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Lesson Planning
Students with additional needs often effectively participate in the regular coursework through modifications and additional support. However, some students require programs that entail substantial or extensive educational adjustments which would be agreed through an IEP.
Home tutors have the option to request ‘Observer’ access to our Learner.Link platform. As an observer, you will have the ability to track your student’s progress and participation in learning activities and assessments assigned by the teacher. Additionally, you will receive notifications for upcoming deadlines and availability of assessment feedback.
SWANs is the name given to the Groves Distance Education enrichment program for Students With Additional Needs. The SWANs program refers to custom learning arrangements which support those students.
Students eligible for verification through Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is a comprehensive and substantial plan tailored to meet their high needs and provide necessary support. All students requiring any form of educational support, whether it be for a temporary health concern or a long-term condition or diagnosis, receive a Negotiated Education Plan (NEP). Both plans cater to students across cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and sensory categories, and are individually developed in consultation with families to facilitate their education access.
It is recommended that students are actively engaged in schooling for 25 hours a week (this includes curriculum-based excursions, workshops, study days and Teaching and Learning sessions). Families are offered a flexible timetable that allows them to fit this schooling around extra-curricular activities and family schedules.
Groves Distance Education courses are delivered through our online platform ‘Learner Link’ along with traditional textbooks and workbooks that are aligned with the Australia Curriculum.
Each year the college subscribes to a selection of online learning programs that provide our Distance Education students and families with supplementary resources that support student learning. These programs are an important component of the course work and often assist students to consolidate learning concepts through additional practice and repetition.
Yes, within some conditions. Students are able to complete course work while temporarily travelling outside of Queensland. Any travel plans for extended periods of time will be determined and approved by the Head of School beforehand based on a number of factors.
Home tutors are expected to review, grade, and provide regular feedback on their students’ daily learning activates, while teachers are responsible for grading and providing feedback on all assigned assessment tasks. The prompt, direct feedback from home tutors enables learning progress. Teacher grading informs the report card subject results.
Teaching and Learning sessions are scheduled video chat sessions conducted through Microsoft Teams. The frequency of these sessions vary depending on the specific phase of learning. In Primary school (Prep to Year 6), students engage in individual sessions with their home class teacher throughout the semester. For Secondary school (Year 7 to 12), regular group chat sessions are timetabled to effectively deliver core concepts. These sessions are scheduled at specific times and may be recorded for students who cannot attend for legitimate ‘absence’ reasons (eg. sickness). In addition to these group sessions, periodic catch-ups with the home class teacher are also utilised. Our teaching and learning sessions are designed to support students through their online lessons in Learner Link. These sessions with Groves teachers ensure course delivery, feedback and progress, which is complemented by home tutors. Throughout each phase of learning the teaching and learning sessions look slightly different.
Yes, it is expected that all students will actively engage in online Teaching and Learning sessions on a regular basis. In cases where participation is not possible, it is important to inform the teacher in advance, providing a brief explanation for the absence, similar to absence in a Day School class. This enables the teacher to be aware of student engagement and support them in their learning.
Requirements of the Home Tutor
Home tutors assume the role of tutoring, supporting, guiding, and monitoring their students’ coursework. This position demands time, commitment, and effective planning, along with the capacity to maintain open and regular communication with the teaching staff.
While teachers are accessible during school hours to address any queries your child may have, parents have a crucial role in ensuring their child’s safety and well-being. As students possess diverse learning requirements, some may necessitate additional support and assistance, which may involve a more hands-on approach as determined by the home tutor in discussion with the Groves teacher. As students progress through different phases of learning, they gradually require less guidance and assistance, working together with greater independence.
It is recommended that students are actively engaged in schooling for 25 hours a week (this includes curriculum-based excursions, workshops, study days and Teaching and Learning sessions). Families are offered a flexible timetable that allows them to fit this schooling around extra-curricular activities and family schedules.
Yes. As one of the main modes of delivery of our Distance Education program, families are required to regularly access and complete the online material. In Primary School the content will often be facilitated by the home tutor, however Secondary students will be more independent in their participation.
No, families have the flexibility to create a customised timetable that accommodates their other commitments. However, students are expected to adhere to the course schedule by completing weekly coursework, meeting assignment deadlines, and actively participating in Teaching and Learning sessions.
Primary students can share a device as long as it meets the specifications outlined in the Technology Requirements for Online Studying. Secondary students are required to have their own dedicated device. You can find the recommended minimum device specifications here.
Certain subjects require software that exclusively operates on the Windows platform. Due to this requirement, we strongly recommend using a Windows-based computer. Although students may be able to perform most activities using a Mac OS X computer, it is important to note that it is not fully supported.
Yes. To participate in our online program, students must have consistent, frequent access to a computer. However, please note that our systems are not compatible with Apple Mac products.
Attendance at most Distance Education events is highly recommended, but not compulsory. Some subjects in Senior Phase may require compulsory participation, such as the Year 12 Biology camp as it may be a requirement for an assessment task.
No. All Groves DE students are enrolled on a full time basis.