Cairns School of Distance Education CRICOS Registration Number 00608A

Address: Hoare Street, Manunda, Cairns PO Box 7092, Cairns Qld 4870 Telephone: 07 4080 9111 Facsimile: 07 4080 9100

Email: admin@cairnssde.eq.edu.au Website: http://www.cairnssde.eq.edu.au

Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of the Home Tutor

What responsibilities are expected of Cairns School of Distance Education parents / home tutors? A home tutor is expected to work collaboratively, supported by teachers, to ensure quality outcomes for their children / our Cairns SDE students by:

providing an appropriate, positive and enthusiastic learning environment in thehome

teaching focussed lessons as set out in the school’s individual curriculum learningprograms

ensuring that students are prepared for, and regularly attend online lessons

communicating with / making sure their child communicates regularly with theirteachers

marking the student’s work as indicated to ensure immediate feedback is given

providing timely feedback to your child’s teacher

caring for allocated school equipment and resources

upholding the common values and beliefs as agreed by the school communityand

treating all members of the school community with dignity and respect.

What are the time expectations of teaching my child through a school of distance education? The Cairns School of Distance Education is a State Government school, so the workload expectations are the same as for every other child in a public school in Queensland. This means normal school hours - five hours a day, five days a week. The minimum Australian National Curriculum (ACARA) requirements are: 25 hrs per week for 40 weeks from Prep to Year 9, with 38 weeks in Year 10.

With this in mind, so long as the time expectations and workload are covered – there is flexibility as to when and how the curriculum is delivered.

Is this ‘one on one’ time? When your child is in the early Primary years (Prep to Year 3) you will be expected to provide one on one time whilst directing your child’s learning. As your child moves through the school, this will lessen according to age and individual capability. In the Secondary years a home tutor is still required to supervise a child working from home, to ensure they stay on track and return work as expected according to their work rate calendar. Work return is a measure of attendance at Cairns SDE.

What does the Australian National Curriculum include? Curriculum at Cairns SDE aligns with the ACARA Version 8: https:/www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ More on Curriculum at Cairns SDE, including curriculum offerings, course overviews and the learning delivery model is available here: https://cairnssde.eq.edu.au/curriculum

Cairns School of Distance Education CRICOS Registration Number 00608A

Address: Hoare Street, Manunda, Cairns PO Box 7092, Cairns Qld 4870 Telephone: 07 4080 9111 Facsimile: 07 4080 9100

Email: admin@cairnssde.eq.edu.au Website: http://www.cairnssde.eq.edu.au

How about Technology requirements? It is expected that all students will have access to an up-to-date computer with a DVD/CD Rom drive, printer and scanner and an appropriate, reliable internet service. A headset / microphone are important too, for accessing audio through Collaborate. Student lessons are conducted using Collaborate Ultra (an electronic whiteboard). Lesson attendance is highly recommended, as this is the means by which teachers offer support and guidance for the work that is to be undertaken and submitted for formative and summative assessment.

Information Communication Technologies are crucial for your child to engage with Cairns SDE’s learning materials, which are highly interactive. Work return is preferred in a digital format. Every Cairns SDE student has their own EQ email address, which teachers will use as their contact. ICT’s are integral to learning at CSDE - ensuring prompt feedback and a supportive learning process. Care teachers will explain requirements further.

What skills are required for us to teach our children through the distance mode? Skills in organisation and time management are really important when learning at home. Developing a routine and negotiating a timetable with your child will make sure time is used wisely. It is essential that students are assisted to set realistic (SMART) goals in order to become self-motivated learners. It is essential that students develop appropriate work habits as well as the ability to use their strengths and learn from mistakes. Students (and families) need to understand that schooling is a priority and that appropriate time is be dedicated towards learning. Behaviour management skills are vital. Sometimes it can be hard to put on the ‘teacher’ hat. Setting ground rules, boundaries and expectations are essential as they ensure a positive learning environment for all. It is a whole lot easier to set these up first and provide the desired program flexibility later.

How important is communication? Communicating with your child’s teacher is absolutely vital. Teaching through Cairns SDE is a three-way partnership between student, home tutor and teacher. The teacher cannot know what is going on unless the home tutor or student takes the initiative to pick up the phone and call. If the work is not understood or the child is struggling and needs help for example, it is up to you or your child (as they gain independence) to seek assistance. Cairns SDE teachers are here to support both you, in the role of ‘teacher in the home’, as well as your student’s learning.

What support is available to home tutors? A great deal of support is available to home tutors - over the phone or email with Cairns SDE Teachers and Support Staff and via Home Tutor workshops provided during our field program – Let’s Connect Days, Annual May Camp, Mini-Schools and at the end of year Celebration program. Attendance at these events is highly recommended both for your child and for you. It is a time when learning is fostered and relationships enhanced.