5a - Professional Ethics

There seems to be a lot to consider regarding ethics in a government run school. There are various codes of practice which act as a guide to both staff and pupils.
The pupils, for example must follow the rules which are set out to them, and are in fact written in their individual contact books. These include:

The first time rule - Do what is asked of you the first time, no arguements.
Respecting everyone around you
No swearing
No racist/ homophobic/ sexually oriantated remarks
Safety precautions such as no running in the school.

For staff, I imagine the ethics which apply include:
Following instructions
Being respectful of all members of staff
No racist/ homophobic/sexually orientated remarks
Adhere to the law
Understanding and following the curriculum
Undertaking regular training and observations
Dressing suitiably
Ensuring pupils are following the rules
Abstaining from any known foul play in relation to cheating

I found the last possible ethic which is surely to be applied in my professional practice difficult to write. I have recently found myself in a situation where I have been unsure whether to follow my own ethics or the professional ethics. I was shocked and taken aback by the example featuring the starving little girl and the photogrpaher who did not help her. He followed his professional ethics, which subsequently contributed to his death, when obviously his personal ethics told him to help her. At the risk of losing ones job, it is often very difficult to know what direction to take.