdoor activities and expeditions, meditation, culture evenings, etc. is reported to houseparents and students will be sanctioned appropriately. All students must follow their weekly timetable. If a student does not think they are able to make their lesson for any reason, they must communicate with the relevant subject teacher, whilst also keeping their house staff informed, as far in advance as possible, requesting permission to be absent. If a student misses a lesson without prior authorisation and with no reasonable explanation, they will receive demerits and are likely to be House Gated with immediate effect for a minimum of one school day. Should a repeat offence occur, students would normally be School Gated in addition to the accruing demerits. Should a pattern of unauthorised non-attendance emerge, it is likely that students will face an Academic Panel where appropriate sanctions will be accorded at a more serious level and could include suspension, the loss of their right to attend graduation or transfer to the next academic year, and ultimately expulsion.
There are differences between the daily life of boarding and day students, but all are expected nonetheless to be an integral part of the school community. While special exceptions may occasionally be made to suit individual needs in consultation with houseparents, day students are expected to attend:
Some day students find it helpful to eat dinner and do prep in house before returning home. This is arranged between parents and houseparents. Day students are not normally allowed to go home for other reasons during the working day and must seek permission from houseparents to do so. Houseparents may require day students to join the house for dinner on Sunday evening or for other special functions.
While the parents of day students are responsible for the health of their children, parents should inform the houseparents of any illness or incapacity which could prevent a child’s full participation in regular school life, including any absences from school.
Living Locally and Going Out in Villars
Day students are expected to adhere to the same rules as boarders during term time. This applies to timings and places they are permitted to visit (especially with regards to local bars and restaurants) as well as rules governing alcohol, smoking and substance use. Parents of day students are strongly encouraged to apply evening return times that are consistent with boarders, to ensure equal privileges across the student body.
Students should be aware that any actions outside Aiglon, locally or further afield, which bring the School into disrepute are likely to result in serious sanctions which may include suspension or expulsion.
This policy addresses the education of children concerning behaviour changing substances such as alcohol, tobacco, solvents and drugs and the procedures for managing incidents relating to these substances.
Drugs and behaviour changing substances These expressions refer to the possession, use, transportation and supply of controlled drugs and the paraphernalia of drugs or substances intended to resemble drugs, or “legal” drugs or behaviour changing substances.
Rationale The world in which we live presents young people with many challenges which affect their health and well-being. Exposure to alcohol, tobacco and drugs is part of this reality. Our school needs to reflect on how we might provide for the needs of our students and respond appropriately to what are sometimes sensitive and emotive issues.
The central objective of our policy is the welfare, care and protection of the Aiglon community. Aiglon acknowledges that it has an important role to play in education about substance abuse, resilience and addictive behaviours, particularly concerning prevention. We believe that the entire school community needs to work together and that cooperation is essential to the acceptance and implementation of the policy. This policy applies to members of the Aiglon community and links in with other policies in the School, which includes the Student Behaviour Code and Staff Code of Conduct.
School Ethos The School believes that the balanced personal and social development of each member of the school community is essential. When the community fosters good relationships, people feel valued and respected, and there is genuine tolerance, fairness and support for those experiencing difficulties. As a health promoting school we have an important role in enabling students to increase control over and improve their health. The well being of students is enhanced by:
Education about the use of substances, prescription and over the counter drugs, alcohol, tobacco, solvents, vaping is best carried out by teachers through the inclusion of PSHE in the curriculum as well as external speakers visiting the school. Parents also have a pivotal role to play in reinforcing this education.
Substance use prevention education is taught throughout the School in the context of the PSHE curriculum. The School informs parents of these programmes, and parents are notified when outside agencies deliver these programmes or presentation.
Testing Procedures Aiglon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in the school and this responsibility applies both to individual students and to the whole community. Therefore, fully random, as well as random, samples within a targeted group may be used as part of our anti-drugs programme.
If a student who has tested positive, or who has admitted being involved with substances either during term time or outside of term time, is permitted to remain at school, the Head Master reserves the right to make it a condition that there is repeat testing of the student in the future at intervals determined by the school. This may include the random testing of the student concerned. Any further positive test is likely to lead to permanent exclusion.
Concerning positive tests arising from substance misuse outside school time, or admission of use (holidays/weekends) the same rules apply, because drug abuse, at any time by Aiglon students, is an issue for the School. In this way, a consistent and unambiguous message is conveyed to Aiglon students that drug use is unacceptable at any time during their school career. Appropriate support is in place for students associated with substance misuse while at Aiglon. Where circumstances require, the School will inform the police of possession, consumption or supplying of illegal substances.
A student who refuses to give consent to be tested will be asked to explain the refusal. The School will be entitled to draw inferences from this response and general demeanour. Any deliberate delaying or non-compliance may result in the School’s reasonable judgement to carry the same sanction as a positive test.
Any samples collected for the purposes of substance testing will be collected using recognised procedures to ensure that samples are genuine and not interfered with in any way. The School will regularly review and update the range of tests used. The initial testing is performed at the School’s expense. If further tests are required, either at the request of parents, or if the School deems it appropriate, then costs may be passed to parents. In cases of positive results, parents will be notified as soon as is reasonable unless there are exceptional circumstances that the School must consider.
Parental Involvement All parents have access to these policies on our website along with other related policies including Health and Safety, Safeguarding, the Student Behaviour Code and Anti-Bullying. Parents are encouraged to support the School’s efforts to educate students in substance use prevention and to manage substance use incidents.
Alcohol Alcohol is a powerful drug, but one which is socially acceptable in some societies. In Switzerland, it is illegal for young people under 16 years of age to buy and consume alcohol. At Aiglon, students in Years 12 and 13, who are 16 years or over, are permitted to drink alcohol. They may drink beer or wine in moderation, but not spirits. It is illegal to drink alcopops, cocktails made with spirits, apéritifs or other distilled or fortified drinks under the age of 18 in Switzerland. This Social Authorisation Privilege is given at Houseparent discretion, and provided that there is no written parental objection, to Year 12 and 13 students who are over 16 years of age and are in good academic and social standing.
Aiglon’s policy is designed to promote a responsible approach. This takes account of moderate drinking within an appropriate social context while, at the same time, recognising the serious dangers that exist in alcohol abuse.
Houseparents and duty staff are responsible for determining whether, in their opinion, a student has drunk to excess, taking into consideration a student’s self-control and general behaviour at the time. Each individual student with this privilege is responsible for ensuring that their drinking stays within the bounds of moderation.
Year 12 and 13 privileges are only applicable on Saturdays after the evening roll call. Additionally, permission may be granted for specific school events. On Saturday evenings, any Year 12 and 13 students who are not yet 16 years old may accompany their friends, but must not consume alcohol.
A list of authorised establishments is published in Houses and updated regularly. Students may visit only the authorised restaurants and bars. Any student who returns to their House late or whose conduct is inappropriate will risk losing this privilege. Houseparents may test returning students for alcohol and/or drugs if they wish.
Villars is patrolled by Aiglon staff both on Saturday evenings, as well as other times during the week.
Aiglon’s alcohol policy applies to all school trips and visits, both inside and outside of term time.
Smoking Aiglon has a firm no smoking policy on campus, which applies equally to students and staff. Smoking is banned in the interest of health and consideration for others. In Switzerland it is forbidden to sell tobacco to anyone under 18, and that school-aged children may not smoke.
In this handbook, the terms "smoking" and "tobacco products" include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, loose tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and any other smoking-related paraphernalia.
There is evidence that very few people begin to smoke after the age of 18 and the School does all it can to discourage young people from starting the habit. Research also suggests that the earlier young people first encounter cigarettes, the higher the risk of dependency.
Students addicted to nicotine who genuinely wish to stop smoking are encouraged to discuss the problem with a member of staff before the habit becomes a disciplinary matter. The School runs stop-smoking courses and can arrange counselling or sophrology sessions for those who recognise they need help to stop smoking. Seeking such support does not incur disciplinary action, but does not provide immunity if caught.
Smoking is forbidden anywhere on campus (including all buildings, roofs, balconies, public and private areas) and off campus (incluidng Villars, the surroudning areas, on expedition, school trips and visits).
It is hoped that students’ home (holiday, exeat or weekend) lifestyle habits do not vary widely from their school life. Students who hold positions of responsibility, or who are representing the School, may have these privilidges taken away as a result of smoking violations.
Students caught smoking, or who have smoking products found on their person or in their room are subject to disciplinary sanctions. Students whose breath or fingers smell of tobacco, in the opinion of a member of staff, will be considered to have been smoking. Students found in the presence of smokers can expect to face similar sanctions to smoking offenders.
Caught or suspected students will be required to turn out their pockets and bags and, depending on the circumstances, a room check may be carried out. All smoking paraphernalia will be confiscated. The student is refered to their Houseparent with full details of time, place and those involved for further investigation and appropriate sanctions.
For details concerning smoking sanctions, please consult the "Rewards & Sanctions" section of this handbook.
Kindness, tolerance and inclusivity are central to the culture and all aspects of school life at Aiglon. Bullying in any form is not tolerated.
Bullying is any deliberate and hurtful behaviour, typically sustained over time. It can be physical or verbal, overt or subtle intimidation. It can take the form of racial, religious, cultural, sexual, sexist, homophobic and cyberbullying. Bullying can be just as hurtful in the virtual world of social networking and texts.
Bullying can include:
It is important that students should speak out if they think someone is being bullied. Silence is often the bully’s greatest weapon: watching or doing nothing can suggest support for the bully. By telling a responsible adult, appropriate and effective strategies for dealing with the situation can be developed. When the issue is addressed promptly, both the bully and the victim can be protected from serious consequences.
Bullying behaviour is considered a serious offence, and may result in suspension or expulsion from the School.
Aiglon encourages the formation of sound and durable relationships. All members of our community are expected to play their part in fostering and maintaining constructive relationships with each other based on mutual respect, courtesy and a spirit of collegiality. Close relationships between students should take account of personal, moral and cultural considerations. Public displays of intimacy which cause others to be embarrassed are totally inappropriate. Couples are not be alone together in a closed room without specific authorisation from an adult. At no time is it acceptable for a boy to be in a girl’s room, or a girl in a boy’s room. This, as well as acts of sexual intimacy or cases where students are found in compromising situations, may lead to suspension or expulsion from the School.
An important part of the learning process involves making mistakes. It is essential, however, that all students, despite many varied cultural backgrounds and value systems, are willing to accept the basic principle that honesty is important and essential for a community to thrive.
Students who make a mistake should be truthful and honest and admit their error, making sure that they do not put themselves in the same situation again. This is all part of learning and assuming the consequences of one’s actions.
Wilful or careless damage will be considered as acts of vandalism, and costs of repair or replacement may be deducted from students’ pocket money. For larger amounts, a letter to parents will explain an additional charge which will be made to the student’s account. Vandalism includes non-accidental damage to property, graffiti, careless breakages and the defacement of school property, including textbooks.
House staff may conduct room searches at their discretion. This will normally be accompanied by another member of staff or student. While desirable, it is not always possible for the student whose room is being searched to be present.
Staff check rooms on a daily basis for tidiness and other practical reasons. Students are expected to keep personal possessions tidy and organised.
Whenever students from Year 9 and above wish to go off campus, they must ensure that they correctly sign out and in. Where necessary, they must also seek permission from the member of staff on duty. Students in the Junior School are normally accompanied by staff when leaving campus, although visits as a group to Villars and local shops may be allowed at certain times.
Permitted off-campus locations are detailed in the "out of bounds" document available online and displayed in-house.
Birthday Dinners Senior students with a birthday falling that week may be allowed on Friday and Saturday evenings to eat in Villars or Chesières, (the maximum number would not normally exceed 6) and must be back at a time agreed with their House staff, per their age. Money allowance is usually CHF 30 per person. Birthday dinners are not normally allowed when other school commitments are taking place. Birthday dinners only take place if House staff permission has been sought and granted with plenty of notice and all participants are in good social and academic standing.
Social Outings Outings to places of interest take place for students as part of the weekend programme. Priority is given to students who are up-to-date with all their work and who have already completed at least their minimum expedition requirement.
Running after Prep Running, at the discretion of Houseparents and the Head of PE, may be practised in the summer term and the first half of the autumn term on a set route after Prep. Early morning running is not usually allowed. In the latter half of the autumn term, runners in a serious training programme may obtain permission and guidance from the Head of PE as to where and when they may run. Due to safety, there is no running after prep in the winter term.