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Internal Regulation


ACADEMIC YEAR 2017/2018

On July 3rd, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Professional School (EPA) created the International Atlantic School (IAS), a teaching establishment accredited and recognized by the University of Cambridge. This recognition consists of the implementation of the Cambridge International Examinations system, one of the most recognized worldwide certifications, enabling our students to obtain an international certification through Cambridge Assessment International, a department of the University of Cambridge.

In this way, we provide IAS students with a broader range of options in pursuing their studies, their future careers and personal lives. The numbers are encouraging: every year, close to one million Cambridge students, coming from 10,000 schools in 160 countries, prepare their future with an international education through Cambridge Assessment International Education.

IAS has, therefore, established an important partnership with an organization known for excellence in international education, acting as a member of an exclusive Global Learning Community of Cambridge University.

Designed for all those aspiring to have more diversified academic courses, the benefits of this international certification are numerous, highlighting the deepening of language skills, competitive and modern curricula that broaden the horizons of students in accessing professional paths and direct link between the completion of studies and entry into the best foreign institutions, preparing them for a world without borders.

1. APPLICATION

  1. The Rules and Regulations of IAS define the way in which it operates, as well as the rights and duties of all those who are a part of it.
  2. These rules and regulations shall apply to all students, parents, guardians, and IAS staff.
  3. The norms of these rules and regulations shall also apply to all those outside the school who perform functions related to it.

 

2. FACILITIES

  1. It is the responsibility of all those who attend IAS to maintain good hygiene and functionality of the facilities and equipment, with particular regard to those directly responsible for their safekeeping and use.
  2. The spaces and facilities are intended to be used according to their purpose by teachers, students, employees, management and the administration, in the development of tasks and activities pertaining to the day-to-day functioning of IAS.

 

3. ACCESS TO IAS

  1. All staff, teaching and non-teaching staff, and the students enrolled here shall have free access to IAS during office times.
  2. Any guardian, parent or person with any justified reasons and who has some matter to attend to, has access to IAS.

 

4.CONDITIONS FOR ENROLLMENT

  1. In each academic year, the Pedagogical management establishes the number of students for each level, within the authorized limits.
  2. Pre-registrations take place throughout the year, taking into consideration the order of enrollments.

Those with priority:

  1. Siblings of current students, or living in the same household of IAS students.
  2. Children of IAS employees, or any other company belonging to the Group.
  3. Children of former students ordered by the number of years the parents attended IAS.
  4. Whenever the Management understands that the candidate does not conform to the student profile that IAS has elected, enrollment may be denied.
  5. The enrollment for the following year of students attending IAS is between June and September.

 

5. REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL

  1. The student's registration is done by completing and signing the appropriate forms.
  2. The prices and documents required for the first enrollment are set out in a price list which can be consulted at the administrative service.
  3. The registration fee will not be refunded, should a student withdraw or transfer to another language school.
  4. The renewal of enrollment is of the initiative of the guardian or parent, and for this purpose, it is compulsory to have all and/or any overdue tuition fees paid, unless there is a written agreement between the party and the management of IAS.
  5. The registration confers the status of IAS student; it implies the acceptance of all the legal rights and duties, as well as those of the present Internal Regulation, and of all the documents that form an integral part of it.
  6. The tuition fees are divided into 9 equal installments, which will be settled in advance until the 8th day of each month. Payments made after this date will be automatically and cumulatively increased by 5%.
  7. The monthly payment includes holidays and school vacation periods or holidays requested by students.
  8. The payment can also be paid annually, benefiting from a discount of 5%, or quarterly, in which case you will receive a 3% discount on the total invoice, as follows:

Payment in October – until the 8th of October:

  • 1st Trimester, until 8th of October;
  • 2nd Trimester, until 8th of January;
  • 3rd Trimester, until 8th of April.
  1. Discounts are applied for students, partners, employees and children, as well as a second member of the household who is also registered.
  2. Failure to pay fees by the stipulated deadline may imply suspension of the student's attendance. No student may attend a trimester without having paid the previous one.
  3. IAS may refuse renewal of an enrollment in the following situations:
  • Continued refusal to respect the Internal Regulation of the IAS (by a student or guardian);
  • Serious or repeated breaches of the IAS Internal Regulations, both at disciplinary and attendance levels;
  • Disrespect for the norms and rules of social coexistence that the IAS has stipulated;
  • Showing total disinterest in the teaching of Languages;
  • Repeated retention, or situation of manifest scholastic failure that reveals a misalignment of the student to the IAS education system;
  • Systematic delays or non-payment of monthly fees.
  1. Pre-screening tests are required for all applicants with some knowledge of the foreign language they would like to attend classes in.
  2. Each group consists of a minimum of five and a maximum of fifteen students.

 

6. CANCELLATIONS

In the case of a cancellation, the school will not refund the registration fee nor the monthly payments made until that time.

 

7. REPORTS AND EVALUATIONS

  1. At the end of each term, a report on the attendance and performance in each course will be sent to all students.
  2. At the end of each year, or whenever requested, the IAS attendance certificate will be delivered to all students.
  3. Students who pass international examinations receive a diploma from the respective foreign institutes.
  4. The first exam, First Certificate, is done when the student reaches level 6. This exam is optional, it is held in May or June, and is subject to payment, which should be done in February.
  5. The second exam - CAE - Certificate in Advanced English - shall take place at level 7, and shall follow the same procedures as referred to in the preceding paragraph.
  6. The third exam - CPE - Proficiency - takes place at level 8, and follows the same procedures referred to in the previous numbers.
  7. Students who pass these international examinations receive a diploma from the University of Cambridge.
  8. No student will be put forward or considered for an examination if they have overdue fees.

 

8. PRIVATE AND CORPORATE LESSONS

  1. These may be requested year-round, and are especially aimed at those who consider that an individual class is the most effective or time-limited method or who cannot guarantee regular attendance at classes.
  2. Private lessons are taught at the IAS premises, with a minimum duration of 10 hours.
  3. Whenever necessary, IAS may modify the schedule of private lessons, with prior information to the student, and in advance.
  4. If it is impossible to meet the stipulated time, the student has the possibility to change it, as long as unavailability is justified and proven, and communicate this to the school at least fifteen days in advance.
  5. The Business Services Center is a service center aimed at businesses, and prepared in accordance to the training needs of the candidates.

 

9. OPTIONAL SERVICES

  1. IAS provides its own transportation, to and from the school.
  2. Students must be at the agreed time of day at the entrance, and properly accompanied by an adult, as there is no possibility for the driver to wait given that there will be other colleagues waiting for the transport as well.
  3. The school transport service is paid, and will be carried out in accordance with the national and community legislation that regulates safety and operation.
  4. The cost of the transport service is fixed and depends on the number of trips required.

 

10. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

  1. The administrative services of the school deals with all matters of an administrative nature.
  2. The hours of service are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  3. IAS ends its daily activity at 7:00 p.m. Students who remain after that time will no longer have supervision.

 

11. SCHOOL CALENDAR

In the 2017/2018 school year, the school calendar will be the same for preschool, Primary and Secondary education.

Classes start in October and end at the end of June.

  1. Duration of Periods:
  • 1st Period - Between October 9th, 2017 to December 15th, 2017;
  • 2nd Period - January 3rd to March 23rd, 2018;
  • 3rd Period – April 9th to June 29th, 2018.

 

12. BREAKS IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR

  • December 18th, 2017 until January 2nd, 2018 - (Christmas break);
  • February 12th until the 14th, 2018 (Carnival break);
  • March 26th until April 6th, 2018 (Easter break);
  • End of academic year – June 29th.

 

13. IN CASES OF EMERGENCY

  1. In case of sudden illness or accident, the family shall be informed as soon as possible and the necessary measures shall be taken immediately. The subsequent follow-up (consultations / treatments) will be the initiative of the parent(s) or guardian(s).
  2. When it is necessary to take a student to the hospital, he / she should be accompanied by an assistant, and it will be of the responsibility of the pedagogical management to inform the parent(s) or guardian(s).

 

14. OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST

  1. IAS is only responsible for the objects and valuables lost when they are expressly declared and entrusted to its custody.
  2. At the request of the parent(s) or guardian(s), declarations may be written for legal purposes in accordance with the respective documents delivered.
  3. Cultural or simple recreational trips or other activities involving the participation of students outside the IAS facilities are paid for and must be previously authorized by the parent(s) or guardian(s).
  4. Taking into consideration the ease of communication with the outside world, the use of mobile phones during class time, is expressly prohibited. IAS is not responsible for any damage or disappearance of equipment in any circumstance.
  5. No student may have internet access with an IAS identification, without the express prior consent of the Pedagogical management.

 

15. PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY

  1. To provide high quality teaching of various languages, achieving successful learning.
  2. To foster stability and affective security with respect for the individual characteristics of each student.
  3. To stimulate problem-solving of a practical nature and of the rules of citizenship and social coexistence, through Languages.
  4. To contribute to the development of positive critical-thinking and aesthetic sensibility.

 

16. STUDENT RIGHTS

  1. Be happy in the classroom.
  2. To have access to high quality teaching that allows the successful accomplishment of the learning of foreign languages.
  3. To be evaluated from the point of view of use and behavior with rigor, exemption and objectivity.
  4. Enjoy a clean, cheerful and welcoming school.
  5. Be treated with respect and correction by any IAS member.
  6. Filing a complaint of acts, attitudes, omissions, or any misconduct by IAS Teachers, Directors, or other employees and services.
  7. Be safeguarded while attending classes and outside of the classroom and have their physical integrity respected.
  8. Be promptly assisted in the event of an accident or sudden illness during class.
  9. To have the confidentiality of the information contained in the individual or family file respected.
  10. To receive work, tests and other activities duly corrected in a short time.
  11. To actively participate in IAS’ day-to-day life, especially at parties and other initiatives.
  12. To know the Internal Regulations and all information that concerns them.

 

17. STUDENT DUTIES

  1. Engage in learning the foreign language.
  2. Comply with these Internal Regulations and all disciplinary norms.
  3. Respect and use correct and polite language with any IAS member, or other people who you interact with during and throughout the learning process;
  4. Follow the teachers' instructions regarding the teaching-learning process.
  5. Respect the instructions given by teachers and by all non-teachers.
  6. Respect the teacher’s right to the teaching of other students by not disturbing other classes.
  7. To be assiduous, punctual and responsible in the fulfillment of the schedules and the activities that are attributed to you.
  8. Stay inside the IAS facilities during your hours, unless you have written authorization from your parent(s) or guardian(s).
  9. Be careful with the cleaning and conservation of the IAS facilities, teaching materials, furniture, making proper use of them, and respecting the areas of reserved access.
  10. Respect the property and integrity of the belongings of all persons who form the educational community, as well as other persons who are connected to the school.
  11. Have a loyal attitude in their school career, respecting all members of the Community, namely:
  • Do not encourage or compel someone to do improper acts, much less with younger students, often prevented from defending themselves.
  • Do not physically assault any member of IAS.
  • Do not steal any property from any member or from IAS facilities.
  • Do not falsify school documents, or hide documents or information that parents or guardians should know.
  • Do not offend or insult any colleagues, let alone the youngest, or newcomers to IAS.
  • Do not adopt disruptive behaviours in class, conversations, noise, interventions and unreasonable attitudes, nor use technological equipment that disrupts the functioning of the classroom.
  1. Respect and obey orders, recommendations and reprimands;
  2. Wear clothing appropriate to the school environment, avoiding excesses and eccentricities.
  3. Do not perform acts that could result in prejudice and discredit to yourself and IAS, such as, to introduce, store or consume alcoholic beverages or drugs within the school, as well as to perform other acts that damage the credibility of the same, or its normal operation, nor incite any of these actions in colleagues.
  4. Always bring the necessary school supplies to your activities.
  5. Do not wear a cap, or chew gum in the classroom, or other places.
  6. Adopt a positive attitude toward warnings and corrections.

 

18. PARENT AND GUARDIAN RIGHTS

  1. Be treated with respect and correction by any IAS member.
  2. Know the Internal Regulations and the conditions for access and attendance.
  3. Be convened for meetings with the Teacher, or Principal, and be aware of the time and day of attendance to address issues about their children.
  4. Be informed about all matters of interest regarding language teaching.
  5. Contribute to a good teacher / student relationship.
  6. Be informed and clarified on any doubts, at the end of each period, about the achievement and behavior of your children.

 

19. PARENT AND GUARDIAN DUTIES

  1. To know the IAS Internal Regulations and Conditions of Access and Attendance.
  2. To be responsible for the fulfillment of the duty of assiduity of their children to the classes or to other activities, justifying the absences.
  3. To prevent children from entering IAS in a feverish state.
  4. To sign the homework, whenever requested by the teacher as a way to prove their knowledge of it.
  5. To respect the schedule of school activities.
  6. To avoid approaching the teacher at the classroom door whenever attention should be directed towards the students.
  7. To support their children in bringing the necessary material to any activity.
  8. To make the monthly payments until the eighth day of each month.
  9. Students may only leave the IAS premises with persons whose authorisation has been given in writing by the parent(s) or guardian(s).
  10. Students, in order to leave the IAS premises unaccompanied, must also have written authorisation. These authorisations must be delivered to the administrative services at the time of enrollment, or later whenever they are justified.

 

20. TEACHER’S RIGHTS

  1. To participate in the development of the educational project of IAS, and in the plans of activities, previously defined by the Pedagogical Management.
  2. To be consulted before being appointed for any specific position or task, and heard.
  3. To present proposals or suggestions to the Pedagogical Department and to the Board of Directors.
  4. To have the necessary teaching material to properly teach their subject or activity.
  5. To have adequate conditions for the proper functioning, and greater performance of classes, and to enjoy a good work environment.
  6. To be treated with respect and politeness by all members of the school.

 

21. TEACHER’S DUTIES

  1. To update and improve their knowledge, skills and competences from a personal and professional development perspective and actively participate in the day-to-day life of IAS.
  2. To participate in all meetings for which they have been called.
  3. To create, in advance, the schedule of activities to be developed in the classroom.
  4. To be assiduous, punctual and zealous in the performance of their duties.
  5. To keep the parents or guardians informed about the progress or difficulties observed of their students, in particular through a periodic information sheet.
  6. To ensure the conservation of the teaching material and furniture used in class, as well as, in general, the IAS facilities.
  7. To facilitate the adaptation of incoming students to IAS.
  8. To adapt language learning to the student's individual rhythm.
  9. To maintain discipline, good relationships with students, and encourage rules and standards of conduct appropriate to IAS’ principles.
  10. To treat all students with respect and correction.
  11. To intervene whenever necessary, never resigning from their role as teacher.
  12. To not leave the classroom or other educational space where activities take place with students, except in exceptional cases, and after assuring the presence of an educational assistant.
  13. To carry out their functions with discipline, interest and initiative.
  14. To listen to and individually advise the student who asks for help, and maintain professional secrecy.
  15. To refrain from practicing acts that jeopardize the image and credibility of the school.
  16. To ensure the well-being of students and the development of all components of their individual and cultural identity.
  17. To take care of and maintain a good personal image, use polite language, and to not use rude gestures.
  18. To cooperate with initiatives / projects of the Pedagogical Management and administration of the group.

 

22. INFRACTIONS COMMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM

If during the course of a student's time at IAS he / she commits an infraction, the procedure to be taken is as follows:

  1. Oral reprimand - according to the precise situation the student may remain in the classroom after having complied with the teacher's reprimand.
  2. Written reprimand - according to the precise situation the student can remain in the classroom, where a report written to the Director, at the end of the lesson, will be duly substantiated.
  3. Disciplinary action - The student is immediately referred to the Director, accompanied by the respective report, which will be registered in the student's file. The disciplinary action must be included in the registar.
  4. Any student who commits an infraction that is considered to be serious or very serious may be suspended from attending up to a maximum of five classes.
  5. Suspended students may, with due consideration, enter the premises of IAS, when appropriate, and exclusively to carry out evaluations and to submit work.
  6. The reiteration of infractions may lead, by decision of the Board, to the expulsion of the student from IAS, in such cases there must be a prior meeting with their teacher.
  7. Whenever the infraction is practiced outside IAS, in study visits, excursions, or any other activity, sport or otherwise, students may be subjected to a disciplinary action.
  8. The destruction of the equipment, materials or installations of IAS, or of any member of the educational community, implies, in addition to a possible suspension, the immediate repair of the damage.
  9. Theft or robbery will always imply the replacement of the disappeared good(s), and it is of the responsibility of the Pedagogical Management to take sanctioning measures that, after proper consideration, apply to the specific situation.

 

23. ATTENDANCE AND ASSIDUITY

"The duty of assiduity implies for the student either attendance in the classroom and any other place where the school activity is being developed, or an attitude of intellectual and behavioral commitment appropriate, in accordance to age, to the process of teaching and learning".

 

24. FINAL NOTE

  1. The violation of these Internal Regulations implies disciplinary responsibility for those who are subjected to it.
  2. The amendments to be made to this Regulation, as a result of the publication of legislation that may be incompatible with its provisions, shall be deemed to have been inserted in its text since the application of the said legislation.
  3. Everything not expressly provided for in this Regulation shall be governed by national and community legislation in the field of education.

Funchal, 1st October 2017

The Pedagogical Director

(Susana Caldeira)