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Safe & Supportive Environment

School Policies

Dowen College Lagos is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of our school community.

Our Commitment

Core Principles

Safety First

Protecting the wellbeing of every student and staff member

Zero Tolerance

No tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination

Clear Procedures

Transparent processes for reporting and resolution

Policy Documents

Click on any policy below to read the full details

Anti-Bullying Policy

Ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment

Scope: This policy applies to all staff, students, parents, volunteers and anyone working for the school. Its goal is to ensure a safe, caring environment where bullying is not tolerated and incidents are addressed promptly.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is the repeated use of strength or power to hurt, threaten or demean someone physically or emotionally. It is intentional, persistent and often covert.

Physical

Hitting, kicking, pushing, taking belongings

Verbal

Name-calling, mocking, offensive comments

Emotional

Isolation, spreading rumours

Cyber

Harmful online messages or images

Warning Signs

Academic decline or poor concentration
Anxiety, illness complaints, reluctance to attend school
Damaged belongings, missing money, or unexplained injuries

Support & Response

Students can report concerns to tutors, teachers, counsellors, hostel parents or prefects. All reports are taken seriously, investigated and recorded.

Sanctions may include counselling, monitoring, behaviour agreements, suspension or expulsion. Parents are involved where incidents are serious or persistent.

Last Review: Reviewed every three years. Approved by the Board of Governors and signed by the Principal on 30 August 2021.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Zero tolerance for harassment and inappropriate conduct

Policy Statement: Dowen College Lagos strictly opposes all forms of sexual harassment. This policy applies to staff, students, contractors, vendors, volunteers and parents.

Definition

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours or other conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with work, learning or creates a hostile environment.

Prohibited Conduct

Unwanted touching or physical contact
Sexual comments, propositions or messages
Sexual images, videos or written materials
Pressure for sexual activity or favours

Any romantic or sexual relationship between staff and students is strictly forbidden.

Reporting & Investigation

Complaints may be made verbally or in writing to senior staff. Investigations are confidential and conducted with legal guidance.

Disciplinary Action

Violations may result in reprimand, suspension, termination, expulsion or other corrective measures. Retaliation and false accusations are prohibited.

Last Review: Reviewed periodically in line with legal requirements. Signed by the Principal/Head of School on 30 August 2021.

Health and First Aid Policy

Comprehensive health management and first aid procedures

Scope: This policy applies to all students, staff, governors, volunteers, parents/guardians, and anyone working on behalf of the school. It aims to provide effective first aid and health management on and off school premises.

Parent Responsibilities

Inform the school of any medical conditions
Submit a recent medical certificate at admission
Provide needed medication, check expiry dates, and complete drug administration forms
Keep children at home when they are unwell

Staff Responsibilities

Staff have access to guidelines on recognizing students with specific medical conditions. The school doctor and Director of Finance and Administration share relevant health plans and risk assessments with homeroom tutors. New staff are briefed on chronic illness protocols during induction.

School Doctor Responsibilities

Available to parents for ongoing concerns
Liaise with students, parents, staff, and health professionals
Keep updated records on students with medical needs
Arrange first aid and hospital transport if needed
Inform parents when students are treated
Manage the sick bay with school nurses

School Trips and Visits

Staff obtain medical information for all participants before trips. Prescribed medications must accompany the student, and staff must know the name, dosage, and frequency. The school doctor supports risk assessments and provides medical details for trip leaders.

Last Review: Policy reviewed one year after development, then every three years. Signed by the Principal/Head of School on 30 August 2021.

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Protecting and promoting the welfare of every child

Policy Scope: Applies to all staff, management, governors, volunteers, students, and parents/guardians. Aims to protect children receiving the school's services and guide staff/volunteers in safeguarding.

Core Principles

The child's welfare is paramount (Child's Rights Law 2007)
All children have equal right to protection regardless of background
Partnership with children, parents, carers, and agencies is emphasized

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Acts of violence including hitting, kicking, burning, choking, or use of weapons, even if claimed as discipline.

Sexual Abuse

Contact (touching, fondling, penetrative acts) and non-contact (exposure to pornography, sexual imagery, exhibitionism).

Emotional Abuse

Isolation, degradation, constant criticism, or exposure to domestic violence.

Neglect

Physical (food, clothing, shelter), emotional (love, attention), medical, educational, or neglectful supervision.

Child Protection Representative

Ms. Yinka-Babalola (school counsellor) is the designated Child Protection Representative.

Responsibilities include ensuring policy implementation, acting as first contact for child protection issues, keeping records, alerting authorities, and leading the Child Safety Committee.

Handling Suspected Abuse

Suspicions of abuse must be reported to senior management, who must report to police or DSVRT (*6820#). Once authorities are notified, they lead the investigation; the school's role is to supply information and support the child.

It is a criminal offence for staff (in a position of trust) to have a sexual relationship with any student under 18, even if above the age of consent.

Legal Framework: Based on UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1999), Child's Rights Act (2003), Lagos State Child's Rights Law (2007), and other national/international instruments.

Last Review: Signed by the Principal Mrs. Adebisi Layiwola on 30 August 2021.

Fees Policy

Payment procedures, discounts, and withdrawal terms

Policy Statement: This policy applies to all parents and aims for a clear, consistent fee payment process.

Fee Payment Timing

All fees are due by the first day of each term.

Payments must go to the designated school account on the invoice.

Accepted Payment Methods

Bank Transfers
Bank Drafts
Cheques
Debit Cards/POS
Cash (Rare Cases)

Available Discounts

10%
Annual Payment Discount

10% discount on tuition for one full annual payment

10%
Sibling Discount

10% discount on tuition for 2nd and subsequent biological children attending simultaneously

Scholarship Program

Annual Tuition Scholarships for High Performers:

  • • Minimum 90% per term (Junior or Senior School)
  • • Must be maintained for three consecutive terms
  • • Students revert to full fees if condition not met

Late Payment and Default

Consequences of Late Payment:

  • • Students may be asked to stay home if fees unpaid two weeks after resumption
  • • 10% default charge per month on outstanding amounts
  • • Legal action may be taken for high debt
  • • Parents must pay all reasonable recovery costs

Withdrawal Policy

Important: A full term's notice is required before withdrawal. If not given, one term's fees must be paid to obtain clearance and other documents.

Boarders

Boarders must show proof of full payment before being allowed into the hostel.

Important Notes: Fees are non-negotiable and non-refundable. The school may waive part of fees only for prolonged illness or exceptional cases with written notification.

Last Review: Approved by the Board of Governors and signed by the Principal on 30 August 2021.

Homework Policy

Guidelines for assignments, study time, and responsibilities

Purpose: Homework extends learning beyond the classroom, helping students develop independent thought, self-discipline, and good study habits.

Time Expectations

Junior Secondary

1.5 hours daily + 2-3 hours weekends

Minimum 3 subjects on weekdays

Senior Students

2-2.5 hours daily + 3-4 hours weekends

3-4 subjects on weekdays

Student Responsibilities

Record assignments daily in homework diary
Get teachers' and parents' signatures (especially juniors)
Complete work to a high, legible standard
Carry homework diary at all times

Guiding Principles

Clear and well-explained tasks
Regular small tasks preferred
Set after proper teaching
Marked promptly with feedback

Important: Poor work may need to be redone or completed in detention. Forgetting and basic technical excuses are not accepted. Students should print before class and keep backup copies.

Last Review: Signed by the Principal Mrs. Adebisi Layiwola on 30 August 2021.

Admissions Policy

Entry requirements, examination procedures, and scholarships

School Profile: Dowen College Lagos is a co-educational Christian-ethos secondary school in Lekki admitting students mainly into Year 7/JSS1.

Eligibility & Registration

Main Entry: Year 7/JSS1

Candidates must be at least 10 years old in the year of admission

Admission forms and prospectuses are available at the school and online after payment.

Entrance Examinations

School advertises annually and sets three entrance exam dates (February, March, April).

Year 7/JSS1 Exams
  • • English Language
  • • Mathematics
  • • Non-verbal Reasoning
Transfer Students
  • • English & Mathematics
  • • Science (junior classes)
  • • Three core subjects (senior)

Results are sent to parents within a week. Successful candidates are invited for interviews.

Required Documents

Recent medical report
Two passport photographs
Photocopy of birth certificate
Last term's school report

Scholarship Opportunities

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Tuition-free for students scoring 90%+ in entrance exam

Renewable if 90%+ average maintained across Christmas, Easter, and Summer terms

Cathedral Choir Scholarship

For Christ Church Cathedral (Lagos) Choir members only

Two full scholarships per year • Must maintain 80%+ throughout

Diocesan Scholarships

For Diocese of Lagos, Lagos Mainland, and Lagos West members

Two full scholarships per year • Must maintain 90%+ throughout

Confirmation of Acceptance

Successful Year 7 candidates confirm places by paying a non-refundable deposit (bank draft) before full payment. Transfer students must pay full fees before joining. Deferrals require written request and continued payment of the deposit.

Important: Admissions into Year 12/SS3 are generally not allowed except in special cases approved by the Principal. School may refuse admission even if a child passes, based on the child's best interests.

Last Review: Signed by the Principal/Head of School on 30 August 2021.

Code of Conduct

Student behavior expectations and uniform requirements

Disciplinary Framework: The Dowen College Code of Conduct outlines expected standards of behavior, uniform requirements, and consequences for violations.

Core Commandments

1 Be punctual to school (7:30-7:35 AM arrival)
2 No loitering or disturbances
3 Wear correct school uniform
4 No stealing
5 No bullying or fighting
6 Respect school property
7 No examination malpractice
8 No contraband (electronics, phones, toys, pets)
9 No money (voucher system only)
10 No outside food (except with doctor's note)
11 No acts of indecency

Grooming Standards

Girls
  • • No nail polish
  • • 'Shuku' (middle/back) without front curve
  • • Corn rows (8+ lines, no zig-zag)
  • • No attachments or gel
  • • No dangling earrings
  • • Skirts must be below the knee
Boys
  • • Low haircuts (max ¼ inch)
  • • No facial hair grooming
  • • No weird haircuts
  • • Black belt must be worn
General Requirements
  • • Short, well-trimmed fingernails
  • • Only plastic or leather-strap wristwatches
  • • No extra jewelry or makeup
  • • Black leather lace-up shoes (not patent/suede)

Disciplinary Sanctions

Consequences for violations may include:

Working detention • Suspension • Working suspension • Yard work • Expulsion • Or any other punishment deemed fit by the Disciplinary Committee/Management

Note: No religious attire is allowed. Hairstyles should not make a fashion statement. The school reserves the right to determine appropriate conduct and appearance.

Questions About Our Policies?

If you have any questions or concerns about our school policies, please don't hesitate to contact our administration office.