Bedford College

At Bedford we understand that there may be times when learning and/or personal issues may affect your ability to undertake your training effectively.

The College has implemented a range of support services for students who have special needs, or require additional support and assistance to undertake or complete their learning. The College can provide students with mentoring, coaching and guidance on course content and effective learning and study techniques. We can also help with personal problems or concerns by referring students to the appropriate person and/or organisation.

At Bedford College we aim to provide a warm, friendly environment for students. Students find that they make friends very quickly and are supported by teachers, student services, our Chaplain, senior staff and other students. The College provides the opportunity to access welfare-related support services to assist with issues relating to course progress and attendance and accommodation issues. The following support is available to learners:

ACADEMIC COUNSELLING

Bedford College will assist students who require help in the learning process. Advice on academic issues can be provided by individual teachers. If the issue is with more that one unit (subject) students should address academic concerns to the Head Teacher who will advise what action to take.

PERSONAL COUNSELLING

Some students may experience unexpected personal problems when studying and counselling may be beneficial - particularly if the student is new to Sydney and living away from home, friends and family. Counselling can be for a variety of reasons, such as difficulty structuring a study routine, problems adjusting to living away from home, or other personal issues. Note: A list of counselling services is available in the Student Portal on Bedford Online (Moodle).

CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

The Bedford College Chaplain is a highly-trained professional who has long-standing experience in dealing with individuals of all ages - and especially students. The Chaplain is responsible for organising the weekly devotional and is available from 8.15am - 4.pm two days per week (one day at each campus). Students are encouraged to speak to the Chaplain who is able to provide counselling advice or just to lend an ear to those students wishing to have a friendly chat. Students may also email the chaplain at

ONLINE CLASSROOM (MOODLE)

Information and resources for every unit delivered at Bedford are uploaded onto Moodle (the Online Classroom). This allows students to supplement their classroom activities and provides opportunities for revision and research of the unit. Moodle is used by students to access their classrooms remotely outside normal class hours and perform the following:
• Access the Unit Outline which includes:
• unit information
• unit descriptor
• hours of study
• required textbooks
• assessment/assignment conditions, dates, methods/ modes & weighting, marking criteria
• trainer’s/assessors name
• Participate in forums, chat with the trainer or other students
• Leave/collect messages, etc.

SUPERVISED STUDY PERIOD

An optional Supervised Study Period is available every College day from 3.00pm – 4.00pm. It is designed to assist students to catch-up on missed work, revise or review work or speak one-on-one with a teacher about any concerns or questions regarding your course/unit. This service is provided to all students free of charge and every teacher is available during this period.

REFLECTION CLASS

A specialised reflection class is offered one afternoon per week for students who require extra assistance with course work, Language, Literacy & Numeracy or tuition in English terminology. Reflection Class supports learning and contributes to students increase in LLN skills.

INTERVENTION (STUDENTS AT RISK)

The following process will be applied for students considered to be ‘At Risk’ of non-completion of the course:

• A Student Intervention Form is initiated by the trainer who identifies the Student at Risk e.g. failing to demonstrate competence and/or insufficient academic progress or unacceptable attendance. The Form is given to the Head Teacher
• The Head Teacher arranges a meeting with the student to discuss ongoing learning options
• An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) may be devised by the Head Teacher
• A Special Consideration Form Request may be initiated by the Head Teacher or the student – seeking adjustments to the normal training and assessment plan to better suit the individual student’s learning needs (evidence of special needs must be provided)
• The student signs an agreement to abide by the conditions as per the ILP
• Student is given a copy of the IPL agreement
• Regular feedback meeting are arranged between the student and the Head Teacher to monitor progress and to ensure that the student remains on track

Students identified as ‘At Risk’ are discussed during course staff meeting - and if necessary the monthly Management Team Meeting - where strategies are discussed for implementation and ongoing monitoring of the student.

CENTRELINK

Centrelink may be able to assist you in payment for your training. Payments are in many instances in accordance to asset tests and may also be determined based on the number of hours undertaken. These may include:
• Youth allowance
• Austudy payment
• Newstart allowance
• ABSTUDY

You should discuss your own personal circumstances and opportunities with your local Centre link office.
Reading Writing Hotline http://www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au/ Phone: 1300 655 506

ADDITIONAL HELP WITH ACADEMIC MATTERS

• Discuss with your Head Teacher your options for further language literacy and numeracy development.
• Adult Migrant Education https://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/amep/
• Public Libraries - Talk to the Registrar about library services.