Every learner reaching their God-given potential
Primary and Secondary Section
Introduction
Company Objects & Values
College Map
College Values
Assemblies & Chapel Services
Attendance Requirements
Anti-Bullying - Harassment - Discrimination
Bell Times
Bike Safety
Child Safety
Code of Conduct
Careers
Chewing Gum
Communications
Complaints & Grievances
Digital Citizenship
Educational & Support Services
Excursions & Camps
Homework
House System
Library
Lockers
Lunch
Medical Information
Personal Devices - Mobile Phones - USBs
Parent Lounge & Student Café
Property
Reporting
SPARSH Academy
Student Employment (Resumes)
Student Engagement
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Student
Student
Senior Secondary Information
Assessment & Reporting
Attendance - Senior Secondary
Change VCE Unit Enrolment
Child Safety Code of Conduct for Adult-Aged Students
Common Rooms
Computer Usage
Investigation of breaches of School-based Assessment rules
Private Study
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Senior Student Privileges
Students Driving Vehicles & Potential Passengers
Structured Workplace Learning &/or Unsupervised
Activities
VCE & VCE VM (Vocational Major)
Key Staff
Mrs Bianca Francica Head of Primary
Mr Ken Nuridin Principal
Mr Scott McKenzie Head of Secondary
Mrs Julie Gall Director of Teaching and Learning
Mrs Karen Farquhar Child Safety Officer and Careers
Mrs Kaylene Templar VCE /VET Coordinator
Mr David Neumann VCE Vocational Major (VM) Coordinator
Introduction
Ballarat Christian College is a Co-Educational College in the Evangelical Protestant tradition, catering for students from Foundation (Prep) to Year 12. Ballarat Christian College provides education for children in a safe and nurturing Christian environment, where Christian values and teachings are lived out daily in the positive experiences and relationships which develop at the College.
Ballarat Christian College provides a varied curriculum where all students are encouraged and guided to fulfil their God-given potential. The College caters for the special needs of students in all areas of the curriculum, including gifted and talented students.
The Primary section of the College covers Foundation (Prep) to Year 6 and prepares students for the commencement of their secondary education in Year 7.
The Secondary section of the College continues to provide further specialised support for young adolescent students. The Year 7 and 8 curriculums, present students with a range of core subjects, along with rotation subjects which run for one semester. Students in Years 9 and 10 are presented with a range of core subjects, whilst also being given the opportunity to select from a variety of elective subjects.
Students in Year 9 will participate in the Micah 6:8 program. During this program students contribute to different activities that allow them to serve others, develop new skills, grow in confidence and resilience, and participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
Year 10 students can undertake one VCE subject, rather than an elective, through a career’s pathway planning process.
The College offers VCE, VCE Vocational Major (VM), internal VET (hosted by the College) and external VET options through the local Highlands LLEN VET Cluster in the senior years.1
Ballarat Christian College classroom structures are as follows:
• Foundation class (Prep)
• Lower Primary (Year 1 and 2 students)
• Middle Primary (Year 3 and 4 students)
• Upper Primary (Year 5 and 6 students)
• Lower Secondary (Year 7 to 9 students)
• Senior Secondary (Year 10 to 12 students)
Composite classes and/or split groupings are of mixed ability and skill levels which is found to be educationally and socially advantageous
Further details regarding educational and vocational pathways in Secondary education and beyond can be found in the Secondary School Pathways Handbook
OUR VISION
Every learner reaching their God-given potential.
OUR PURPOSE
To provide each student Christian education that gives opportunities to develop gifts and talents to fulfil the will of God in his or her life.
Company Objects
In recognition that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, the objects of the company are to advance the Kingdom of God, strengthen the Church of Jesus Christ and promulgate the knowledge of God that is revealed in the Holy Bible and that is in accord with the Statement of Faith, and in furtherance of these objects:
• to contribute to the educational facilities of Australia by establishing, maintaining and supporting, in such places that may be thought suitable pre-school, primary, secondary, tertiary and other educational institutions and methods of the highest standards;
• to provide an education of high academic and vocational standards that is based on: i. an acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and ii. an acceptance of the Bible as the revealed Word of God, iii. as these are defined in the Statement of Faith.
• to provide an education that also:
i. fosters self-discipline in staff and students while teaching them to accept the authority of the Christian community which is the whole Body of Christ, to honour and obey their parents and the laws of the governments of Australia
ii. caters for the individual needs of all staff and students while stressing their responsibility to contribute positively to others as part of a Christian community.
iii. nurtures staff and students in the moral and ethical standards of the Bible, encourages them to develop a Biblical world view and to make life choices consistent with a formative Christian faith, while appreciating the rights of others to hold different views.
iv. develops the creative and critical abilities of staff and students
v. fosters the development of the gifts, skills and abilities of staff and students for the service of Jesus Christ in the Body of Christ and the wider community
• to provide Christian religious activities, worship, and teaching in accordance with these Objects, the Principles and the Statement of Faith.
Values
Our Objects, Vision and Purpose is supported by the College’s Values namely;
Respect - Romans 12:10
Compassion - James 3:17
Honesty - 2 Corinthians 8:21
Commitment - Colossians 3:23
Unity - 1 Corinthians 1:10
Excellence - Philippians 4:8
Our College Values are underpinned by reference to biblical principles as derived from the Bible.
For more information on the Vision, Purpose, Objects, and Values Click Here
College Map
Assemblies & Chapel Services
Chapel services and Assemblies are generally held in the Kerry Hutton Centre (KHC) on a regular basis. Chapel consists of praise and worship along with a Bible-based message delivered by either the College Chaplain, students, staff, and/or guest speakers. Assemblies cater for student announcements, special presentations, including but not limited to student awards. Parents are welcome to attend assembly and chapels, seats are provided for parents in the first instance.
Attendance Requirements
• Students are required to attend all classes unless valid reasons exist (e.g., illness; bereavement) to preclude this.
• Students are required to attend a minimum of 95% of school days when the College is open.
• Students with special needs or circumstances, as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the Principal, and with supporting written evidence, may be granted exemptions from the 95% expectation. This will be negotiated through the Heads of Primary and/ or Secondary, in consultation with the Registrar and the Principal, as necessary.
• Ongoing student tardiness or truancy either in part or whole days, will be treated as a discipline issue within the College’s Student Engagement Policy.
Exceptions to this Policy include:
• Family holidays (apart from Year 12), where it is impossible or impractical for families to take holidays during school vacations.
• Bereavement and funerals.
• Legitimate appointments and College sanctioned activities (variations to routine events) e.g., Structured Workplace Learning, camps, excursions, school sport, Eisteddfod performances and other activities deemed by the Principal to be suitable - for all such exceptions a written excuse and/or other written evidence must be produced, to the satisfaction of the Registrar.
• Illnesses supported by a medical certificate (a medical certificate must be provided where the absence exceeds two consecutive days).
Senior Students who are absent for School Assessed Coursework (SACs) must provide a Medical Certificate or Statutory Declaration.
All Students are expected to take initiative and promptly catch up on any work missed when absent or late.
The College is legally required to monitor student attendance. Ongoing student tardiness or truancy either in part or whole days, will be treated as a behaviour/ health and wellbeing issue. The College’s Attendance Policy and Student Engagement Policy will be followed in these instances.
School Drop Off/Pick Up
Primary Students
All Primary students, unless walking to and from the College, bus travellers, or those with siblings in Secondary, are to be dropped off and collected from the Vickers Street carpark. At drop off/pick up, Primary parents can use the pedestrian access along the wooden fence if they prefer to park and walk their children to and from the college. Parents/carers will have the ‘drive and drop’ system in the mornings in the Vickers Street carpark. Parents/carers are not to park and/or stop and leave their car in the driveway.
At pick up, Parents/carers will abide by the following for those students being picked up in the after school ‘drive through’.
Vickers Street Carpark Pick up times
• 3:15pm: Upper Primary and their Primary siblings
• 3:20pm: All other students in Primary & Secondary
Secondary Students
Secondary students, unless walking to and from the College, bus travellers, or those with Primary siblings, are to be dropped off, and collected from the Warreen Street roundabout.
Absent from College
If a student is unable to attend school on any day, parents/ carers are required to enter the absence using the Parent Orbit App (or log in to Parent Lounge on a computer) by 10:00am if for some reason you are unable to use this method you may email bcc@balcc.vic.edu.au OR send an SMS to the absence line on 0416 905 324.
Information required:
Student Christian name and surname
Reason for absence
Parent / Carer name
If there has been no communication by 10:00am, College Administration staff will commence making contact.
A written explanation from a parent/carer is required to be given to your homeroom teacher on the day of your return to the College if this was not provided on the day of absence. An absence of two or more consecutive days requires a doctor’s certificate with the written explanation. A courtesy written explanation from parents/carers is also required where a short-term illness extends to three or more consecutive days.
Holidays During School Terms
If your family plans a holiday during school terms, please provide written or SMS notification at least two weeks prior to the last day of attendance. Students should discuss work arrangements with their Homeroom/subject teachers prior to departure date. It is strongly encouraged that students regularly access Student Cafe to send and receive work their work. Planned absences during testing and exam weeks are strongly discouraged and in cases where this is unavoidable a catch-up time will usually be allocated to allow absent students to complete work missed during testing and exam weeks.
Late Arrivals & Departures
It is expected that students will not arrive at school prior 8:25am the commencement of the school day and are expected to arrive by 8:45am. Students who arrive after the bell at 8:50am, should enter the College via the Administration Office and obtain a Late Slip. Students are to give this slip to their homeroom/classroom teacher upon arrival to their class.
Students arriving after 9:00am are to be signed in at the Admin Office by a Parent/Carer or a listed Emergency Contact. Please note that all students leaving the College at any time throughout the day for various legitimate reasons (excluding those with Senior School Privileges) are to be signed in or out by a Parent/Carer or a listed Emergency Contact.
Students not collected by 3:35pm are to go to the Administration Office (primary students will be walked by a teacher). All parents/carers collecting their children from the Administration office will need to sign them out prior to taking their children.
The College can provide parents/carers with information about an Outside School Hours Care program which runs each afternoon. Details of this program can be found on our website under College Life.
Leaving the College During the Day
Students are required to stay on College grounds from arrival until the end of the College day. All students are required to be signed in or out via the Administration Office if required to leave/return from appointments, etc. Parents/carers are to advise the College and classroom teachers in advance that this is occurring.
Term dates, and Administration office closure dates, will be published at the end of the preceding year in the Principal’s final letter.
For Term Dates and other events
Parent Lounge
+ Anti-Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination
Ballarat Christian College has a zero tolerance to bullying behaviour in our school. Staff work with students and parents/carers to quickly resolve any instances of bullying. The victim will be supported throughout this process and parents/carers kept informed. If a bully is not receptive to the College’s policy and protocols enacted through its expectations and requirements, the bully may face disciplinary actions including, but not limited to, the termination of enrolment. The purpose of the College’s intervention is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students and staff.
Bullying is when someone, or a group of people, deliberately upset or hurt another person or damage their property, reputation, or social acceptance on more than one occasion. There is an imbalance of power in incidents of bullying with the bully or bullies having more power at the time due to age, size, status, or other reasons. Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social, or psychological aggressive behaviour by a person or group directed towards a less powerful person or group that is intended to cause harm, distress, or fear.
Harassment is unwanted and intrusive behaviour, that may include a sexual, racial, or physical element.
Discrimination is prejudicial treatment of people, particularly in relation to race, age, disability, sex, sexual or gender diversity.
Procedures for Addressing students involved in Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment
A student who feels they are a victim of harassment, bullying or discrimination and/or a parent/carer who became aware that their child may be a victim are to report the incident or concern to the Homeroom teacher as soon as practicable. Staff will then carry out any necessary disciplinary and reconciliation measures. Some instances will immediately be referred to the Head of School and/ or the Principal. Any students found offending will be managed under the College’s Student Engagement Policy and parents informed accordingly. Continuation of such behaviour will result in the case being referred to the Principal for consideration of termination of enrolment of the offender from the College.
In the case of incidents of bullying occurring outside school hours and/or away from College premises, the College will take reasonable action within the limits of its capacity to do so.
Ballarat Christian College guidelines are consistent with the Department of Education. Click the link for further information.
Bell Times
Recorded music will precede the bells before school, end of recess and end of lunch. Students should move to class at the commencing of the music playing, as CLASS BEGINS WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS AND THE BELL SOUNDS (this occurs at 8:50am, 11:50am, and 1:50pm).
It is expected that students will not arrive at school prior to the commencement of the school day at 8:25am. Students are expected to arrive by 8:45am to be ready for their 8:50am Homeroom.
8:45am Music Starts 8:50am Homeroom Group 9:05am Period 1 9:50am Period 2 10:35am Period 3
11:20am Lunch 1 11:50am Period 4
12:35pm Period 5
1:20pm Lunch 2
1:45pm Music Starts 1:50pm Period 6
2:35pm Period 7
Dismissal Begins
3:15pm Upper Primary and their Primary siblings
3:20pm All other students in Primary & Secondary
Bike Safety
The law requires that anyone who travels by bicycle must wear an approved helmet, obey all road rules and use common sense at all times. During the day, bikes can be stored and secured in the bike racks provided. It is the responsibility of each student who rides a bike to the College to provide a secure lock for their bike. For safety reasons, bikes are not to be ridden in or on College grounds. Students are to walk their bikes until away from any pathways and driveways surrounding the College. Students riding on other footpaths must do so with great care and consideration of pedestrians and cars, particularly on the pedestrian crossings.
Bully Stoppers
Child Safety
Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Christian College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Wherever it is at risk, child safety will be the primary focus of our care and decision making. Ballarat Christian College has zero tolerance for child abuse and neglect.
Rationale
All students are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and are, therefore, valued by God. Thus, they should be valued highly by staff, their peers, visitors to the school and family members. All children, regardless of their gender, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, sexual orientation, family or social background, have equal rights to protection from abuse. The College is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and best interests of children, actively working to empower them and allowing them to feel safe and to be safe at all times.
Types of Abuse
• Cultural
• Physical
• Cumulative harm
• Psychological
• Emotional
• Racial
• Family Violence
Feeling Unsafe
• Religious
• Grooming
• Sexual
• Multi-dimensional
• Any other forms of abuse
• Neglect
Any concerns should be reported to a staff member immediately, which will be addressed by the homeroom teacher, Head of School, or Child Safety Officer.
Report your concern to an appropriate staff member immediately.
Who Can I Talk To?
If you are worried about child abuse, for you or someone you know, there are people you can talk to about this. It’s a good idea to talk to an adult you trust about any concerns you have. For example:
• A parent or relative.
• A teacher or someone who works at school.
If you see harm occurring, you can help the student by:
• Telling a teacher, volunteer, Head of School or Principal straight away about what was seen.
• Writing down what you saw and giving the information to a teacher, Head of School or Principal straight away.
What Other Contacts Are Available?
Kids Helpline Phone Counselling Service 1800 55 1800 or call the Police on 000 if you have immediate concerns for a child’s safety. All children have a right to feel safe and to be safe.
Recognise my body signs
Hair stands on end
Starting to Cry Goosebumps
Sweaty palms
Butterflies in my tummy
Feeling Sweaty
Fast heart beat Shaky
Needing to go to the toilet
Wobbly legs
If I feel my early warning signs, I can tell a trusted adult on my network or call the kidhelpline on 1800 55 1800
If I’m not feeling safe…
Mrs Maskell Student Wellbeing
Mr Nuridin Principal
Mr Croton Student Wellbeing
Mr Shaw Student Wellbeing
I can go to
Mrs Francica Head of Primary
Mr McKenzie Head of Secondary
Mrs Farquhar Child Safety Officer
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Code of Conduct
Rationale
A school community that upholds the values and ethos of the Christian faith is essential to the effective functioning of Ballarat Christian College. Our College adheres to the beliefs, values and expectations that align with the principles of educational excellence and supportive community. Appropriate conduct by all school community members is paramount to our College achieving this goal. The purpose of this policy is to clearly identify and outline the responsibilities and expectations of all members of the College community in the way that we interact and communicate with each other.
Responsibilities
All members of the College community are to:
• Conduct themselves in a respectful manner, responsibly and civilly, respecting the rights of others and promoting a climate of mutual cooperation and respect, in compliance with the law.
• Communicate and interact with others in a manner that reflects the College values of excellence, respect, unity, compassion, commitment and honesty.
• Comply with the Student Code of Conduct with respect to any College-related interactions and communication.
School Leadership is responsible to:
• Lead the implementation of this Policy.
• Model exemplary conduct by demonstrating the values upheld by the College.
• Communicate high expectations for the way in which staff, students and College community members and school visitors conduct themselves.
• Provide a safe, secure and supportive learning environment for all.
• Advise parents/carers and all other members of the College community of the appropriate process for lodging a concern.
• Request any person who may act in an offensive or unorderly way to leave the school premises and direct them to cooperate with the request.
• Call in further authorities should the person be noncomplaint e.g. call Police.
College teachers and staff are expected to:
• Model best practice and behaviour in all contexts as a member of the College staff.
• Work in cooperation with staff and parents/carers to maintain good partnership with regards to supporting, encouraging and enhancing excellent behaviours and learning outcomes, along with the general wellbeing of every student.
• Keep clear and open communication links between school and home with regard to high learning expectations and behaviours for all students.
• Report all incidents which may concern the wellbeing of students and their safety.
Parents/Caregivers are expected to:
• Support College staff in maintaining a safe, secure and respectful teaching and learning environment for the wellbeing of all.
• Work in partnership with the College to support positive behaviours and learning outcomes for their child/children.
• Contribute positively to the academic and behavioural learning outcomes of their student/s.
• Act supportively and appropriately when on the College premises and/or attending other Collegerelated events.
• Be aware that threatening behaviour and harassment toward staff, students or other members of the College community is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• Respect and comply with reasonable directions and requests from staff of the College.
• Comply with all pedestrian and transport rules with regard to cars on the College premises and parking and pick-up areas.
• Direct any concerns with regard to staff or student conduct to the Head of School.
• Inform class teachers (in written format) of any late student arrival of their child/children by the parent or person other than the parent. A written note must be provided by the parent/carer if someone other than them or their emergency contact is to pick up their children after school.
Student Code of Conduct (Including Child Safety Code of Conduct)
Students of the College formally undertake to support the ethos of Ballarat Christian College as a requirement of their presence within the College environment (both onside and offsite) and are expected to demonstrate their support for the Vision, Purpose, Objects & Values, Child Safety Undertaking and Statement of Faith and Core Values, along with the Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy of the College.
The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct (Including Child Safety Code of Conduct) therefore is to provide students at Ballarat Christian College with a set of ethical principles guiding the standards of conduct that they are expected to uphold; including, but not limited to, the promotion of Child Safety and the College Values –Respect, Commitment, Compassion, Honesty, Unity and Excellence.
Students sign the Student Code of Conduct (Including Child Safety Code of Conduct) when enrolling and annually.
The Student Code of Conduct (Including Child Safety Code of Conduct) is located on Student Café; School Links – Handbooks & Policies – Student Code of Conduct.
Students are encouraged to show the fruits of the Spirit at all times (Galatians 5:22-23). The following is designed to assist students to maintain this display. It is based on the fruits of the Spirit and other principles of God’s word – The Bible.
Students are:
1. To uphold the College Values and at all times demonstrate a respect for the Christian ethos of the College.
2. Encouraged to participate in and contribute to the broader life of the College.
3. Expected to represent the College and its high standards of behavior and dress at all times, including travel to and from the College and when in uniform in public places.
4. Expected to wear their uniform consistent with the Uniform & Student Appearance Policy.
5. Encouraged to understand that their behaviour at all times impacts the reputation of the College and the Ballarat Christian College community. Behaviours that adversely affect the wellbeing of the community will be investigated and dealt with according to the Student Engagement Policy.
6. To be reminded that standards of honesty, courtesy, modesty, and moral purity in word, action & language are to be maintained at all times.
7. Expected to remain on the College grounds at all times unless prior permission has been obtained from an Executive Leadership Team member.
8. Required to sign out of the College at the Administration Office when leaving before 3:20pm.
9. Expected to respect the property of the College and every member of the College. All breakages and damage must be reported to a College staff member, or a member of the Executive Leadership Team, immediately by the person responsible.
10. Students should not bring extraneous items from home unless specifically requested by teachers.
11. To behave in a responsible and cooperative manner, enabling all members of the College community to feel safe and respected.
12. To respect the right of every individual to learn.
13. To complete all work set by teachers efficiently, within set timeframes to the best of their own ability, whilst taking advantage of all educational opportunities within the College.
14. To be fully supportive of all College activities and participate as much as possible.
15. To be punctual to all College activities and all lessons, including homeroom in order to assist to maintain an acceptable class attendance level.
16. To not possess or smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes, possess or use, or be under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs or other substances harmful to health, whether at the College, on College excursions, in transit between school and home, or otherwise while wearing the College uniform.
17. Required to read and adhere to the Individual Device Program Agreement and Student Engagement Policy.
18. Expected to refrain from any form of touching, handling, pushing or otherwise physically engaging with students or others in a manner which is not appropriate.
19. Expected to refrain from any form of cyberbullying and/or inappropriate cyber device use.
20. Not to create, accept, possess or transmit inappropriate, offensive or explicit text messages, photos, videos, or anything else that might be seen as pornography.
21. Encouraged to refrain from the use of inappropriate words, gestures or images.
22. Endeavour to model the College Values of Respect, Commitment, Compassion, Honesty, Unity, and Excellence.
Potential breaches will be addressed according to the Student Engagement Policy under direction of the Head of School or in the cases that are extreme in nature at the discretion of the Principal.
Students with a concern should speak directly to their classroom teacher while in the classroom setting, or to the Yard Duty Teacher whilst outside during recess, lunchtime, before or after school. Students should also speak to their parents/carers should the issue remain unresolved. The parents/carers may refer this to the relevant teacher or Head of School.
The Student Code of Conduct is reviewed each year and further adjustments may be included.
follow instructions
let others listen and learn
look at the person and listen when they are speaking share
Inside we...
uphold the College values: Compassion, Respect, Unity, Commitment, Honesty and Excellence.
do our best and be thorough encourage others
speak and play kindly
respect other people and their property
follow class rules
line up quietly and be on time to class
wear our uniform correctly are organised
follow instructions
take turns
look at the person and listen when they are speaking share
uphold the College values: Compassion, Respect, Unity, Commitment, Honesty and Excellence.
Outside we...
use our hands to help and be kind include others and be friendly
respect other people and their property
follow playground rules
line up quietly and be on time to class
wear our uniform correctly stay in the appropriate play area
speak and play kindly
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23
Careers
Careers at Ballarat Christian College is part of the Years 7 to 10 curriculum, where they are given opportunities to complete Career Action Plans, which assist to inform career pathways post schooling. All Secondary Students have access to the College Careers website, which can be accessed via the College Careers section of the website, along with additional resources.
Chewing Gum
Students are not to bring chewing gum to school. Chewing in class is viewed as socially unacceptable. The careless disposal of chewing gum often creates cleaning issues and can degrade the look of College facilities.
Communications
Ballarat Christian College staff value the establishment and maintenance of right and proper relationships with parents/carers.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states that “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” In terms of education, we believe that the three strands are the relationships between parents/ carers, students and teachers. If all three parties can work together for positive outcomes for the child, there is a greater chance of educative success for the child.
The main point of contact in the first instance is ALWAYS your child’s Homeroom teacher.
The Homeroom teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of your child and is willing to act upon any questions, enquiries, concerns, or suggestions you may have.
The fastest way to contact teachers is to utilise the College email system which uses the following arrangement for email addresses:
The staff member’s first name initial (no dot between) then their surname then @balcc.vic.edu.au Example: smckenzie@balcc.vic.edu.au
Parents/carers are always welcome and invited to make an appointment to discuss any issues with teachers. Please email teachers through Parent Lounge to arrange an appointment. Parents/carers are not to initiate impromptu ‘doorstep’ discussions/meetings with College staff. Only if the issue cannot be resolved should the Head of School should be contacted.
Complaints & Grievances
Ballarat Christian College is committed to building a strong Christian focused community, ensuring a harmonious, fair, just, working and learning environment (Matthew 18:15-17)
Staff, students, parents and community will have access to processes that allow for grievances to be resolved. All grievances will be dealt with in a supportive environment without victimisation or intimidation of anyone connected with the grievance either during or subsequent to a grievance resolution procedure.
Informal Process
As a first step, informal and private attempts at resolution or reconciliation should be undertaken between the parties concerned in accordance with Matthew 5:24, “… first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
Formal Process
Once a formal process is commenced, mediation is an available option at any stage of the process. This will be facilitated by the College and conducted by a person mutually agreed upon by the parties to the dispute.
For student grievances, complainants may refer grievances to a teacher in the first instance. If the complainant prefers, their grievance may be submitted in writing to the teacher. Upon receipt of the grievance, the teacher will assess the situation and organise to meet with the complainant and/or other parties involved, to resolve the situation as quickly as possible in an informal manner.
The complainant may request that a support person of their choosing accompanies them to any meeting regarding their grievance. The teacher may determine if other members of the College community need to be consulted, such as parents, Chaplain, Counsellor or other independent experts. Mediation may need to be facilitated in some cases as a result of this consultation. At the conclusion of the grievance resolution process, both parties in the dispute will be asked if the matter has been satisfactorily resolved. If not, the complainant may refer the matter to Executive staff and/or the Principal for further discussion/resolution.
For the full policy: Grievance Resolution Policy
Digital Citizenship
Individual Device Program (IDP)
Get main part and refer to policy on website (make sure its there) highlight that the IDP is the property of the college (no defacing etc.) Parent Agreement and insurance highlighted here.
There is an extensive computer network throughout the College. Students have access to individual devices and a range of open source and licensed software as well as a diverse range of hardware including cameras, scanners and printers, depending on their year level.
Ballarat Christian College seeks to provide appropriate and adequate technology to support instructional purposes and uses instructional technology as one way of enhancing our mission to teach the skills, knowledge, Christian values and behaviours students will need as responsible Christian citizens in the global community. Students learn collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking in a variety of ways throughout the school day. In an effort to increase development and utilisation of these 21st century skills, Ballarat Christian College provides individual devices to be utilised in a way which affords appropriately controlled access online through a modern and flexible individual device, software and secure access to the Internet.
An important component of the IDP is the education around appropriate online behaviours. We review cybersafety rules with students frequently throughout the course of each school year and provide reminders and reinforcement about safe online behaviours. In addition to the rules and protocols outlined in these documents, students will be expected to comply with all relevant class and College rules and values while using provided devices; whether using the device at the College or elsewhere. For a student to use a College provided device they, and their parent / carer are required to agree to and sign the IDP Agreement annually.
A fundamental element of the IDP is that different models will be required to be used by students; one model for Primary students, one for Years 7 - 9, and another more powerful machine for Years 10 - 12. As all students in a class will have the same equipment, the standardisation of software, insurance & warranty coverage, programs & applications, etc. is more efficient. Hardware and associated features will be selected so as to be operative for three years. Students from Years 7 – 12 will be able to take the devices home. Devices must be charged at home each evening.
In order to make the program cost-efficient and affordable for parents, a high degree of flexibility has been undertaken in sourcing the hardware. It has been decided that an arrangement whereby the College owns and provides the devices and charges a levy which contributes to the overall cost of the program, is the most viable method for parents.
Payment Agreement
An IDP levy will be charged each term towards the cost of this program. At the conclusion of a device’s three-year cycle, the device will be re-imaged to its original factory settings and taken off the school network. A reimaged device may then be offered to parents for purchase. If parents do not wish to take up this option, the device remains the property of the College.
Software which placed on devices by the College is licensed to the College and can only be installed on devices owned or controlled by the College.
Acceptable Computer Usage
Students must use computers / IDPs in an appropriate manner, in line with College values, rules and policies and as per the IDP Agreement. Accessing/creating/ distributing inappropriate, offensive, or abusive material will not be tolerated.
The installation of unauthorised programs is not allowed. Email, internet and general computer use are monitored. Inappropriate use will result in a loss of access privileges, invoice for costs and or implementation of the College Student Engagement Policy.
When students are permitted to use a computer to produce work it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that there is an alternative system available for use in case of computer or printer malfunction or unavailability. Computer malfunction will not be accepted as an excuse for late or non-submission of work.
Hard copies of work in progress must be produced regularly to meet authentication requirements and produced when required by the subject teacher. Each time changes are made to work the student concerned should save the work onto a back-up file. The back-up file should not be stored with the computer.
Students printing to a network printer from any site will be under the provisions of the College computer policy. All printing should be from files stored on the student’s folder on the server and any memory device used by a student will be subject to the Personal Technology Devices Policy.
Educational & Support
The College offers a range of educational and support services. These include:
• Lunch time study groups;
• After-school tutorial groups;
• Information and communications technology (ICT) support;
• The Student Wellbeing Team providing one-on-one counselling, mediation as well as proactive programs, such as Zones of Regulation and Berry Street Model, for emotional regulation, grief and loss etc.;
• Assistive learning materials can be supplied, e.g., handouts printed in larger print or alternative fonts, pencil grips, etc.;
• Careers conversations.
The College offers a comprehensive and inclusive supportive program for students with special or additional needs, providing Individual Education Plans where required. Educational Support Staff offer practical and caring assistance to support students with special needs, and work in cooperation with classroom teaching staff for their specific learning needs.
Modifications and adjustments are provided for these students. Where specific or diagnosed needs are identified the College will work with parents/carers to discuss reasonable adjustments as maybe required.
Once adjustments and/or modifications are documented in consultation with the parent/carer, the homeroom teacher/s and the Learning Enhancement Coordinator, all other teachers will be notified. Adjustments are continually reviewed and updated in consultation with the teacher/s, family, Educational Support Staff and where appropriate, external professionals on an ongoing basis.
Please note at a senior school level adjustments/ modifications may be limited and require the prior approval of the VCAA’s Special Provision.
Contact the VCE / VET coordinator if further clarification is required.
Excursions & Camps
Classroom teachers organise excursions and camps throughout the academic year. Some camps are biennial. Staff/student ratios must be maintained depending on the nature of the excursion; however, a male and female staff member will attend as a minimum, with assistance from our education support team and/or volunteers who have Working With Children Checks and have undergone our volunteer training and induction.
Each excursion and camp require the submission of a digital consent and medical form on Parent Lounge (accessible through the College website). Staff have the right to reject any consent forms returned after the due date, meaning that the student concerned may be unable to attend the event.
Homework
An effective and comprehensive homework program is in place for all students from Foundation (Prep) to Year 12. Our students are given opportunity to develop their own organisational skills and practice and revise their classroom learned academic skills. We encourage our students to be independent learners and to reach their potential in all areas of their learning. Teachers will explain homework expectations at the start of each academic school year.
Any set homework tasks should be able to be completed by the students with minimal assistance, though a parent/ carer signature and some supervision is welcomed. The difficulty of set homework tasks will gradually increase as the student moves up each year level within the school, as will the time required to complete it. If, for any reason, a student is unable to complete their homework, teachers can be contacted, and an arrangement made between school and home to provide the support needed. Homework is meaningful, purposeful, and relevant. Teachers correct and return homework within a week of the submission date, where possible.
All homework records will be collated by the teacher and noted toward academic reports during the school year. Parents/carers will be notified should a student consistently fail to submit homework.
A folio of homework will be maintained and added to during the academic school year for primary school students. Homework will cease by the end of the last week of each term.
Implementing Homework Primary Secondary
Prep
Home reading 5 minutes per night.
Word Study and Maths. In total: 45 minutes per week.
Year 1 and 2
Home reading 10 minutes per night.
Word Study and Maths In total: 1.0 hour per week.
Year 3 and 4
Home reading 10-15 minutes per night.
Word Study, Maths, Integrated Studies. In total: 1.5 hours per week.
Year 5 and 6
Home reading 15-20 minutes per night.
Word Study, Maths, Integrated Studies and LOTE as required In total: 1.5-2.0 hours per week.
Year 7 and 8
Core subject homework may include:
Minimum 1 hour per school night
For instance - 20mins English, Mathematics & Science/HASS/LOTE/or other, as required on any night
In total: Weekly 4-5hrs
Year 9 and 10
Core subject homework may include:
Minimum recommended 1-1.5, up to 2 hours per night
For instance 30mins English, 30mins Mathematics & 30mins (x 2) for other subjects as required
In total: Weekly 5-71/2 hours
Year 11 and 12
Core subject homework may include:
2 to 3 hours minimum of study/homework per night with time spread across subject areas
Year 12 students should aim to complete 4-5 hours per subject / week
Both homework and study / revision is vital
Students with any individual specific or learning needs will be given homework that has been adjusted/modified. It is important that all students are inclusively part of the regular learning program and processes at the College.
Homework Club is made available on a weekly basis for students in Years 5 to 12, after school hours, in an allocated room with teacher supervision.
Changes to the homework program may be required from time to time due to school events and schedule variations, however, this will be clearly communicated by the teacher/s.
House System
All College students are placed in one of three College Houses.
Genesis (BLUE) Slessor (YELLOW)
Unity (RED)
Library
Students may borrow and return books on a regular basis from our College Library. A wide range of genres is on offer for all student reading experiences. Primary students are expected to use their Library bags to protect students’ take-home books.
Lockers
Primary
All primary students will have access to a box storage shelf where they can safely keep their school bag and other personal items.
Secondary
All secondary students will have access to an external locker. The locker is a secure place to store the school bag, books and other personal items such as lunch, snacks and uniform items.
The locker MUST remain locked when not in use. A College-supplied combination lock or parent-provided key lock MUST be used to secure the locker door. If students misplace their lock, a replacement will be provided, and parents will be invoiced accordingly.
Lunch
Lunches are to be brought from home daily or purchased from the College canteen. The College canteen supplies lunch and morning tea items on designated days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday). To create a QuickCliq account go to: app.quickcliq.com.au
All lunch wrappers, papers and drink containers are to be placed in the bins supplied to help keep the College grounds tidy. Parents are asked to cooperate with the College in not providing caffeinated, high sugar drinks and confectionery to their children.
No student is allowed to leave the College grounds to purchase lunch, except for Year 11 and 12 students who have gained their Senior School Privileges.
Medical Information
If a student is feeling unwell or is injured during school hours, they are to report to the nearest BalCC staff member who will follow this up as required.
Students are encouraged to avoid going straight to the Administration Office unless it is URGENT and they are unable to locate a staff member. The Administration staff will arrange appropriate treatment.
Administration of Medication at School
Parents are required to complete and sign a Student Medication Administration Consent Form with instruction as to how the medication is to be administered, and for how long. This applies to ALL medication, except for asthma relievers.
All medication must be in date, in its original container and clearly labelled.
Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Food Allergies and Seizures
Parents/Carers are responsible for informing the College of a child’s diagnosis, and any adjustments / updates, of anaphylaxis, asthma, allergies or seizures. Parents/Carers are to provide their child with an EpiPen and/or Asthma medication, to be kept at the College which will be made available for excursions, health and physical education classes, camps and special events at the College.
Parents/Carers are responsible for providing the College with up-to-date documentation including Action Plans which have been completed and signed by their GP as soon as possible after diagnosis / update.
The College will inform Parents/Carers of any food intolerances/allergies as required and encourage them to refrain from proving foods that may trigger a reaction as indicated in the correspondence.
Personal Devices, Mobile Phones & USBs
It is recognised that students may need to have a mobile phone for personal use when travelling to and from school. Other technology devices used and owned by the College, such as iPads and laptops, will be monitored by all staff, in particular by classroom teachers. Our Personal Technology Devices Policy offers a detailed summary of what the College standards are with regards to the use and implementation of personal technology.
The following recommendations are guidelines, in line with our policy:
• Parents/carers should always be aware if their child takes a mobile phone /smart watch or other personal devices to school or onto school premises.
• Permission for the student to have a mobile phone or other personal devices at the College while under the school’s supervision is required.
• Students are not to download music, games or things of personal interest onto USBs or devices being used at the College unless something is approved for a specific project or assignment by their class teacher.
• Student phones and other devices are not normally permitted on camps and excursions.
• All students will be provided with a USB for all their College-based work where necessary.
• All other devices not required at the College (for the sake of the student’s learning) should be left at home.
Acceptable Uses:
• During school hours mobile phones must be turned off and handed in on arrival. Primary students are to hand their mobile phones in to Admin. Year 7-9 phones are stored in lockable phone cabinets and Year 1012 phones are stored in individually labelled storage compartments in Admin. Phones will be returned to students at the end of the day / departing.
• Parents/carers and students are reminded that during school hours the College Administration Office remains the vital and appropriate point of contact in cases of emergency or other situations where students need to be contacted. This way we can ensure students are reached quickly and assisted in any appropriate way. Please refrain from making contact on students’ personal device.
• Connectivity (such as the WiFi, Bluetooth, etc) on allowable personal devices (such as a smart watch) is to be turned off, except in the case of medical conditions/requirements, e.g. Blood Glucose Monitor.
• Senior secondary (Year 11 & 12) students have certain privileges that can be earned, and must ensure:
i. they take their phones with them when leaving the College on Senior School privileges.
ii. their phones are turned off on arrival back at the College, and Smart Devices connectivity is turned off, and phones are handed back into the Administration Office.
• Headphone use is at the discretion of the individual teacher during appropriate time e.g. Art practical lessons.
Unacceptable Uses:
• Personal / Smart Devices, such as Smart Watches, are not to be used to:
- Make calls / message, chat.
- Connected to other devices such as Laptops.
- Play Music.
- Take Pictures (still and video) / recordings.
i. In banned spaces, e.g. changing rooms, toilets, gyms and swimming pools and others as deemed inappropriate by Ballarat Christian College.
ii. To film people and their activities without their knowledge or permission.
- Send harassing or threatening messages.
• Personal devices or USBs (non booklisted) are best left at home.
• Music is not to be uploaded to College booklist USBs. Breaches will be dealt with via the: Student Engagement Policy
Parent Lounge & Student Cafe
Parent Lounge is the parent portal designed to provide parents with everything they need throughout their child’s education journey. Parents/Carers can view, complete and/or edit (where applicable) things such as College Calendar of Events, Student Academic Reports, Medical and Absence Updates, Homework, and Excursions.
Student Café is the student portal that is utilised by the College to enhance student learning, accountability, and collaboration between teachers. Students in Years 5-12 are required to use Student Café as part of their daily school routine. Students have easy access to assessment information and learning resources.
Through Student Café, students can access their eDiary, homework and assessments, timetables, attendance records, upcoming tours and excursions, handbooks and policies, academic reports, information and announcements regarding classes and extra-curricular activities, the College calendar.
Students are to regularly check Student Café to ensure that they are up to date with all possible communication and work tasks. Students are also encouraged to utilise OneDrive as part of their College provided Microsoft Office 365 account. In cases of absence, secondary students are required to follow up on missed work.
Property
Damage to College Property
All damage to College property, buildings, equipment, textbooks and other resources are required to be rectified and/or items replaced/paid for by the student concerned.
Personal Property
Personal property brought to school by students is not insured and the College is not responsible for any loss or damage.
Sports Equipment & Borrowing
Students wanting to borrow equipment at Lunch 1 or Lunch 2 need to borrow from the appropriate sources in each section of the College and returned when the music starts. The student who borrowed the equipment is responsible for its return. Students are not to bring their own sports equipment to the College.
If equipment borrowed goes into an out-of-bounds area, the yard duty teacher should be notified in the first instance and will arrange for its safe retrieval. All College equipment must be cared for, respected and used correctly.
Reporting
The College works to a whole-school reporting and assessment schedule which includes Term 1 interim reports, Term 2 Parent Teacher Interviews, and formal reports at the end of Semesters 1 and 2.
SPARSH Academy
The College has maintained a long-term commitment to prayerfully and financially support the work of Brother Francis and his team in the creation and development of the SPARSH Academy. SPARSH Academy is a not-forprofit school with an aim to impart Christian love among the Garhwali people of India.
The College support for the SPARSH Academy is accomplished through such things as:
• Sparsh Mini-Fete
• Art and Garden Shows
• Regular prayer in homerooms and staff meetings
Student Employment (Resumes)
Students are encouraged to speak with teachers who they feel they would like to add as a referee on a resume or job application. The decision to act as a referee is entirely up to the teacher. The consistent display of College values could be viewed positively by employers.
The resume or application should state:
Teacher’s name
C/O Ballarat Christian College 111a Yarrowee Street, Sebastopol, 3356
Phone (03) 5337 5900
Email bcc@balcc.vic.edu.au
Paid employment must NOT be undertaken by students at any time that would prevent them from attending school during normal scheduled hours (8:45am to 3:20pm).
Student Engagement
The Student Engagement Policy and associated procedures form part of the College’s overall Student Wellbeing Program. It has been designed to clearly articulate, for the whole College community, the sanctions which will be applied if students choose to behave in a way which contravenes the College rules and guidelines, which endangers other students, or which in any way undermines the culture and good order of the College. It also outlines the merit process by which students are awarded points for good choices. It is to facilitate an environment which equips students for life in this world and eternity, by applying principles through excellent education in a distinctly Christian environment.
The Student Engagement Policy is essentially aimed at establishing the following outcomes for a safe and supportive College community:
• Displaying a Christ-centred, caring, supportive environment.
• Developing the characteristics of good and active citizenship.
• Acknowledging the rights, responsibilities, and viewpoints of others.
• Fostering self-control and self-discipline.
• Showing respect in all interactions.
• Promoting an environment where individuals can achieve their full potential.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17
Student Rights & Responsibilities
+ Students have the right to:
• Feel safe
• Be treated fairly
• Build positive relationships
• Be respected as image-bearers of God
• Be provided with an education which is both secular and spiritual, delivered by the College to the best of its ability
• Be part of a safe and secure environment
• Work towards forgiveness and reconciliation
• Seek help and support when needed
• Be loved and built up in the Lord
Students are responsible for:
• Ensuring each others safety
• Caring for others and themselves
• Acting safely, with common sense
• Respecting and obeying teachers
• Treating others and their property with respect
• Completion of work to the best of their ability
• Allowing others to work without disturbance
• Their own punctuality to College and all scheduled classes
• Ensuring their behaviour contributes to the good reputation of the College
• Catching up on work after absences
• Building and working towards positive relationships
• Working towards forgiveness and reconciliation
• Wearing their uniform correctly, including correct hairstyles
• Caring for College environment and community
Appropriate and Respectful Relationships
The College is a united community; students should not form exclusive relationships. Cliques which exclude others can often undermine the health and unity of the entire student cohort. Students are to always display respect for themselves and others. Relationships between students and/or staff should be characterised by godly, uplifting and moral behaviour, and embraces between students are to be avoided.
if
Whatever is
is
or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Student Leadership
The College believes it is important to provide opportunities for students to develop as leaders. Whilst all students are leaders, students have a number of official opportunities for this to occur. Student Leaders are required to sign a leadership code of conduct and are provided with training opportunities. Student Leaders are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and develop their “voice” as they serve others in these important roles.
College Captains are Year 12 students elected by staff and students from Years 5 to 11. They are appointed at the end of the previous school year. The Captains lead and serve the student body in word and deed. They represent the College at various external and College events, liaising with the College Principal and chairing the College Senate. The College Captains Handbook is made available to students prior to each College Captians year’s voting.
House Captains and Vice-Captains from Year 11/10 are elected by students from Years 3 to 12 and staff members at beginning of each year. Captains and Vice-Captains are expected to successfully lead and organise house activities, being available to assist any member of their Houses on request. They are expected to exhibit the College values and display servant leadership.
Peer Medication and Deacons are Senior students. Deacons aim to assist students who are needing encouragement, setting a tone of inclusion and operating as a role model for younger students at the College. Deacons are trained in Peer Mediation and a conflict resolution strategy.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) in Primary and the Senate in Secondary, represent their homerooms and are elected by students from Years 3 to 11. Students involved in the SRC and Senate have the opportunity to develop skills in leadership and communication and gain an understanding of democratic processes by being actively involved in activities that engage the College community as a whole.
The SRC and Senate provides a student voice into the decision-making process at the College. It also provides students from Years 3 to 11 an opportunity to democratically elect student leaders from amongst the cohort to represent them, with the College Captains representing Year 12.
Student Wellbeing
The Ballarat Christian College Student Wellbeing Team offers a range of supports for students including:
• Confidential appointments with trained professionals in the areas of counselling, case management, and pastoral care.
• Providing students with a safe contact point within the College Community.
• Coordinating with internal student supports and networking and liaising with external agencies.
• Facilitating wellbeing-focussed education sessions for student groups.
• Providing wellbeing support and holistic care for students managing disciplinary setbacks.
• Designing and implementing preventative strategies and programs that are pertinent for the students, in collaboration with BalCC staff, the student body, and the wider community.
Think UV, not heat! UV rays can’t be seen or felt and can damage your skin on cool or cloudy days.
Sun protection isn’t required unless you are outdoors for extended periods or near reflective surfaces, such as snow.
Sun & UV Protection
Ballarat Christian College is a sun-smart school, and ensures that all sun protection measures listed in the Sun and UV Protection Policy will be used when UV index levels are 3 or higher, ie the wearing of hats.
Sunscreen is made available in all classrooms for students to apply before outside play and activities. If you are allergic to, or dislike the College sunscreen, your parent/carer is required to provide an alternative-branded sunscreen for you.
Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is a major factor in determining future skin cancer risk. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians aged 13-24 years.
The College endeavours to:
• Create healthy environments and encourage appropriate behaviours to allow some UV exposure for vitamin D and minimise overexposure to reduce skin and eye damage and skin cancer risk.
• Encourage behavioural change through education and role-modelling.
• Protect staff, students and volunteers from harm caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Sun and UV Protection Policy
+Testing
Subject teachers set regular assessment tasks and tests throughout the academic year that are designed to determine the academic progress of their students.
On Demand testing and Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) will be conducted during the academic year. Both summative and formative assessments are conducted throughout the year to allow for ongoing monitoring of student learning and progress. Results obtained from standardised testing, combined with assignments, subject tests and exams, form the basis of evidence for an academic grade when producing student reports.
The College aims to give sufficient notice, and students are expected to arrive ready for tests.
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assessments are conducted for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Feedback to parents / carers includes academic comparisons to every other same year level child in Australia who participated in the assessment. If, for whatever reason, parents / carers decide that they do not wish for their child to participate in some or all of the NAPLAN assessments, they should contact the College Administration Office to obtain a withdrawal form which must be submitted, at the latest, two weeks prior to the assessments being conducted.
Results obtained from standardised testing, combined with assignments, subject tests and exams, will form the basis of evidence for an academic grade when producing student reports.
Should any academic concerns be revealed through this process, the student’s Homeroom teacher and/or subject teacher and Head of School will request a meeting with parents / carers to discuss strategies and ways to assist the student.
Uniform & Personal Presentation Guidelines
Students at Ballarat Christian College are encouraged to live the whole of their lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Their appearance also comes under His Lordship. As such, it must always reflect their role as ambassadors for Jesus Christ to the wider community.
The Scriptures teach that “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b).
The desire of Ballarat Christian College is to have a balance between:
• Dress and appearance that reflects positively upon the school;
• Enforcing compliance with policies and rules;
• Encouraging proper respect for authority and College standards;
• Valuing students as unique individuals created in the image of God; and
• Acknowledging that what is within the heart is more important than what is seen on the surface, while also acknowledging that actual appearance should be, and usually is, a reflection of attitudes of the heart.
All students are required to correctly wear the full College uniform while travelling to and from school. Students wear full College uniform unless it is their allocated sports/PE day, where correct Activewear uniform is to be worn, or there has been official notification to wear other clothing, such as on a casual clothes day. Homeroom teachers, in conjunction with relevant Heads of Schools, will inform parents when items of student uniform need to be replaced or repaired due to being in poor condition, ill-fitting or otherwise unsuitable or inconsistent with the College policy.
Hair & Hairstyles
Hair should be cut neatly and should not obstruct the eyes.
Students must be clean shaven. Where a particular hairstyle or facial hair is required in accord with the recognised religious belief or culture of the student’s family origin, this will be permitted to the extent required by the tenets of that faith or culture, provided that the hairstyle or retention of facial hair does not constitute a health and safety risk, for example in Food Technology or the Trade Training Centre.
Students must seek an opinion from the relevant Head of School before contemplating receiving a styling that could be interpreted as ‘extreme’ or ‘non-conformist’. Examples of such styles are closely shaven hair either completely or on one side of the head, and heavily and closely undercut hair, rat tails, mohawk, dreadlocks, Microlocs and Interweaves of natural hair colour will be accepted. Unnatural hair colour is not permitted, including excessive streaking, or bleaching of hair.
Students’ hairstyles should not be such that they attract abnormal attention. Hair must be pulled back from the face, clipped and all tied back in accordance with OH&S practices. Only navy blue, maroon or white hair ribbons, clips, headbands, and combs may be worn.
Hats & Beanies
The College broad-brimmed logoed hat must be worn in the playground during Term 1 and 4 and whenever the UV index is 3 or above. Hats will also be worn for outdoor excursions in Summer. Ballarat Christian College is a ‘SunSmart’ School.
The College beanie may be worn when the College broadbrimmed hat is not required.
Where the wearing of any type of headwear is required in accordance with the religious belief or culture of the student’s family origin, this will be permitted to the extent required by the tenets of that faith or culture, provided that the headwear is not worn where it constitutes a health and safety risk, for example in Food Technology or the Trade Training Centre.
Jewellery
Conventional watches may be worn at the discretion of the student. S.O.S. medical alert pendants or any other health-related items are permitted with the approval of the Principal or delegate. Students are permitted to wear up to two small studs or sleepers in each ear lobe. No body piercing or exposed body art (tattoos) are permitted. No jewellery or other adornment should be worn over clothing.
For Year 10, 11 & 12 students, the following additional discreet items of jewellery may be worn; a signet ring or the like, or a lightweight necklace (these must not be worn in the Trade Training Centre).
Where the wearing of any type of jewellery is required in accord with the religious belief or culture of the student’s family origin, this will be permitted to the extent required by the tenets of that faith or culture, provided that the jewellery is not worn where it constitutes a health and safety risk, for example in Food Technology or the Trade Training Centre.
Casual Clothes Regulations
Clothing worn on casual clothes days, camps and casual dress excursions must be neat and modest and must not have inappropriate slogans or symbols that are inconsistent with the College’s values.
• Tank tops, singlets and caps are not appropriate in accordance with the Sun Protection Policy, and opentoe footwear must not be worn.
• The hair, jewellery and make-up sections also apply for casual clothes days, camps, and casual dress excursions, unless advised otherwise by the relevant Head of School or Principal.
Blazers & Jackets
All students may wear the College logoed navy soft-shell jacket, puffer coat or puffer vest throughout the year to keep dry and for extra warmth whilst they are outdoors, and these items are to be removed upon entry to the classrooms.
Primary students can also wear the College logoed navy soft-shell jacket, puffer coat or puffer vest to and from the College.
Secondary students must wear the compulsory College blazer to and from the College. They may wear the College soft-shell jacket, puffer coat or puffer vest over the top of the blazer or without the blazer when outdoors on campus. The soft-shell jacket, puffer coat or puffer vest do not replace the College blazer.
Blazers and ties can be removed when the temperature reaches 30 degrees or at the discretion of the Heads of School.
For full uniform requirements for students, please refer to the:
Uniform & Student Appearance Policy
Noone’s Retail Outlet
Noone’s Ballarat retail outlet is located at: Crockers Menswear, Schoolwear & Workwear, 4 Armstrong St North, Ballarat Central Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm.
Visitors & Volunteering
Volunteers are a vital part of any organisation, and our College is no exception. To become a volunteer please contact the Administration Office for further information. Every 12 months, volunteers will need to read through the Child Safety Policy and Staff Code of Conduct, signing a page acknowledging their agreement with them.
In welcoming visitors to the College, we insist upon the usual courtesy of giving sufficient notice prior to a visit, where possible.
All visitors and volunteers must enter and exit via the Administration Office, sign in and out and wear/display their visitor’s badge while on the College campus. While on College grounds, all visitors must be escorted by a College staff member.
Visitors and Volunteers Policy
Assessment & Reporting
Each student undertaking VCE or VCE Vocational Major (VM) studies will be issued with a Statement of Results from Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) at the end of the year in addition to semester reports from Ballarat Christian College. The VCAA Statement of Results indicates that a student has satisfactorily (S) completed and/or not satisfactorily (N) completed a particular unit.
All Unit 1 & 2 VCE and VCE VM offered include assessment tasks which are based upon the outcomes prescribed for those units. These assessment tasks are set, monitored, and graded by the teachers of each unit.
All Unit 3 & 4 VCE and VCE VM offered include School Assessed Coursework (SAC) and School Assessed Tasks (SAT) (in certain studies) and Examinations which are completed, assessed, and reported in accordance with the externally set requirements outlined in the relevant study designs and in the VCAA Bulletin and other publications issued annually by VCAA.
Ballarat Christian College report for VCE and VCE VM Unit 1 through to 4 studies will indicate:
• The study and unit undertaken;
• Overall progress as indicated by teacher comments on work habits, grades (where applicable), conduct and general academic strengths and weaknesses, and
• An overall unit result S or an N.
These reports will only be issued as Interim Reports in Term 1 and a Semester Report in Term 2 and 4, however, no report is issued for Unit 4 subjects.
Ballarat Christian College report for VET studies will indicate:
• The study and unit undertaken.
• Overall progress as indicated by teacher comments on work habits, conduct and general academic strengths and weaknesses.
• An overall module result of Competent (C) or Not Yet Competent (NYC).
Where Vocational Education Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) courses are conducted outside the College, reports will be generated by the Highlands LLEN VET Cluster.
Authentication
Students must ensure that all unacknowledged work submitted by them is genuinely their own work. A declaration of authenticity may need to be signed for any work completed outside the classroom (i.e. work in progress).
Students must acknowledge all resources used. This will include text and source material and the name(s) and status of the person(s) who aided, and the type of assistance received.
Students must not accept undue assistance from any person. Undue assistance would include using or copying another person’s work or resources without acknowledgment, providing actual adjustments or improvements for a student’s work, or dictating or directing a student to insert text. Teachers will reserve the right to interview students regarding their submitted, or even partially completed tasks, in order to ascertain whether the work is their own.
Students must not submit the same piece of work for assessment of more than one outcome, unless specified otherwise in the study design. i.e an English essay cannot be used for History. Students who knowingly assist another student in breach of rules may be penalised. Students are generally not expected to produce drafts for SACs, and these will, therefore, not be a requirement for authentication purposes and will not be a basis for written feedback to students of work in progress. If a draft is a requirement for a task the subject teacher will specify this.
Authentication of student work will be enhanced by ensuring that specific details of SACs are issued just prior to the commencement of the task. Students may be issued with details in the lesson(s) just prior to the completion of a task to optimise research and preparation, and/or in the same lesson that the work is to be completed where specific prior preparation is not required or permitted.
Students are not to take pre-prepared notes into classes where notes specifically answer or address coursework questions or criteria unless specifically permitted by the study design or by any other vehicle of official communication from the VCAA. If any such item(s) are found by the subject teacher, they will be confiscated until the expiry of the period in which the coursework is undertaken.
Teachers will determine the way the SAC should be administered, provided that the approach taken does not contravene any other official policies and procedures of Ballarat Christian College or the VCAA.
Work in progress will only consist of SATs or SACs that cannot reasonably be completed within class time. Student absences substantiated according to the requirements, described in the current VCAA “VCE & VCE VM Administration Handbook”, may warrant completion of SACs outside of direct class time supervision only if there is not sufficient class time within which to administer the task upon the student’s return to school, or if the student is physically unable to complete the task at school according to the terms described in the current VCAA “VCE & VCE VM Administration Handbook”.
Although most SACs will be completed in class and in a limited timeframe, teachers’ record-keeping will reflect the sighting of work in progress where applicable and will make appropriate reference to the state and/or quality of the work.
Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
1
Peter 2:17
All VCE and VCE VM work will be subject to a review of authentication policies and procedures by the VCAA. Studies with SATs will be subject to a review of individual student work and of student groups.
All VCE students are required to keep all work submitted for any form of assessment until the issue of the VCE Results Statement/Certificate in December. Any VCE work may be required by the College or by the VCAA at any time prior to this date.
Students are to use the referencing and citing information on Student Café, located in the College Resources section, to assist with conforming to authentication of tasks in order to avoid plagiarism. In the event of suspected plagiarism, said work will be investigated by the relevant teacher and Head of Secondary, which may result in disciplinary action.
VETDSS courses are assessed on a competency basis. This means that students are ‘graded’ as being either competent (CY) or not yet competent (NCY) in a specific skill or task. Some VETDSS courses require students to spend time on a Structured Work Placement (SWP) which gives students the experience of working in industry. VETDSS courses generally run for two years, with classes held one afternoon a week during school terms, with first year students attending on a Thursday afternoon and second year students attending on a Tuesday afternoon (there are several courses that are also offered at different times throughout the week). Some VETDSS courses have scored assessments which can result in a study score or block credit for that subject which can contribute to an ATAR.
Completion of Coursework
To obtain a VCE Certificate, including the VCE VM Certificate, all school assessed coursework for VCE Units 1 to 4 must be the student’s own work and must be completed on time during the specified conditions and to the standards described in the relevant study design and prescribed by the teaching staff of Ballarat Christian College, or Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV) (where applicable).
Student enrolments will be maintained in VASS by the VASS Administrator. All VCE and VCE VM students must complete an annual VCE and VET enrolment form and must therefore sign a general declaration that they will obey the rules and instructions prescribed by the VCAA (and explained herein) and by means of any other official
VCAA documentation. This form must include information about any external VET, Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV) or other accredited external studies. The VCAA keep all information confidential and do not disclose it to other organisations without written consent (e.g., on the enrolment form itself). The College likewise regards all enrolment information as confidential and utilises it in keeping with its Privacy Policy.
Students completing any studies as a part of their VCE Virtual Schools Victoria (VSV) program that are not directly taught by Ballarat Christian College must complete these in accordance with all other rules and policies of Ballarat Christian College, except at the discretion of the Principal and/or Head of Secondary.
Any VCE, VCE VM and VET work must be submitted in the format requested by the subject teacher and must be designed, taught, administered, and presented by that teacher in such a way as to allow students the maximum opportunity to achieve the outcomes based upon the key skills and key knowledge descriptors prescribed in the study design.
Teachers will collectively organise the spread of assessments throughout the year to ensure a consistency of workload and will each be responsible for issuing approximate assessment dates at the commencement of the College year. Dates for Unit 3 and 4 coursework will be set such that the work can be marked, and the school assessments forwarded to the VASS Administrator prior to their request by the VCAA.
SACs will be completed in class time, subject to the exceptions indicated below. Work that cannot be completed within the longest continuous timetabled session will be finished in the next available lesson. In the interim the work may be retained by teachers in its current state. Students may, at the discretion of the subject teacher, work on an assigned section of that task outside the lesson time if authentication requirements are met.
The scope of SACs must be in accordance with any word limits prescribed by the VCAA.
After coursework is submitted for assessment, teachers will provide feedback to students including advice on problem areas, advice on where and how improvements can be made for further learning, reporting of S or N decisions and/or written comments on students’ performance against each outcome. The teacher ultimately decides
whether a student has satisfactorily achieved a prescribed outcome, based upon assessment, observation and, if necessary, an interview. Students need to be aware that it is possible for any assessment/grade to vary significantly after statistical moderation conducted by the VCAA has occurred.
Where a study is taught to more than one VCE and/or VCE VM class, the same course, SACs and the same assessment program will be used in order to ensure comparability and consistency of assessment and authentication.
Assessment tasks completed in a moderation partnership with another school need not necessarily be identical to those completed in the other school.
The College’s assessment procedures for VCE Unit 3 and 4 studies will be monitored using the VCAA’s General Achievement Test (GAT). This will be undertaken by all students enrolled in Unit 3 and 4 studies. This will ensure state-wide comparability of assessments by comparing the distribution of school-based assessments with the distribution of GAT scores.
Statistical moderation of school-based assessments by the VCAA will utilise a reference score for each student formed from the related examination score and, where justified, the GAT component score. This will ensure that the top moderated assessment within the College group equals the top individual student reference score, i.e., the rank order of SACs is unchanged.
All VCE Unit 3 & 4 studies will be jointly assessed by means of SACs and School-Assessed Tasks (SATs), as well as written examinations which are held at appropriate locations in Ballarat (including our College and Phoenix Community College) but set and monitored by the VCAA.
Examination rules and conditions are prescribed and issued prior to the first examination period by the VCAA. Students who have three examinations scheduled in one day will be invited to apply to complete the third examination the following day but may discuss this arrangement with the VCE Coordinator. Examinations will be completed within the period specified by VCAA. VCE Examinations and the dates will be published on the VCAA website.
Students who can demonstrate that illness, personal trauma or other circumstances occurring within the twoweek period prior to performance, oral or October LOTE written examinations, or the first written examination in the November exam period which may have caused them distress, may be eligible for a Derived Examination Score (DES). Their application must be substantiated with evidence from an independent professional and/or the Chief Exam Supervisor. The application form for DES will be available from the VCE Coordinator.
Work Not Satisfactorily Completed
Any prescribed piece of work, or part thereof, not satisfactorily completed by the due date according to the standards required of the relevant outcome as prescribed in the VCAA Study Design and not subject to an extension of time or special provision will be deemed unable to meet that outcome and will thus warrant the receipt of an N for the unit which can be redeemed according to the provisions below.
Any prescribed piece of work, or part thereof, not satisfactorily completed by the due date will warrant the following action:
• A teacher advises parents and students of the fact that set work has not been satisfactorily completed
• A teacher would liaise with the student (with parent knowledge) to arrange a lunchtime detention, alternative class time and/or after school detention to provide a supervised time where a student can redeem unsatisfactory work
Any VCE assessed numerical scored work will receive a numerical score of 0% (and thus a Not Assessed (NA) grade), or a grade based upon the material submitted if only partially complete. An NA grade will be substantiated by a comment on the semester report to parents. VCE outcome assessments may be redeemed for an S or N grade only (scored assessments are always made on the original work submitted for assessment). The amended or entire piece of work will be submitted to the subject teacher who will then determine whether the appropriate outcome has been achieved and whether the unsatisfactory unit result has been redeemed.
Any student who fails to redeem a prescribed piece of work, or part thereof, not submitted on time and subsequently subjected to the procedure above will be:
• Referred, in writing, to the Head of Secondary and/or VCE Coordinator
• Summoned to an interview with the Head of Secondary, VCE Coordinator, appropriate teachers, and the student’s parent(s) to discuss the risks of failing
Any student who fails to achieve any outcome(s) for any VCE or VCE VM by the above end of semester dates will be awarded an N for the unit(s) in question.
Any student who has previously received an N for either Unit 3 or 4 may attempt the sequence in the following year under special arrangements which include a proviso that the enrolment is received by the second Monday of the following year, and on the understanding that all learning outcomes must be assessed within that calendar year.
Attendance - Senior Secondary
Students must abide by the same College rules (unless stipulated differently in this section) that govern all students at the College in terms of regular and punctual attendance.
Attendance at ALL classes is essential to give every student the best possible opportunity to gain the best result. Approved absences from class due to illness or pre-planned subject or College excursions are allowed. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on any work missed during such absences. Students are NOT permitted to miss any scheduled classes for the purpose of external employment or preference to study at home.
As specified in Senior Secondary Privileges for Year 11 and 12, a consent form must be completed prior to signing in and out of the College as referenced under the terms and conditions outlined in the document. A student wishing to participate in sporting activities during class time must seek the permission of the Head of Secondary and class teacher first. Discretion will be used on a case-by-case basis.
Students may be required to attend classes during term breaks for the purpose of tutorials or revision lessons. It is the policy of Ballarat Christian College that students may not undertake paid employment of any kind which prevents them from attending College every school day between the hours of 8:45am and 3:20pm.
Absences from school must be substantiated in a written communication signed by a parent/carer of the student. A medical certificate or a signed statutory declaration is required if the submission of SACs set work was missed because of the absence, or there are significant repeated absences from class.
Any absences due to illness or serious hardship (e.g. bereavement) and other matters warranting “Consideration of Disadvantage” for SAC work (e.g. work being lost, stolen or damaged) may warrant an extension of time for the completion of VCE/VCE VM work. Eligibility is ultimately determined by the subject teacher and Head of Secondary. Written application may be made using the Senior Studies Extension of Time Form.
In general, the subject teacher, Homeroom teacher or Head of Secondary will communicate any decision on the outcome of an application for an extension of time based on the validity and legitimacy of the application. Where an extension of time cannot be proactively granted, a teacher may require that a similar but alternative task be completed at a different time.
A minimum of 90% attendance rate is required in all subjects. Where student attendance is causing concern the subject teacher and the Head of Secondary may elect to speak with the student and parents/carers about this matter. If the student’s attendance is not rectified to meet the requirement, an N result may be awarded for the unit in question. Parents/carers will be notified prior to the N being awarded.
Cases in which students’ attendance is likely to fall below the prescribed minimum due to prolonged illness, special consideration and exemptions from the usual requirements may be made at the discretion of the Head of Secondary, in collaboration with class teachers. For the full Senior Studies Special Provision Policy and the Request Form for Internal Special Provision for SAC/s and/or Student Program.
In circumstances where students have completed work, and even satisfied outcomes for a particular study, but there has been a substantive breach of the attendance rules above, the student may be awarded an N unit result by the Head of Secondary upon discussion of the matter with the relevant subject teacher. If the student wishes to appeal against a College decision, then students can fill out and submit a Senior Studies Complaints and Appeals form.
It is the responsibility of the student who is absent to find out what work was covered/set in the missed classes and are to catch up on any work tasks that are required.
Any student forms mentioned above can be accessed via : Student Café
Changing VCE Unit Enrolment
Students wishing to withdraw from and/or enter into a VCE or VCE VM unit must:
• discuss the matter with the subject teachers of both the class of withdrawal and enrolment.
• discuss the matter with the Curriculum Advisor and/ or where relevant the VCE Coordinator or Head of Secondary and their parent/carer(s)’, then complete a Secondary Change of Unit/Subject form and return it to the College.
Child Safety Code of Conduct for Adult-Aged Students
During the Senior Secondary School years most, students will reach 18 years of age. Therefore, additional responsibilities are relevant to our adult students.
No student at Ballarat Christian College shall:
1. Shame, humiliate, oppress, belittle, or degrade children or young people.
2. Unlawfully discriminate against any child including those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, with a disability.
3. Engage in any activity with a child or young person that is likely to harm them physically or emotionally.
4. Engage in activities which could be constituted as grooming;
- Initiate unnecessary physical contact with a child or young person or do things of a personal nature for them that they can do for themselves.
- Be alone with a child or young person unnecessarily and for more than a very short time.
- Develop a ‘special’ relationship with a specific child or young person for their own needs.
- Show favouritism through the provision of gifts or inappropriate attention.
- Arrange contact, including online contact, with children or young people outside of the College’s programs and activities.
5. Photograph, record, or video a child or young person without the consent of the child and his/her parents/ carers.
6. Engage in open discussions of a mature or adult nature in the presence of children or young people.
7. Use inappropriate language in the presence of children and/or young people.
8. Do anything in contravention of the College’s policies, procedures, or this Code of Conduct.
Grooming behaviour
Grooming behaviour is a process whereby a sexual offender conditions and builds rapport with children or young persons to reduce their resistance to, and increase compliance with, sexual abuse.
The grooming process can include:
• Misleading students by telling them that they are special (spending an inappropriate amount of time with students, giving gifts inappropriately, showing special favours, allowing students to overstep the accepted College rules);
• Breaking of acceptable College standards of behaviour; or
• Engaging in inappropriate, personalised forms of communication.
Agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10
Common Rooms
Only Year 11 and 12 students may make use of their own respective Common Room – no guests or siblings are permitted to enter, unless directed by a teacher or staff member for private study purposes. Use of this room will be in a manner which is considerate of other students and neighbouring staff, and which complies with standard behavioural requirements of all Ballarat Christian College students.
The maintenance, use, cleaning, and condition of the room will be the responsibility of all Year 11 and 12 students who will be accountable to their Homeroom teacher and the Head of Secondary. Use of the kitchen and its facilities, where provided, are for before and after school, recess, and lunchtimes only. They are not to be used during class or private study periods.
All staff will always have free access to the Year 11 and 12 Common Rooms. Students are advised to treat all staff with equal respect when given instructions about behaviour, productivity, and noise levels in these rooms, as they would in any other part of the College.
Items placed on noticeboards in the Common Rooms must be approved by the Homeroom teacher or the Head of Secondary. In addition to the above conditions. Breaching these conditions will result in the withdrawal of the right to use the Common Room for all students within that year level.
Computer Usage
For senior secondary students computers should not be used for any SACs completed in the classroom, unless the teacher is able to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to access College computer facilities and services and appropriate back-up equipment. An exception may be made, however, in cases where written parental notification supported by medical evidence indicating a disadvantage necessitates computer usage. In such cases, eligibility must be approved by the VCE Coordinator. Such an exception for SACs does not guarantee that a computer would be permitted for externally assessed exams.
Submission of SATs
SATs are to be completed in accordance with the requirements set out in the VCAA study designs for the following VCE studies: Visual Communication Design, Art, Media, Product Design & Technology, Algorithmic, Computing, Food & Technology, Systems Engineering and Studio Arts. Assessment of students’ levels of achievement will be on the basis of teacher ratings on criteria specified annually by the VCAA.
Drafts of SATs must be retained and submitted with the final work. Written comments are to be made on only one draft of any task. This draft will be initialled and dated by the teacher and then submitted by the student with the final work. Both the final submission and the draft will be submitted to VCAA if required for authentication review. Authentication records must be kept by subject teachers and plans and drafts must be seen in the classroom at regular intervals. Hence, teachers reserve the right to acquire all relevant verbal and written information pertaining to the completion of SATs.
SAT due dates are set by teachers so that they can be marked, and the school assessments forwarded to the VASS Administrator prior to their request by the VCAA. Due dates for all VCE coursework are set and issued by the class teacher.
SATs must be submitted by the indicated time on the date and in the place advised by the teacher (which will have been approved by the VCE Coordinator). Any late submission of SATs, even by a matter of minutes, will result in the work being awarded a NA and followed up appropriately.
SATs must be presented on or before the due date and no later than the specified time in the following manner:
• Submit their final task. The completed Assessment Cover sheet, found on Student Café in your Homeroom resources section, is to be stapled to the front of the document;
• Submit a copy of their task;
• Submit their teacher-annotated and signed draft; and
• Sign the relevant declaration of authenticity for that SAT which acknowledges that all work is the student’s own.
SATs will be assessed by relevant subject teachers using the criteria and the assessment sheets produced annually by VCAA. Each criterion has a numerical scale of 0-5 and the sum of the scores for the criteria is forwarded to VCAA electronically on the School Initial Assessment Return (SIAR) file. It is possible for any assessment/grade to vary significantly after a VCAA review.
Breach Of Rules
Any student found to be in breach of the rules may be awarded an N for a unit and may incur extra penalties imposed by the Principal or Head of Secondary, in accordance with the relevant College policies.
Students may appeal to the VCAA in regard to College decisions about a breach of rules, but not in regard to a disagreement with teachers on SAC assessments.
Investigation of breaches of School-based Assessment rules
Reporting alleged breaches of rules in Schoolbased Assessment Procedure
Allegations can be made by anyone who has information that suggests rules have been breached. Allegations should be handled sensitively and may not need to be kept confidential. On receipt of an allegation, the student’s work should not be accepted for assessment, pending the conduct of an investigation by the College.
Procedure (Summary)
Alleged breaches need to be emailed to the VCE Coordinator. (If the allegation involves the VCE Coordinator then the report is to be emailed to the Head of Secondary.
The VCE Coordinator / Head of Secondary will then investigate the allegation.
The VCE Coordinator / Head of Secondary will present a report to a decision-making panel, formed by the Principal. The panel must decide in relation to an allegation/s if they are proven or not proven, whether a penalty should be imposed, and, if so, what penalty is appropriate.
Student informed in writing of findings and any penalty imposed.
If allegations were proven the student can appeal (within 14 days of receiving the written notice) to VCAA.
Procedure (Detailed)
Preliminary Investigation
The purpose of a preliminary investigation is to determine if there is any substance to the allegations, requiring further or more rigorous investigation.
Investigation
The purpose of an investigation is to determine if there is any substance to the allegation that a student has breached VCAA School-based Assessment rules. If so, evidence is put forward to the decision-maker for determination as to whether the allegations are proven, or not proven. The investigator will act fairly and without bias.
The student should be informed in writing of the nature of the allegation and be invited to attend an interview to respond to the allegation. A support person for the student can be in attendance but is there for moral support only. If the student elects not to attend an interview, they will be given the opportunity to respond in writing to an allegation against them.
The investigator should ask the student to provide evidence that demonstrates that the work submitted is their own and/or was completed in accordance with VCAA requirements.
Decision-making
The Principal will form a decision-making panel with at least 3 of the following staff members (Principal, Head of Secondary or VCE Coordinator, Curriculum Advisor, Director of Teaching & Learning) to decide if a student has
breached examination or authentication rules. If any of the above staff members are subject to the allegation or are presenting the report, the Principal will choose other BalCC staff members to formulate the 3 person decisionmaking panel.
Material gathered during the investigation are provided to the decision-making panel, including evidence (if any) that suggests the allegations are not proven, as well as any responses the student provided during the course of the investigation.
If the decision-making panel forms an independent view that the evidence against the student is insufficient to justify a meeting or hearing, the decision-making panel should confirm in writing to the student that no further action will be taken.
If the decision-making panel considers that there is sufficient evidence to justify a meeting or hearing to decide whether the allegations are proven, a hearing or meeting should be convened. The decision-making panel should reserve their judgment until they have heard from the student at the meeting or hearing.
The following principles apply to whoever is given the authority to make the decision regarding alleged breaches of rules:
• The decision-maker (decision-making panel) must act fairly and without bias.
• The student must receive at least 24 hours’ written notice of the meeting or hearing conducted by the decision-maker.
The notice should include:
• the date, time, place and likely duration of the meeting or hearing.
• the allegation/s against the student.
• the names of all decision-makers.
• advice that the student may bring a support person to the meeting or hearing (see below).
• the name of a contact person if the student has queries about the meeting or hearing.
• a copy of any evidence that the decision-makers will consider at the meeting or hearing, including whether any witnesses will be present at the meeting or hearing.
• the possible outcomes, including penalties.
The decision-maker must decide, in relation to an allegation/s found to be proven, whether a penalty should be imposed, and, if so, what penalty is appropriate. Possible penalties include
• a verbal or written warning.
• detention or suspension.
• refusal to consider the student’s work, but giving the student the opportunity to re-submit the work if there is sufficient time before the due date for submission of results according to the VCAA schedule.
• refusal to accept the part of the student’s work found to have been completed in contravention of VCAA rules and determination of the appropriate result for the relevant outcome forming part of the VCE unit.
• refusal to accept any part of the work, awarding an N for the outcome.
The decision-maker should inform the student of the decision and any penalty to be imposed at the meeting or hearing, and of the student’s right to appeal the decision to the VCAA. The decision-maker should keep accurate records of their decision, the reasons for their decision and the penalty imposed, to enable the school to confirm these matters in writing.
After the meeting or hearing, the school must write to the student to confirm:
• The findings of the decision-maker in relation to the allegation/s against the student (setting out each allegation, and corresponding decision)
• The reasons for the decision on each allegation, and the supporting evidence
• Any penalty that will be imposed
• Information about the student’s right to appeal to the VCAA, including that the appeal must be lodged no later than 14 days after the student receives written notice of the decision from the school
Student appeals against school decisions about breaches of VCAA rules
An appeal against a school decision must be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), VCAA no later than 14 days after the student receives written notice of the decision from the school. On receipt of a notice of appeal from a student, the CEO of the VCAA must nominate an employee of the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Education and Training to interview the parties to the appeal and attempt to resolve the matter.
Notice of school decision following interviews
If the school rescinds its decision and any penalty imposed in relation to the student, the student’s appeal to the VCAA is taken to have been withdrawn. The VCAA must ask the student to either withdraw the appeal or confirm that the appeal is to proceed if the school has:
• Rescinded the penalty imposed
• Reduced the penalty imposed
• Confirmed both the decision and the penalty imposed
Appeal Hearing
If a student elects to proceed with an appeal, the CEO VCAA must refer the appeal to a Review Committee for hearing and determination. An appeal of this nature is conducted as a re-hearing that is, hearing the evidence from both the student and the school, from the beginning, and the Review Committee makes its own decision on the evidence. It is not a review of the school’s procedures and handling of the allegation/s against the student.
Additional comprehensive information on Investigation of breaches of School-based Assessment rules, can be accessed via the VCAA website.
Private Study
Private study periods are subject to the same conditions as any other class or as specified by the supervising teacher or Head of Secondary. Students are not permitted to leave the specified private study area at any time during the study session for any reason without specific permission from a member of staff.
All students are expected to be purposefully occupied with teacher approved and/or study-related activities during private study periods. Students who waste private study time, cause disturbances, or are not in their required location during private study periods, or who leave their specified private study area without permission for any reason will be subject to the Student Engagement Policy processes.
No student will be permitted to leave the College during private study periods unless in Year 11 and 12 as the Senior Secondary School Privileges terms and conditions outline and appropriate consent forms have been completed.
Students who are found wasting time in either the Common Rooms or the designated private study areas during Private Study periods will face disciplinary actions subject to the Student Engagement Policy.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a process of assessment based on skills, knowledge and experience gained prior to enrolling in the selected course. These skills can be gained through formal and informal learning, in Australia or overseas, through work or other activities such as volunteering, and at any age. RPL is available for all VET courses and units and should be requested during the application process or before enrolling in any units. The process will require the student to provide documented evidence against the units for which they are requesting RPL.
Senior Student Privileges
Students enrolled in Years 11 and 12 can earn certain privileges, by displaying College Values. With these privileges however, come certain responsibilities. Management of the balance between privileges and responsibilities is an essential part of preparation for life beyond Year 12. Students often can achieve the proper balance with minimal guidance from teachers. However, at times they may need more structured guidance and/or privileges revoked for not displaying the College Values. If students are signing themselves out to leave the College during school hours they must take their mobile phone with them, so in the event of an emergency students are contactable.
Senior School student privileges will be discussed with students at the commencement of the school year and throughout the year.
Students Driving Vehicles & Potential Passengers
Students who hold a valid Victorian driver’s license and intend to drive to and from school, either on a regular basis or occasionally, must gain approval from the College Principal, this includes the carrying of any passengers. There are several steps and processes for this to occur. Please click on the link provided for the Policy and necessary forms, to be completed prior to this being able to occur. (inset link to Students Driving Vehicles Policy and Vic Roads P Plate Laws).
Students are required to adhere to the Students Driving Vehicles Policy, annually complete a request form and have their (the driver’s) Parent/Carer sign the ‘Request Form for a Student using a Vehicle’ prior to the commencement of the arrangement. As stated above the Principal must sign off on the paperwork prior to these permissions taking effect. A student cannot commence driving to and from school until official Principal approval.
Along with the Policy, students are required to abide by Victorian Road Safety Laws.
If a student is unwilling to abide by the Policy, parents/ carers will be informed that approval may be withdrawn by the College for the student to drive their vehicle to and from school including loss of any Senior School Privileges.
It is also expected that all passengers (including the driver) will drive to and from school in a safe and responsible manner, adhere to road rules and uphold the College Values. If these requirements are disregarded, parents/ carers will be notified, and appropriate student sanctions will apply. If necessary, the Police will also be notified.
Students and parents/carers are to ensure that they read and abide by the Policy including key information that is noted within, however, what is important to note is that Students are not permitted under any circumstances to drive from the school grounds during the day, apart from for a medical appointment, when a note (signed by student
and parent/carer) has been provided to the Homeroom teacher and/or Administration Office prior to the day of the medical appointment. The note must specify the date and time of appointment, along with the name and location of medical practice.
Structured Workplace Learning &/or Unsupervised Activities
There are VCE or VCE VM units that may require students to visit places, and/or gather information from sources outside the College for the purpose of completing work tasks. In visiting outside agencies and institutions it is important that students display conduct that is consistent with the Christian ethos and values of the College and that they accept responsibility for their actions.
Any VCE or VCE VM student needing to participate in an unsupervised activity must seek written permission to participate in such activities. This written permission must be signed by the student and their parent/carer and then submitted to the Administration Office for distribution to appropriate parties, who will sign the form and return to the student not less than seven days (unless otherwise negotiated) prior to the scheduled activity. The Head of Secondary will determine whether a student is permitted to undertake the unsupervised activity, inform the student, and sign off any paperwork. The student is to return all signed paperwork to the Administration Office.
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VCE & VCE VM (Vocational Major)
The VCE & VCE VM is divided into semester-long units.
• Year 11 students will complete Units 1 and 2
• Year 12 students will complete Units 3 and 4 (which must be studied as a sequence).
*It is possible for Year 10 and 12 students to undertake a Unit 1 and 2 VCE study and for Year 11 students to undertake a Unit 3 and 4 sequence, subject to College approval.
Each study is conducted according to the VCAA study design, relevant details of which are passed on to students by their teachers. Each student’s VCE program will be individually developed to best suit their career pathways and personal interests.
• Year 11 students will generally complete 12 units of study of which English and Mathematics subjects are compulsory
• Year 12 students will generally complete 10 units of study of which English is compulsory
• Year 11 and 12 students must complete Christian Living (although it does not contribute to their VCE and or VCE VM result)
• It is a VCAA requirement that satisfactorily completed units must include a minimum of:
- 16 units, including at least three units of English/ English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Literature
- Three sequences of Units 3 and 4 studies other than English/EAL or Literature
VCE VM has the flexibility which enables students to undertake a senior secondary program which suits individual learning needs and interests from Years 11 through to 12.
Students must satisfy a minimum of 16 units, including
• 3 VCE VM Literacy or VCE English units (including a Unit 3-4 sequence)
• 2 VCE VM Numeracy or VCE Mathematics units
• 2 VCE VM Work Related Skills units
• 2 VCE VM Personal Development Skills units, and
• 2 VET credits at Certificate II level or above (180 nominal hours)
Three sequences of Units 3 and 4 studies other than English/EAL or Literature also need to be incorporated as part of a student’s individual program.
VCE VM assessment is evidence based.
VET is an important component of the VCE VM program and to successfully obtain a VCE VM certificate students are required to complete a VET course in an industry of their own choosing.
6Definitions
Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA)
VCAA is the organisation overseeing the state-wide administration of the VCE and VCE VM. A full list of VCAA rules and regulations are available on the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
“VCE is an internationally recognised senior secondary certificate that is available to be awarded to Victorian students on the satisfactory completion of their secondary education. The VCE offers students a high-quality and contemporary curriculum that develops the knowledge and skills necessary to meet their diverse needs and aspirations in a rapidly changing world. It also provides a range of different pathways into tertiary education, training and/or employment”. (Sourced 12 December 2022 VCE & VCAL Administration Handbook 2022 VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2022 (vcaa.vic.edu. au)
Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
VCE VM is the alternative pathway to VCE in the Secondary School and provides students with a more practical work-related approach to their studies. VCE VM is a recognised senior secondary qualification and includes Literacy, Numeracy, Personal Development Skills (PDS), Work Related Skills (WRS) and other VCE subjects suited to individual student’s course requirements and/or needs.
Victorian Assessment Software System (VASS)
VASS is the administrative system that schools must use to enter all subjects and results which allow for the calculation of the VCE, VCE VM and VET certificates. Student Personal Details forms need to be completed and/or checked as per the request of the VCE Coordinator periodically throughout the year. Students must ensure that they use their legal name (as per Births, Death & Marriages) and ensure that any update to names and addresses are submitted to the VCE Coordinator promptly. For important administrative dates refer to the College Calendar.
Vocational Education and Training Delivered in Secondary Schools (VETDSS)
VETDSS provides certificate level courses undertaken as part of senior secondary education and can form part of either VCE or VCE VM.
Ballarat Christian College is a member school of the Highlands LLEN VET Cluster. Through this cluster arrangement, our students can access a wide variety of courses for an additional cost to the student as part of their subjects.
