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Character education

Harvest 55 Practices

“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Tokuiku 徳育

At Harvest Academy, students do not learn to study, but the other way round. Academic excellence is important, and we believe learning is more than that!

Tokuiku, or the Harvest 55 Practices, is practised at Harvest to nurture a well-rounded character and form a bright future in every student. Harvest Academy monitors students' character constantly; teachers listen to students' opinions and then give feedback. With the Harvest 55 Practices, we offer an international approach with British foundations, aiming to push boundaries and motivate pupils academically, personally and culturally.

The practices connect to everyday school life — for example, the Harvest Anti-Bullying Campaign is aligned with school rule #1 and practices 3–7.

The practices are discussed with every student at the beginning of the school year. Students may refer to the School Rules and Policies for details.

Illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. for the Harvest 55 Practices quote: Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education
Version IVc

The 55 Practices

Five groups of everyday habits: how Harvestians behave, speak, learn, eat together and motivate themselves.

Behaviour practices

  1. Do not smack your lips, tsk, roll your eyes, or show disrespect with gestures.
  2. When you cough, burp or sneeze, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and cover your mouth with your hand. Afterwards, you should say, 'Excuse me.'
  3. Violence, cursing, bullying, offensive and abusive language will not be tolerated. You must behave at all times.
  4. Treat each other with kindness and respect. At school, you should be able to develop all your talents and learn to respect others and respect differences.
  5. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status because differences shape who we are and what we know. Life, history, society, happiness and power cannot be understood from a single perspective; we need experiences and viewpoints from people to truly see the world.
  6. Everyone has the right to be safe in this school. If anyone is bothering you, do let any teachers or administrative personnel know. We are your teachers, we are here to look after you and protect you. We are not going to let anyone in this school bully you or make you feel uncomfortable. In return, we ask you not to take matters into your own hands, let us deal with the student.
  7. Do not insult others' belongings, we should treasure things that we have. Take care of your own property, and the belongings of others and Harvest as well.
  8. Be on time. Punctuality is a must. Try to be early, so that you can have extra time to allow any unexpected delay. If you arrive after 8:20 am without a certified medical note, you will be marked as late.
  9. The Student Card must be worn at all times. Take care of your Student Card. If lost, report immediately because it's dangerous if any strangers have access to Harvest.
  10. No headwear. Dress appropriately to school as shown in the Harvest dress code and accordingly to any occasion.
  11. Throughout the year, teachers may reward students for good behaviour, academic performance and other acts worthy of praise. If you ever ask for a reward, however, it will not be given. You should be good and try your best because you are trying to improve yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.
  12. If you win or do well at something, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger. Instead, say something like, 'I really enjoyed the competition, and I look forward to playing with you again', or 'good game'.
  13. You will make every effort to be as organised as possible and that you are ready to learn.
  14. Flush the toilet and wash your hands after using the restroom.
  15. Gentlemen, please keep the toilet seat clean. Lift up the seat before using or clean it with water then tissue paper if you have dirtied the toilet seat. Ladies, please dispose of used feminine products appropriately into the dustbin provided in the toilet. Do not flush any kind of feminine products.
  16. If you approach a door and someone is behind you, hold the door. If you are the next person, you should replace the first person.
  17. If someone drops something, pick it up and hand it back to them. Even if they are closer to the object, it is only polite to make the gesture of bending down to retrieve the item.
  18. If you see someone needs help and you are capable, do help them without second thought no matter if he or she is older or younger than you. If your friend is not good at something, you must not laugh at him or her; you should encourage and help others, as you would want others to help you if you were in the same situation. However, safety comes first; if you think it's the right thing to do, don't hesitate just because others are not doing what needs to be done.
  19. Be ambassadors for the school.

Speaking practices

  1. Do not address others' names in any inappropriate way.
  2. Everyone in Harvest is equally important. Quickly learn the names of other teachers and students in school and greet them by saying things like, 'Good morning Ms Mary' or 'Good afternoon Mr James'.
  3. When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying 'Yes Ma'am' or 'No Sir'. Just nodding your head or saying any other form of yes or no is not acceptable.
  4. It is polite to make eye contact when someone is speaking. If someone makes a comment, turn and face that person.
  5. Everyone has the right to express their own opinions and feelings, but it should be in an appropriate manner. Shouting and misbehaving are strictly not allowed. We should respect others' comments, opinions and ideas.
  6. When you are talking to someone or answering the phone, both in school and at home, you must do so in an appropriate manner.
  7. Always say thank you when someone gives you something. Never insult that person by making negative comments about the gift or by insinuating that it isn't appreciated.
  8. When we meet different people, if the teacher introduces you to people, make sure that you remember their names. Then, when leaving, make sure to shake their hands and thank them, mentioning their names as you do so.
  9. English is the medium of communication among Harvestians. We must practise correct and proper English.
  10. If you are asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. Me: 'Did you have a nice weekend?' You: 'Yes, I had a great time. My family and I went shopping. What about you? Did you have a nice weekend?' It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.
  11. Answer all questions in complete sentences. For example, if a person asks, 'How are you?', instead of just responding by saying 'Fine.', you should say, 'I'm doing fine, thank you. How about you?'
  12. Students are not allowed to enter the admin and teachers' offices without permission and purpose. Always knock first, then ask for permission. For example: 'May I see Mdm Jennifer for speech practice?'

Classroom practices

  1. If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, we will congratulate that person.
  2. Every time teachers enter and leave class, you should greet teachers to show appreciation.
  3. When we are in transition from one classroom to the other, the change will be swift, quiet and orderly in a careful and considerate way. We should consistently be able to enter the classroom complete with all homework and necessary materials.
  4. We will follow certain classroom protocols. We will be organised, efficient and on task. In order to do so, we will follow these rules:
    1. Do not get out of your seat without permission. Exception: if you are sick, you may leave.
    2. Students are not allowed to leave the classroom 30 minutes before and after break and lunch.
    3. You may bring a bottle of water and place it under your desk. No beverages or snacks are allowed.
    4. Do not speak unless you raise your hand and the teacher allows you, or the teacher instructs you otherwise (for example, during group work).
  5. When you are grading each other's papers, if you deliberately give someone an incorrect grade, whether it is higher or lower than they deserve, the number of marks that differ from the actual mark will be deducted from your paper.
  6. When we read together in class, you must follow along. If teachers call on you to read, you must know exactly where we are and begin to read immediately.
  7. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and others must be turned off or on silent mode and kept in the locker during class time unless permitted by the individual subject teacher. Laptops can be brought into classrooms but can be used only if the individual subject teacher allows.
  8. While you are with a substitute teacher, you will obey the same rules that you follow.
  9. When a teacher assigns homework, there is to be no moaning or complaining. This will result in a doubled assignment.
  10. You should always check your email and classroom to keep updated. You can access them from your PC, Android or Apple devices. Homework is to be completed as posted even if you are absent.
  11. Homework must be turned in before or on time for each subject by every student. You should ask teachers if you have trouble with the homework. There'll be no exceptions and excuses.
  12. If you have a question about your homework, you may leave a message on Google Classroom, Google Chat or email your teacher. Leave your message politely, for example: 'Hello Teacher Patricia, I need help with…'.

Dining practices

  1. Dining etiquette
    1. Wait for the teacher to distribute food. If you don't like the dish, let the teacher know; you can have a smaller portion, but you must try it unless you are allergic to the food. Take only what you can finish; if you want more, you can request it after you have finished your first plate.
    2. Whenever you are offered food of any kind, do not take more than your fair share. You never want to be greedy, not only because this is wasteful, but also because it is disrespectful to others when you do not leave enough for them.
    3. You should never complain if the line is too long, the food isn't good or if there is a wait. You don't want to be negative to the point where you spoil the enjoyment of the event for others.
    4. After we eat, we will make sure to clean off the table, leftovers and chairs, and put our plates and utensils tidily in the trolley. It is important to be responsible for your trash no matter where you are and to be sure not to litter.
  2. Table manners
    1. Never start eating until you are at your seat.
    2. Do not save seats in the dining room. If someone wants to sit down, let him or her. Do not try to exclude anyone. We are a family, and we must treat one another with respect and kindness.
    3. Never reach over someone's plate to get something. You should say, 'Will you please pass me the soy sauce?' If you are asked, pass it over to your friend politely.
    4. Never place the silverware that you have used back on the table; leave it on a plate or saucer.
    5. If you are leaving the table, you should stand up without making the chair noise and say, 'Excuse me'.

Self-motivating practices

  1. Stand up for what you believe in when your heart and mind are leading you in a direction that you feel strongly about. Sometimes, people tell you that you cannot because they don't understand. At the same time, be ready to accept different perspectives from others.
  2. Be positive and enjoy life. Some things just aren't worth getting upset over. Keep everything in perspective and focus on the good in your life. But you have to understand that to achieve something you want, you have to work harder and sometimes that will be difficult. However, after that you will be happy with your result, making your parents, friends and teachers proud of you.
  3. Be persistent and consistent. For example, if there's someone who can run faster but does not persist, and you persevere, you will eventually surpass him. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop. If there is something you want to do, go for it and don't stop until you make it happen.
  4. Live so that you will never have regrets. If there is something you want to do, do it! Never let fear, doubt, or other obstacles stand in your way. If there is something you want, fight for it with all of your heart.
  5. If you have already said 'I don't know' twice, it's time for you to explore the answer. Never say you don't know more than three times; most of the time you can get the answer. Knowledge is what can bring you further.
  6. Take responsibility for your actions.
    1. We are responsible for our thoughts and behaviour, whether deliberate or unintentional.
    2. Accept that you are going to make mistakes, but when you do, take responsibility and make it right. Learn from them, let it go and move on.
    3. When you try to make excuses or blame others, not only do you fail to take ownership of your actions, but you demonstrate a character trait that is common in people who fail to succeed in anything.
  7. No matter what the circumstance is, always be honest. Even if you have done something wrong, it's best to admit it. Teachers will respect that, and often teachers will forget any disciplinary measures because of your honesty.
  8. Carpe Diem. You only live today once, so don't waste it. Life is made up of special moments, many of which happen when caution is thrown to the wind and people take action and seize the day.
  9. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness.
  10. Be the best person you can be.

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