This policy seeks to ensure that a safe and secure environment, conducive to all boys’ learning, and free of the harmful effects of drugs and other substances is fostered for all boys and staff at Newcastle School for Boys.

Introduction

Newcastle School for Boys’ relatively affluent, suburban setting in Gosforth does not mask the fact that the School is part of a large city with a diverse population and that includes a significant number of students, some of whom attend the City’s two universities and large college. It would be irresponsible of the School not to be aware of the threats and dangers posed by the trade in illegal drugs which can be a feature of certain sections of youth sub-culture. Of similar concern is the impact and effect of “socially acceptable drugs” such as tobacco and alcohol on the well-being and performance of our boys. It is with these issues in mind that this Drugs and Other Substances Policy has been formulated.

Throughout this policy, “possession” is as defined in statute and common law.

Drugs

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is illegal to possess or supply a drug covered by the Act, unless authorised (eg, the possession of drugs prescribed for personal medical use). Solvents are dangerous substances as well. Under the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1965, it is illegal for anyone to supply or offer to supply a substance if he/she knows or believes that the substance being supplied will be inhaled by a person less than 18 years of age for the purpose of intoxication. Whilst it is not actually an offence to inhale solvents for the purpose of intoxication, the police are normally able to deal with such instances under public order provisions.

The School aims to:

• ensure that Newcastle School for Boys is free from illegal drugs (and solvents)
• educate boys on the effects of drugs (and solvents) on the mind and body
• provide opportunities for boys to practise the personal and social skills and strategies needed to deal with situations involving drugs
• promote individuals’ self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth
• explain the legal situation with regard to the use and misuse of drugs
• enable boys to identify sources of appropriate personal support
• enable parents to acquire knowledge and support

Any boy knowingly involved with illegal drugs when he is under the School’s authority can expect to be expelled from the School and the School to inform the police. Being “under the School’s authority” means:

• throughout the school day, whether on or off the premises
• whenever he is involved in any activity organised by the School
• whenever he is identifiable as a member of the School

Additionally, where it is brought to the attention of the Headmaster that a boy has been formally cautioned by the police under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, then the School reserves the right to exclude him. The School also reserves the right to take such action as it deems necessary to protect the good name of the School where a boy has an association with the misuse of drugs.

Possession of an illegal drug

If any boy or boys are found, or are suspected of being in possession of a substance that is suspected to be an illegal drug or solvent, he/they will be immediately isolated and his/their parent(s)/carer(s) informed and requested to attend the School as soon as possible. The Headmaster will be informed as soon as is practically possible.

The Deputy Head, or, in the absence of the Deputy Head, the Pastoral Leader accompanied by another member of staff will ask the boy to surrender the item(s) suspected to be an illegal drug or substance. The police will be summoned and may search the boy. In consultation with the police, a full investigation will be undertaken. The police may consider prosecution.

Tobacco

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death and ill-health in our society. The School aims to give all boys the message that smoking creates health problems for smokers and non-smokers alike; that non-smoking represents the “norm” in society. The Children and Young Person Act (Protection from Tobacco) makes it an offence for children who are aged 16 and under to be sold tobacco.

The School aims to:

• ensure that cigarette smoking is not tolerated within the School and its activities
• educate boys as to the immediate and long term dangers of smoking
• encourage boys who do smoke to break the habit

Smoking, or being in possession of cigarettes, tobacco and other smoking paraphernalia, is prohibited when a boy is under the School’s authority. The term, “under the School’s authority” is defined above.

Boys who are found smoking, or in possession of cigarettes, tobacco and/or other smoking paraphernalia can expect their parents/carers to be informed and a Saturday detention or an equivalent sanction to be administered. Subsequent offences may result in suspension. For a persistent offender, the Headmaster reserves the right to review the boy’s membership of the School

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant drug, particularly when taken in large quantities. There are current wider societal concerns with regard to alcohol consumption particularly as related to young people.

If drunk in sensible amounts, alcohol may produce feelings of relaxation and health risks are considerably reduced if drinkers keep below the recommended levels. However, even at relatively low levels of consumption, the potential for serious accidents exists. The Licencing Act of 1964 makes it illegal for alcohol to be sold to anyone under the age of 18, or for a person under 18 to buy alcohol.

The School aims to:

• develop boys’ knowledge and understanding about alcohol as a drug and its effects on the body
• encourage sensible, appropriate and safe drinking behaviour
• advise boys as to the personal and social skills and the strategies needed to deal with situations where alcohol is present
• educate boys as to the place of alcohol in the political, social and economic environment in which it exists.

Underage or unauthorised drinking, or boys being in unauthorised possession of alcohol, is prohibited:

• in school buildings or grounds
• when under the authority of the School
• whilst on school outings and trips

Boys found in unauthorised possession of alcohol or using it, whilst “under the authority of the School” (as defined above) can expect to be suspended or expelled according to circumstances.

Educational Programme

The School has an active approach concerning the use of illegal drugs, solvents, alcohol and tobacco. This is expressed in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Science lessons and periodically, in assemblies and tutor periods as appropriate.

In PSHE, the following issues are addressed:

Key Stage 3

• Recognising personal responsibility for decisions about substance (illegal drugs, solvents, alcohol and tobacco) use
• Factual information concerning substances including their effects and relevant legislation
• Awareness of myths, misconceptions and stereotypes linked with substance abuse
• The development of appropriate techniques for coping with situations in which substance abuse occurs
• Being able to analyse safe levels of intake; e.g. tobacco is never safe, limited use of alcohol may be safe

Key Stage 4

• Understanding that Britain is a drug-using society and recognising different patterns of use and their effects
• Recognising the impact of peer-group and other pressures on drug habits
• Individuals are responsible for the choices they make about drug use
• Being able to analyse safe levels of intake; e.g. tobacco is never safe, limited use of alcohol may be safe

In Science lessons, the School follows the National Curriculum Science Order concerning Drug Education. This is as follows:

Key Stage 3

• How smoking affects lung structure, gas exchange and health
• How abuse of alcohol, solvents and other drugs affect health

Key Stage 4

Boys are required to carry out research into different types of drugs and to evaluate scientifically their impact on individuals and society.

The main areas of study are as follows:

Legal and Illegal Drugs

• Many drugs are derived from natural substances and may have been known to indigenous peoples for many years.
• Drugs change the chemical processes in people’s bodies so that they may become dependent or addicted to them and suffer withdrawal symptoms without them.
• Heroin and cocaine are very addictive.
• Some people use drugs recreationally. Some of these recreational drugs are more harmful than others. Some of these drugs are legal, some illegal.
• Evaluate the different types of drugs and why some people use illegal drugs for recreation.
• Evaluate the effect of the illegal drug trade on developing countries, where drugs are produced and developed countries, where drugs are consumed.
• The overall impact of legal drugs on health is much greater than the impact of illegal drugs, because far more people use them.
• Evaluate the claims made about the effect of cannabis on health and the link between cannabis and addiction to hard drugs.

Smoking Tobacco

• Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogens.
• Tobacco smoke also contains carbon monoxide, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In pregnant women this can deprive the fetus of oxygen and lead to low birth mass.
• How the link between smoking tobacco and lung cancer gradually became accepted.
• Evaluate different ways of trying to stop smoking.

Alcohol

• Alcohol affects the nervous system by slowing down reactions and helps people relax, but too much may lead to a lack of self-control, unconsciousness or even coma, eventually damaging the liver and brain.
• Evaluate the possible consequences to individuals and society of “binge drinking” and long term alcohol abuse.

Support for Parents

In line with the School’s published aim to work in partnership with parents to promote the welfare of all boys and establish sound relationships based on a mutual trust, the School aims to involve parents in helping to keep their sons free of the harmful effects of drugs and other substances.

The School arranges regular sessions for boys and parents in which information and advice about illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol and their use will be presented to and discussed with parents.

The School encourages parents who have may have concerns about their son’s use of, or exposure to, illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol to raise and share those concerns with the School.

Parents may find the following websites informative and helpful:

www.talktofrank.com – for parents and young people with further links to helplines and other information

www.drugscope.org.uk – the UK’s leading independent centre on drugs

www.need2know.co.uk – information for young people aged 13-19 on various aspects of teenage life

www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk – sensible drinking and staying safe for young people aged 13-19

www.nhs.uk – general health matters and stopping smoking advice

D J Tickner for the Headmaster

April 2008

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