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Academic Matters
Course Progress for International Students at The Knox School
The Knox School will monitor, record and assess the course progress of each student for the course in which the student is currently enrolled.
The course progress of all students will be assessed at the end of each semester of enrolment. Students who have begun part way through a semester will be assessed after one full period of attendance. To demonstrate satisfactory course progress, students will need to achieve competency in at least 75% of units in any assessment period.
If a student does not achieve competency in at least 75% of units studied in an assessment period, The Head of House or Head of School, as might be appropriate, will meet with the student to develop an intervention strategy for academic improvement.
Intervention strategies might include:
• supervised study • tutorial assistance • other intervention strategies as deemed necessary including private tutoring at additional cost to the family
A copy of the student’s individual strategy and progress reports in achieving improvement will be forwarded to parents.
The student’s individual strategy for academic improvement will be monitored throughout the following semester by the assigned person; records of the student’s response to the strategy will be kept.
If the student does not improve sufficiently academically and achieve satisfactory course progress by the end of the next assessment period, The Knox School will advise the student in writing of its intention to report the student for breach of visa condition 8202, and that he/she has 20 working days in which to access the School’s internal complaints and appeals process.
The School will notify Department of Home Affairs via PRISMS of the student not achieving satisfactory course progress as soon as practicable where:
• the student does not access the complaints and appeals process within 20 days • the student withdraws from the complaints and appeals process or • the complaints and appeals process results in favour of the School.
The School will monitor, record and assess the course progress of each student for the course in which the student is currently enrolled.
Part of the assessment of course progress at the end of each semester will include an assessment of whether the student’s progress is such that they are expected to complete their course within the expected duration of the course.
The School will only extend the duration of the student’s study where the student will not complete their course within the expected duration due to:
• there are compassionate or compelling circumstances, as assessed by the School on the basis of demonstrable evidence, or • the School has implemented, or is in the process of implementing, an intervention strategy for the overseas student because the overseas student is at risk of not meeting course progress requirements, or • an approved deferral or suspension of the overseas student’s enrolment has occurred under the School s Deferring, suspending or termination of enrolment policy.
Where the School decides to extend the duration of the student’s study, the School will report via PRISMS and/or issue a new COE if required.
International Students Enrolling in VET Units, Higher Education or VSL Language Subjects
International students are enrolled in a full-time course of study provided by The Knox School, The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE is generally taken across two years (Years 11 and 12) and requires the successful completion of 16 VCE units of study. Successful completion of the VCE will earn students a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) qualification. Taking part in VCE examinations will enable students to obtain an Australian Tertiary Entrance Ranking (ATAR) that provides a pathway for enrolment to tertiary studies such as university. Students at The Knox School studying the VCE are required to meet both the attendance and academic progress requirements stated in the visa conditions.
International students can undertake individual Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETis) units or Higher Education (HE) subjects or specialised language subjects
as part of their study program and which will contribute towards achieving their VCE. VETis subjects provide a range of skills-based opportunities for students in a range of areas such as hospitality studies, which is the VETis area offered by The Knox School; HE subjects offer extension and first year credit towards university degrees.
The Knox School and the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) are not offering international students enrolled at The Knox School a VETis or HE qualification course and students will not receive a qualification in that course. Upon successful completion, students can be awarded a Statement of Attainment listing the VETis units they have completed. Should International students wish to study at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution following the completion of their VCE, they may enrol in a CRICOS VETis qualification and possibly receive Recognition for Prior Learning for the units they completed in their VETis subject.
International students undertaking the study of a language through the Victorian School of Languages, VETis units or any other courses that forms part of their VCE course (sometimes off campus) must first make enquiries with the Careers Development Practitioner, and then seek approval from the Principal via the Head of Senior School. The cost to undertake such study is included in the school’s total tuition fee and non-tuition course fees outlined in the Written Agreement when students first enrolled at The Knox School. Parents/students are not invoiced for extra fees or charges.
Changes to the course of study
All changes need to be discussed with the Head of the Senior School, Ms Suzanne van Strien and the Careers Practitioner, Ms Jacky Burton or Ms Toni-Ann Bright. If approved, a new timetable will then be processed and distributed.
School Reports
All School reports should be kept in a safe place. DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR REPORTS.
Language
International students are encouraged to speak English at all times. Persistent conversation in a foreign language without permission of the teachers could cause offence both to teachers and local students.
Parent – Teacher Interviews
Parent – teacher interviews are held twice a year. You will be sent an email with detailed information prior to interview time. You need to book interviews online via interview booking link (PTO) sent to you. International office can assist you with making bookings online if you require such assistance. Please be advised that you are to arrange for translators at the interview sessions to ensure that accurate messages from teachers are conveyed to you.
Information Technology
The Knox School is a digitally rich environment where engagement with learning technology is a normal aspect of student learning. The School’s use of technology throughout student learning programs is commensurate to the age group and mindful that technology is a tool to assist learning, not an end in and of itself.
Prep to Year 2
Years 3 to 6
Years 7 to 9 Class sets of iPads for use as part of a student’s learning program
One to One Laptop program whereby devices are owned by the School and loaned to students during the year. Students in Years 5 and 6 are permitted to take their device home in order to assist their learning, including opportunities for home learning
One to one laptop tablet program
Years 10 to 12 The Senior School Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program requires students to bring their own technology, such as a laptop, to assist in their learning.
