FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: DISTANCE EDUCATION

1. Initial Enquiries

1.1 I lack confidence. Will I be able to teach my children at home?

It is natural for people to doubt their own ability and some parents do feel apprehensive about starting distance education, especially if their children have already been at a traditional school. However, most are greatly encouraged when they learn that Australian Christian College provides full teacher support for all students. Both parents and students can contact the college for academic or education support during normal school hours. (See also parent training 2.4)

1.2 What if my child has learning difficulties?

Many of our families choose distance education specifically because their child has learning difficulties and they believe that a quiet, one to one learning environment is best for their child’s development. If you enroll your child with ACC-Southlands you will be working in partnership with one of our staff who has over 20 years experience in special needs education. By using the diagnostic testing, students are placed at a level where they can achieve.

1.3 I don’t know if I have the right personality for distance education.

We recognize that distance education does not work for every family. This is something each family must work through for themselves. Our commitment will be to give your family the best support that we possibly can.

1.4 My child is highly motivated, and we both work. Can distance education work for us?

In order to obtain the best results for your child, we require a parent or approved guardian to supervise their child during the day. Students need adult supervision for learning and accountability. A small number of students are able to do their studies at their parent’s place of employment if a quiet comfortable location can be found.

1.5 What happens if we are travelling around the country?

A number of families have found that distance education is ideally suited to a 3-6 month caravan trip around Australia. Tes ts can be posted in and newsletters can be sent by email.

1.6 What if my child is academically gifted?

Our program and curriculum is ideally suited for gifted students who are able to proceed at their own pace. Our youngest year 12 graduate was only 11 years of age.

1.7 Are there discounts for low income families?

Yes. Please make enquiries at the time of your application.

1.8 Do we need a computer and internet access?

At this stage we do not require computer and internet access. However this policy is under review as we are now offering an increasing quantity of our curriculum on-line.

1.9 What reasons do people give for joining?

There are six primary reasons for parents choosing distance education for their children.

To provide a Christian education
To disciple and train their children.
To maintain high literacy and numeracy for their children,
To promote the social development of their children and to avoid negative peer influences.
For pragmatic reasons such as being unable to afford other private education, or being too far from a school.
To meet the special educational and health needs of their child.

1.10 What are some of the positives of distance education for parents?

Some parents have commented:

The mornings are much more peaceful.
My children are flourishing academically as never before.
My day is more flexible.
My child and I have access to trained teachers as necessary.

My children are less stressed.
I am learning with my children at the same time.
We enjoy the birds, the wind and the little things more.
We have less conflict at home.
We pray together more.
I save two hours each day dropping off and picking up the children from school.

1.11 What are some of the negatives of distance education?

Some parents have commented:

I am no longer working part time so it has been a challenge financially.
I get very tired at times.
I miss adult interaction.
Sometimes we have days I’d rather forget.
We have received a few negative comments from family and friends.

1.12 What are the common mistakes that people make when first starting?

Expecting too much of their children initially.
Being reluctant to ask for help or advice.
Expecting their children to work without adequate supervision.

1.13 How long does it take for children to adjust from a normal school to distance education?

This varies on the amount of time the child has been at school and how peer dependent the child has become. Some children take 2-6 weeks to settle, while others are enthusiastic from day one.

1.14 My child is worried about losing her friends. What can I say to her?

She will still be able to see her friends after school and on week-ends. She will also meet new friends at activity days and on-line at vcampus.

1.15 My child has learnt virtually no grammar and is in year 9, how will he cope?

We have a six month intensive grammar course which will cover all the important aspects of grammar that your child has missed in school.

1.16 What is the difference between home education and distance education?

Distance education is the educational practice where students are enrolled in a School of Distance Education (SDE) and do their academic work at home. The SDE provides the educational program and the teachers, and the students study at home under the supervision of their parents as home tutors.

Home educated students are taught at home by their parents and have no formal relationship with a school. The students may join with others for formal instruction by qualified teachers but the parents take full responsibility for the provision of the curriculum planning for their child.

According to the WA Education Act these home educated students should be registered with the Education Department and be moderated by an employee of the Department at least once per year.

1.17 What happens if due to family circumstances we have to put our children back into a traditional school?

We have heard no reports of former students finding difficulty in returning to a traditional school or in being disadvantaged socially or academically. On the other hand quite a few parents have commented that their children were advanced in their classes when they returned to a traditional classroom.

1.18 I don’t feel confident to teach my children all the secondary subjects. How will I cope?

We encourage parents and students to contact us by phone, email or internet for academic help. Students are given one to one tuition until understanding is gained.

1.19 We have an only child. Will he get lonely?

About 40% of our families have only one child enrolled. We encourage these children to be involved in our activity days and our school camp. WA has a strong home school community (Home Based Learning Network and Perth Home Educators Network) and our students are welcome to be part of activities run by these groups. We also are able to advertise new families in our newsletter who would like to be contacted by those living nearby.

1.20 I am not very organized. How will I cope?

We provide parent training as part of our enrollment process. Parents are also able to call during normal school hours for support and advice. At activity days parent seminars are held giving useful information and tips on how to be better supervisors and deal with common problems.

1.21 I am not the parent but the legal guardian of the child. Is the child under my care allowed to do distance education?

Yes.

1.22 We are on a working 457 visa, can we do distance education?

Yes.

1.23 We would like to send our children to your school but we live overseas. Can we do distance education?

Yes. If you are Australian citizens and have been permanent residents of Western Australia your children may join.

1.24 We are on student visas, can our children do distance education?

Yes. However you will need to pay full fees as the school receives no government funding for your children.

1.25 My child’s father has little contact with my child. Do I need to have his permission to do distance education?

If another parent has joint custody then their permission is recommended. If you have sole custody their permission is not required.

1.26 I must work but I have good friends/relatives that are willing to supervise my children during school hours. Is this possible?

This is not normally recommended, however it may be possible in extenuating circumstances. Any person who supervises enrolled students must have completed the prescribed training course.

1.27 Who is joining ACC - Southlands?

40% of our enrollments are from the home education community;

20% of our enrollments are from Christian schools;

20% of our enrollments are from State schools;

20% of our enrollments are commencing from pre- primary.

1.28 Will we qualify for government benefits?

Your family should receive the same entitlements that children attending other private schools in WA would obtain.

1.29 We are mid-way through a family crisis and the children are struggling in all areas. Will provision be made for our circumstances?

ACC –Southlands is committed to providing the best possible academic and pastoral care that is possible to all our families. Students who are struggling because of a family crisis will be given extra support and their academic program may need to be adjusted accordingly.

1.30 Does distance education work for everyone?

No. We recognise that our program does not suit every child or every family. Distance education is a major commitment for everyone that commences. For those who are not already home educating it will also often involve a major lifestyle change. Despite this, many of our families have told us the blessings outweigh the challenges. May the Lord bless you in whichever decision you make for the education of your family.

1.31 Can we enroll our child part time?

Yes, but as far as the government is concerned a child will be attending only one school full time. This means that a child who is enrolled part time with ACC must be also enrolled full time at another school.

1.32 How much will it cost?

Details of enrolment and term fees can be found on the Fee Payment Form. A summary of all costs are given on pages 6-7 of our distance education Prospectus.

1.33 Will my child miss out on developing social skills being taught at home?

This is the most frequently asked question by prospective parents.

Below are some observations that parents may wish to consider:

Distance educated and home educated students are often more mature as they spend more time interacting with adults.
Traditionally schooled students usually only associate and interact with other students within a narrow age range of themselves. (You will rarely see a year 3 student playing with a year 6 student in the playground.)
Research has shown that home educated students are better able to find non-violent solutions to conflict situations.
The social skills developed in a traditional school are not always positive.
Some distance educated students can be very shy and find social situations difficult. This may also be true for some students in traditional schooling.
Traditionally schooled students are often faced with bullying. This has been shown to affect some for the rest of their lives.
It is better to have one friend than a hundred acquaintances.
We lose contact with most of our school friends. We have family for life.
As a nation we have a greater need for people that can live with each other in true relationship than for people that can meet socially.

1.34 What is your key Scripture motto?

Deut 6:6-7 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

1.35 We currently home educate. If we join ACC-Southlands will we still be getting a moderator visit?

No. These visits are no longer required if your children join our college. We will send a transfer note to the relevant Education District Office once your enrollment is processed.

1.36 What should I say to skeptical friends and relatives?

I believe that this is the best thing I can do for my child at this time. No-one knows, or cares, for my child like me. I know I that it sounds strange, but with God’s help and the school’s support I am confident that I am doing the right thing. I would also appreciate your support if you could encourage my children in their reading, sport or after school activities…

2. Enrolment Queries

2.1 What is the enrolment process?

Send in the application.
Diagnostics and parent training arrive (allow one week)
Complete diagnostics and parent training (allow 1-2 weeks)
Academic prescription (allow one week)
First order arrives (allow 2 weeks)

Total time from enrolment to first order: 4-6 weeks

2.2 Can we start during the school term?

Yes, enrolment is open throughout the year.

2.3 Can I enroll online?

Yes. All three forms, Affiliation, Student Enrolment and Fee Payment can be downloaded from this website. These completed forms may be faxed to our office.

2.4 What training do I need to do?

There are two self-instructional workbooks which need to be completed by the parent who will be doing the supervision. These will show you how to be a parent supervisor and how to help your child through our academic program. Most parents are able to complete the training in five 2 hour sessions.

2.5 What are the diagnostics tests?

Students who join ACC-Southlands take a series of diagnostic tests to determine accurate placement in the curriculum. Because the English and math diagnostic tests are skill specific, they identify not only placement but also gaps in learning. The social studies and science test measures students’ reading ability and indicates the students’ appropriate grade level placement. The Word Building test evaluates spelling ability and indicates appropriate grade level placement. Once students are placed appropriately, the curriculum builds skills and educational mastery in students at each level.

2.6 How long do the diagnostic tests take?

Allow 3-5 days. Students do not need to complete each diagnostic in one sitting.

2.7 I have used Accelerated Christian Education previously. Am I entitled to a discount?

If you have been previously enrolled with ACA or ACASDE or another ACC school your child may not need to do a diagnostic test. This will depend on how long he or she has been away from the ACE curriculum. If a diagnostic test is not needed, you will receive a discount. If you have an ACE parent training certificate, you will also receive a discount.

2.8 Can I join if we are not regular church attendees?

Yes. However parents should be aware that the course presents a Biblical worldview and that the curriculum has a strong Christian message.

2.9 Is there an open enrolment policy for distance education?

Yes, there is an open enrolment policy. Parents are required to read and affirm the parent agreement which is part of the Affiliation Form.

2.10 Do both parents have to do the training?

No, only the parent supervising the child is required to complete the training although both parents are welcome to do the course.

2.11 Do I need to send the original birth certificates?

No. Copies of birth certificates or a current passport are acceptable.

2.12 My child has just turned 19, can I enroll her?

Children aged 19 and over can enroll with Australian Christian Home Schooling but not with Australian Christian College.

2.13 Do I need to send in my child’s previous school reports?

If these are available, we request that a copy of their most recent school reports is included with your application.

3. Curriculum Questions

3.1 What is a PACE?

Each booklet of instruction is a Packet of Accelerated Christian Education and is referred to as a PACE.

3.2 How Christian is the curriculum?

The curriculum presents a Biblical worldview and fully integrates Christianity into every facet of each PACE. Our year 12 graduates will often have a Bible knowledge equivalent to a first year Bible college student. But perhaps more importantly, we often see that their character reflects the 60 Biblical character traits that are integral to the ACE curriculum.

3.3 How much time should each child spend on the curriculum?

A suggested daily program can be viewed here.

3.4 What are the core subjects?

Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies and Word Building are the five core subjects. Creative writing and Literature are also highly recommended. In addition to these, there are over forty electives to choose from.

3.5 How do I order the curriculum?

Your first order which normally will be sufficient for three months will be done for you by our staff. You will then be able to place your own orders by phone, mail or internet.

3.7 How many PACEs should my child finish each year?

On average a primary aged student would complete 60 PACEs per year and a secondary student 72 PACEs per year.

3.8 Can we receive credit for TAFE courses?

Yes. TAFE courses are usually accepted for graduation credit. An application for a non-ACE course should be submitted before the student commences the course.

3.9 Does the curriculum work for all children?

There is no curriculum that is successful for every child. This curriculum is specifically designed for students as individuals, and so it is very useful in meeting the needs of many students. If you find that your child is struggling we ask that you would inform our staff who will make every effort to be of assistance.

3.10 My children are very creative. How will the curriculum suit them?

All students need a combination of structured learning and creative time. Our curriculum will supply the structure that they need. Our staff will be able to provide suggestions and some modifications to the curriculum for students who thrive on thinking outside of the box.

3.11 Can I re-use PACE’s for my younger children?

The score keys can be re-used but our license agreement with our supplier indicates that the PACE’s are not to be re-used or sold.

3.12 When I finish with the score keys with my youngest child am I able to sell them?

Yes, we will advertise your used scored keys in our newsletter.

3.13 What Australian PACEs are available?

Australian History, upper school Mathematics, Senior Modern History, Geography and all currency and measurement PACE’s were written in Australia.

3.14 What is the pass mark for PACE tests?

Year 3 and below require 90%. Year 4 and above require 80% for a pass. All Word Building PACE’s require 90%.

3.15 What happens if my child is failing tests regularly?

There are a number of steps that our staff can recommend to guarantee an improvement in your child’s performance.

3.16 How does goal setting work?

From about year two, each child is expected to set and complete their own daily goals. This goal setting is supervised by the parent and is an important step towards a student’s maturity and productivity.

3.17 Will the program help my child to grow in Christian character?

The ACE curriculum has certain disciplines built into its procedures such as goal-setting, periodic scoring of academic work by the student, and correcting of all incorrect answers. Each PACE presents one of 60 Biblical Character Traits and contains a verse of Scripture that the student memorizes as the foundation of the trait. The character traits are then modeled throughout the PACEs in cartoon strips. This allows the students to see "good behavior" in action. In the high school English PACEs there are "Wisdom Inserts" to help teens use the Scripture they have learned and apply the Scripture principles to life situations.

3.18 I have a student who is not performing at the same level in all subjects. What will happen in this situation?

The diagnostic tests will determine the specific skills that need to be learned in each subject area. Curriculum can be ordered based upon the results of the diagnostic tests. If there is a desire to bring lower performance levels up to the student's chronological level, the student will need to complete more pages per day in the lower numbered PACEs.

3.19 What are the pathways to university for students at ACC-Southlands?

There are several pathways to universities in WA for students at ACC-Southlands. An explanation of these is available in the November, 2008 Newsletter. Staff are available to help with career choice and assisting each individual student with university entrance.

3.20 My child has just turned four. Is this too young to start?

Our kindergarten program is designed for children who do not know any letters or sounds. Some parents choose to start this course when their children are 3 ½ years of age at a gentle and slow pace. Others wait until their child is 5 ½ years and skip the kindergarten course completely. Please contact the college to discuss your child’s abilities and your wishes.

3.21 Are we permitted to use non-ACE curriculum?

An application for a non-ACE curriculum subject must be submitted on this form. Some courses have already been pre-approved. Please discuss your interest in using another course with the senior academic teacher.

4 General Questions

4.1 What are activity days?

These are events which are held in both in Perth and regional centres where students and parents meet and are able to participate in a full day of activities run by both staff and professional presenters. Upcoming events can be viewed on our announcements page .

4.2 What is involved in the annual awards and graduation night?

This annual event, held in Perth in January, is the highlight of the academic year where all students receive awards and graduates receive their graduation certificates. It is a formal occasion where staff wear academic gowns and graduates are challenged with an inspiring message.

4.3 What are attendance forms?

These forms should be filled in daily by the parent and mailed to the school at the start of each month. They are also available on our forms and documentation page.

4.4 What happens if my child is sick?

Simply mark the child as sick on the attendance form. The school must be informed if the sickness exceeds one week.

4.5 Will my children need to sit the National Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests?

Students who are in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are required to sit these tests.

4.6 What happens if my youngest child is six or more in age?

If your children are enrolled in distance education you will not lose Centrelink benefits if you child is enrolled at ACC-Southlands

4.7 What is the Taxation Education Refund?

The Taxation Education Refund is a refund which may be claimed at the end of the financial year. The ETR entitles you to claim 50% of eligible education expenses up to the maximum claimable amounts. These are:

$750 for each primary school child – that’s a maximum refund of $375 for each primary school child you have, and
$1,500 for each secondary school child – that’s a maximum refund of $750 for each secondary school child.

More information can be found at: www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au/home

4.8 At what age does a child qualify for Taxation Education Rebate?

If your child is in years 1-12 they will qualify for this rebate which is available even if you do not submit a tax return.

4.9 Can we get student ID cards?

Yes, please request an application form from the office

4.10 Can we apply for tax file numbers through the school?

Yes, please request an application form from the office.

4.11 Are you open during school holidays?

Yes, although we do close down for three weeks over the Christmas – New Year period.

4.12 What happens if we go overseas for two months?

PACES can be completed while overseas. If you stay more that two months overseas you will need to discuss your enrolment options with the Head of Distance Education.

4.13 What happens if I decide to return my child to a traditional school?

You may withdraw your child from ACC-Southlands Distance Education at any time. This must be done in writing.

4.14 Can my child do part time work?

Yes, provided it does not interfere with the number of days of school attendance.

4.15 What is the insurance policy for work experience?

The school has a policy which covers work experience. Please contact the school for an application form which must be completed before work experience can be approved.

4.16 Are my children covered by an insurance policy?

Yes, each student is covered by a 24 hour, 7 day a week insurance policy. A summary of the insurance policy is sent out in each information pack or can be requested separately.

4.17 I have just had a baby. Can we take a break from schooling for a few weeks?

We believe that a new baby in the house is a wonderful learning experience that many children never have the opportunity to enjoy. ACC-Southlands is family friendly and appreciates that academics may be reduced while life skills and family support take a priority when a new child is brought home.

4.18 I am divorced but my former husband would like a copy of all school reports. Is this possible?

Yes, we are able to send multiple copies of the student reports to parents who are separated or divorced.

4.19 I have finished my ABC’s program with my youngest child. Can I sell it?

Yes, there are always families wishing to purchase a used ABC’s program. We can advertise this in our newsletter.

4.20 What happens if I move interstate?

If you move to NSW or QLD you may simply transfer to ACC-Marsden or ACC-Moreton. If you move elsewhere in Australia you will be able to join Australian Christian Home Schooling.

4.21 Where should my child do their academic work?

The location should be in a well lit and ventilated area where the parent supervisor is able to easily view the student throughout the day. The child’s bedroom is generally not suitable.

4.22 What is student convention?

Student convention is where students 11 years and over, meet together once each year to compete in over 140 events in the following categories: Art, Craft, Academics, Music, Performing Arts, and Sport. There is also opportunity to compete in the South Pacific Student Convention, which is held every two years and International Convention which is held annually, in the United States. Guidelines can be found at www.spscguidelines.com

4.23 Is there any new curriculum being developed?

Yes. There are a number of staff writing and developing new curriculum. We expect new curriculum to be released by the end of 2009.

4.24 Is there any lesson preparation involved?

As a parent you will not be required to do any lesson preparation. The curriculum already prepared and is ready for immediate use. This is a great relief for parents who would otherwise feel overwhelmed by the onus of programming and the daily collection of materials for lessons.

4.25 How can I use my skills and knowledge with the program?

As a parent you will be able to add to the richness of the course in your 30+ interactions with your child throughout the day. When talking with your child you will share your life experiences and tips for successful living. You will be able to stop and show your child how something works or go outside to look at something in the garden that would just not be possible in a traditional classroom with 30 students.

4.26 What about free immunizations?

You will be able to get all the normal immunizations for your child from your local immunization clinic.

4.27 What about free dental health care?

Your child will be entitled to the same free dental health care as any other Australian child.

4.28 How often do I need to send in the tests?

Tests are sent in on the first day of every month.

4.29 Can my children get a student ID card?

Yes, please request a form and it will be sent out to you.

4.30 What about pen pals?

Students are able to put their details in our newsletter requesting a pen pal.

4.31 Is there an online forum for students?

Yes. All students are encouraged to join vCampus which not only has a fully moderated forum but extra activities which are linked to the PACEs and often provide a fun and interactive opportunity for extra learning and consolidation.

4.32 Does the college have a connection to a denominational church?

No, the college and the governing body, Christian Education Ministries has no denominational affiliation.

4.33 What is your statement of faith?

We believe in:

The inspiration of the whole Bible:

The one God, eternally existent Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Who created man by a direct, immediate act

The deity, pre-existence, incarnation, virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension to Heaven, and the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The fall of man, the need of regeneration by the operation of the Holy Spirit on the basis of grace alone, and the resurrection of all to life or damnation.

The spiritual relationship of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, living a life of righteous works, avoiding sin, witnessing of His saving grace through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

4.34 How will we be able to meet other families from the college?

This is done through activity days and by placing your name on a contact list in our newsletter.

4.35 Can children join the day school and the distance education school at the same time?

There are some families who live in Albany where one child attends the day school and another distance education. Some children will move from one to the other depending on family circumstances.