Student Handbook

Welcome to Kiama Community College

Mission Statement

What happens at the beginning of my course?

How do I submit work?

How do I get my certificate?

What about my records?

Tutor Qualifications

What support services are available?

• We endeavour to make your learning as comfortable as possible. In our training rooms at Railway Parade, student facilities include complimentary tea and coffee and access to photocopying facilities.
• Students studying by distance or flexible learning are offered additional support in the form of phone contact, regular drop-in sessions, email contact and assistance with planning your assessment schedule.

What if I need extra help?

• We endeavour to provide access to courses for adults (persons over 15years of age) regardless of gender, national or ethnic background, physical or intellectual impairment, religious affiliation or age.
• We will make all efforts within our capability to provide fee concessions to those who are eligible.
• We will assist a student with any specific learning need to access an appropriate program. Some assisted learning takes place in regular College courses by enlisting the support of a “buddy”; other assisted learning takes place in specially targeted courses for people who need particular support in a learning area; other assisted learning is provided in literacy and numeracy courses.
• If you need some extra help please contact the Accredited Programs Manager.

What about assessment?

• All accredited courses at Kiama Community College involve assessment processes. Assessments serve the purpose of allowing participants to provide evidence of their skills and abilities against the competencies of the course or qualification.
• During the first lesson of your course, your tutor will advise you of the assessments required for your course.
• In keeping with the requirements of competency based training, assessments conducted by Kiama Community College demonstrate compliance with the four key assessment principles of validity, reliability, flexibility and fairness.
• Persons who conduct assessments for accredited courses and competencies in Training Packages have the appropriate assessor credentials.
• Participants who do not achieve competency at the first assessment attempt will have further reasonable opportunities to achieve competency.

Recognition of Prior Learning - RPL

is the process whereby past work or life experience may be recognised as satisfying some or all competencies of a course or qualification.
Kiama Community College will provide advice and assessment of current competencies on an individual needs basis. If you would like to apply for recognition of prior learning, please make an appointment to speak to the Accredited Programs Manager.

Mutual Recognition

Kiama Community College recognises the Qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other Registered Training Organisations in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) Essential Standards. Any student seeking recognition should contact the Accredited Programs Manager.

What if I don’t agree with my assessment results?

If you disagree with an assessment decision you should address the matter with your assessor or tutor. If the matter remains unresolved you should contact the Accredited Programs Manager who will conduct a review of the assessment process. If the Accredited Programs Manager feels you have a case for review a suitably qualified independent person will be employed to conduct another assessment. If the Accredited Programs Manager does not believe there is a case for review, you will be notified of the decision and provided with a copy of the Centre's Appeals Policy.
Students are welcome to nominate a third party to be present at all meetings with tutor and Mangers to act as their advocate.

What if I have a complaint?

• The first point of reporting any complaint or grievance is to your tutor. The tutor should attempt to resolve, in an informal manner, any complaints to do with course delivery.
• If this outcome is not achievable, or if the source of the grievance is the tutor, the student should refer the grievance to the College Manager.
• The College Manager must then investigate the grievance, document action taken in order to resolve the dispute and review the effectiveness of those actions to ensure that the grievance is effectively resolved.
• If this outcome is not achievable and a grievance or dispute still exists, the President of the Kiama Community College Management Committee and another party not previously involved in the grievance will review the case. The appellant and the President will mutually agree the independent person. This panel will provide a report in writing to the aggrieved party. This documentation is to be held as part of the College Records Management System.
• If you feel you need to report your complaint externally you may contact the National Training Complaints Hotline 1800 000 674 or VETAB on 9244 5335.

How do I give feedback?

We value your feedback on our service at any time during the process from enrollment to completion of your course. At the end of your course you will be provided with an evaluation form as an opportunity to comment on your satisfaction with the course provision. You may return the evaluation form directly to your tutor or to the College. Results will be reviewed by the course coordinator and recommendations for improvements made.
If you have any concerns or suggestions regarding your course, please do not hesitate to contact your tutor or Accredited Programs Manager.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

• Students have the right to learn in an appropriate environment that is free from any form of harassment or discrimination.
• Students have the right to expect a competent tutor who can assist them to achieve the expected course outcomes
• Students have the right to be reassessed if competency is not met in the first instance
• It is the student’s responsibility to notify the College or the manager when enrolling if support is required (eg help with literacy, transport, access to venue etc)
• Students are responsible for personal possessions during class
• It is every participant’s responsibility to respect the rights of other participants, tutors and staff while attending a Kiama Community College course. Participants whose behaviour is deemed to be unacceptable will be asked to leave. Fees will not be refunded. Such behaviour may include that which:
  • Puts others at risk
  • Is deemed to be disruptive
  • Hampers others' learning

Occupational Health & Safety

Please help to keep your College a safe place to work and study. If you see something you think is unsafe, please let us know. Notify your tutor or a staff member immediately. The first aid kit is located in the office area, on top of the black stationary cupboard.

• Participants are required to:
• wear clothing and shoes appropriate to the course and, in some cases, follow the legal requirements regarding protective clothing. Students are notified of such circumstances at enrolment.
• ensure that safety directions are followed and are asked to think about their own actions so as not to endanger the safety of others.
• listen carefully to the tutor when s/he is informing you of OH&S matters
• ensure the tutor is aware of issues relating to OH&S regulations or any practices you believes to be unsafe
• abide by OH&S rules
• ensure you are aware of the location of escape plans, emergency assembly areas and emergency fire equipment