The basic courtesies

All pupils at College are expected to be courteous at all times. Here is some particular advice.

1. Greet people: all members of staff, all visitors to College.
2. If you note visitors to College looking lost, offer help to them. "Are you looking for someone?" "May I help you?"
3. If adults come into your study or any room in which you are sitting down, or come up to you when you are sitting on a bench watching a game, you should stand up. (In the classroom, your teacher will direct you.)
4. If you are wearing any kind of head-gear, you should raise it - or at least touch the brim - to all adults. The Wellington 'Tick' is acceptable in this context; it is not reserved only for Speech Day.
5. If you approach a doorway at the same time as adults or visitors, you should allow them through the doorway before you go through. Do not push ahead. When walking in a group, be aware of other people going in the opposite direction.
6. Open doors for adults and let them go through first.
7. It is courteous to allow women to precede men through doors (the only exception is when one is getting out of a train or a coach), and for men to open doors of cars for women or the elderly.
8. If you do not know their names, it never gives offence to adults to call men 'Sir' and women 'Ma'am'. It is perfectly acceptable to call senior people by their job titles, e.g. "Good morning, Master." "Yes, Sister."
9. Take your hands out of your pockets when talking to members of staff, other adults or College Prefects, when singing hymns or the National Anthem, walking in and out of Chapel, when prayers are being said and on similar formal occasions.
10. Listen attentively to people when they are talking to you; look interested; do not interrupt until it is your turn to speak. Speak up clearly, and look up, when you are talking. In our culture, it is considered discourteous - and probably a sign of weak character - not to look directly into the eyes of the person who is talking to you.
11. Respond promptly, in writing, whenever you receive a written invitation for a school or private function. A written note of thanks to your host or hostess is always appropriate when you have been entertained for a meal or a party. A written note to the organiser of a holiday or expedition is also an appropriate way to express your thanks.
12. The greatest courtesy of all is merely to add "Please" to all requests and say "Thank you" for all services rendered. 'I am sorry', said sincerely, helps when things have gone wrong.