services and procedures 2011

8/8/2019 Services and Procedures 2011

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British International House; 130 Bryanston Drive; BryanstonPost: Private bag X 79; Bryanston; 2021; South AfricaTel: (011) 706 7199 Fax: (011) 706 4267 e-mail: [email protected]: www.bidc.co..za

Dean: Margaret Oshry (B.A ; UED; B. Ed; M. Ed)Academic Manager: Gerrit BlomBritish International Distance College (Pty) Ltd Registration: 2001/000603/07Directors : CM Oshry

GDE Registration: 400111 Umalusi: SCH 000361 PA

Cambridge International Examination centre number: ZA 057


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Contents

1. Welcome letter from Academic Manager

2. General Information

About Home schooling

College contact information

Staff information

Office hours

Website

Map

3. Student Advisors

The role of a student advisor

How to contact a student advisor

4. Tutors

The role of a tutor

Response time on queries

Private tuition

5. Work Programme

What is a work programme?

6. Assignments

About assignments

Response times

Past Paper Pack\ Memorandums


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7. Tutorials

What are tutorials?

Requirements for attending tutorials

Where are tutorials held?

8. Code Of Conduct

9. Exams

Exam Information

Concessions

Exam Times

Student Card

Alternative Venues

Exam timetableExam registration deadlines

Re - Writing exams

Remarking exams

Religious Holidays

Results

10.Carry Over

What is a carry over?

What are you entitled to?

11.Study Centre

How study centres operate?

Cambridge certified centres

List of all accredited centres

12.FAQs


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Dear Student

Welcome to the British International Distance College (BIDC)

We are proud to have been selected by the University of Cambridge to

offer this unique opportunity to provide you with up to date, quality distance

education of the highest international standards.

On completion of your selected courses you will have Cambridge University

International qualifications. BIDC students write examinations set and

marked by the Cambridge International Examinations board in the U.K.

Throughout the year student receive ongoing support from the highly

qualified and experienced British International Distance College Tutors in

Johannesburg.

As a registered student at BIDC you will be assigned your own Student

Advisor to assist you through your course at all times. Student Advisors

assist you with all queries and questions pertaining to your studies. You will

also have access to a Tutor for every subject for which you have registered

who will provide you with ongoing support via email or phone.

We are proud to have you as a student and trust that this will be a fruitful

relationship for you. The Student Advisors look forward to working with you

to ensure that you achieve your goals. We believe that by choosing BIDC asyour preferred education provider, you have taken a significant step toward

your future.

All the best for your selected courses!

Regards,

_______________

Gerrit Blom

Academic Manager


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2. General Information

About Home Schooling

Homeschooling or Distance learning is an educational alternative to

mainstream schooling. Homeschooling provides the same qualifications as

a student could achieve in the conventional schooling environments. The

Cambridge distance curriculum as offered by The British International

Distance College, provides students with international secondary school

qualifications.

Many families choose to homeschool their children to continue the parent

child relationship that has developed since birth. They see no reason to

end this just because the child has reached an age where they are now

required to attend a school. Providing better supervision over the courseof their childrens education serves as another important reason for

choosing homeschooling over the conventional schooling environment.

Knowing ones children better that anyone else allows parents to meet

their special needs and nurture their specific learning styles. The

flexibility that homeschooling provides also allows students to experience

and excel in all aspects of life.

College contact details

Office Line - (011) 706 7199

Fax Line 011 706 4267

Email [email protected]

Postal Address Private Bag X79.

Bryanston,

2021

Physical Address 130 Bryanston Drive,

Bryanston,

2021
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Staff Information

Dean of all BIC Colleges in South Africa Mrs. Oshry

BIDC Academic Manager Gerrit Blom

BIDC Student Advisors Marise Hanekom and Daniel Gardens

Office Hours

The British International Distance College is open during the following

hours:

Monday Friday 9:00 16.00

Please note: The College may open later or close earlier during vacation

periods (April, July and December). The College closes mid December for

3 weeks each year.

2.5 Website (www.bidc.co.za)

The British International Distance College website offers students and

parents the opportunity to always be notified about important matters at

BIDC. Parents may also access their childs information on their record

should you wish to change their details. Parents are also able to view the

latest Assignment results at their convenience.

To register for this online service you should contact your StudentAdvisor.


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Map

Map to the College

3.Student Advisors

The role of a Student Advisor

All students will be assigned a Student Advisor who will attend to and

follow up on all questions and queries. Students will be assigned a Student

Advisor alphabetically according to their surname.

Student Advisors will provide assistance for the following:

(a)Assisting you with academic advice and course\subject options.

(b)Answering all questions and queries pertaining to your course.

(c)Monitoring your performance by tracking your assignments and

results.(d)Providing a link between you and the Tutor (All requests for Tutor

assistance must go through your Advisor)


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How to contact a Student Advisor

You may contact your Student Advisor telephonically or via email.

Office: (011) 706 7199

E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

4 Tutors

4.1 The role of a Tutor

Tutors are available for each subject should you need any assistance

through the duration of the course. All our Tutors are highly qualified intheir specific field and look forward to assisting you when you require

help.

4.2Response time on queries

Tutors are on Campus twice per week excluding College vacations. Once a

message has been left for the Tutor to contact you, we expect they will

do so within 72 hours. If you have not heard from a Tutor by the end of

the third working day, please contact your Student Advisor.

4.3 Private Tuition

Tutors may be approached to provide private tuition. This is subject to an

additional fee stipulated by the Tutor. Please arrange this directly with

your Tutor as BIDC is not involved in this.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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5.Work Programme

How to use it:

As part of your course you should have received a Work Programme. This

is a week to week plan to follow in accordance with the Cambridge

syllabus provided in the Past Paper Pack. Following it will ensure that you

complete the course in good time to prepare thoroughly for your exams.

You will need to adjust this if you wish to accelerate or slow down. The

work programme refers you to all other materials included in the course.

At the back of your work programme you will find the Assignment Pack.

6. Assignments

About assignments

You will receive 6 assignments per subject to be completed well before

the exam is to be written. The assignments are then submitted to the

College and graded by the subject Tutor. Once the assignment has been

graded it is returned to you. It is important to complete your

assignments so that we can monitor your progress.

Response Times

Assignments have a minimum of 14 working days turn around time from

the date they are received at the College to the date they are

dispatched back to you. You will receive an email informing you that an

assignment has arrived or is being dispatched. You can also check your

assignment history to see when marks are logged. Please notify the

College if an assignment e mail back to you has not arrived. Please note

that there are certain times during the year when Tutors are on leaveand therefore the assignments will take longer to be graded. This occurs

during the first two weeks of April, the first three weeks of July and all

of December.


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Past Cambridge exam Paper

You will receive a past paper pack (PPP) containing 3 years of pastCambridge papers for every subject. The PPP should be used in

preparation for your exams and during Tutorials. At Cambridges request

there are no mark schemes included with your past Cambridge papers,

However mark schemes for Cambridge exam papers are discussed in

detail at your Tutorials.

7. Tutorials

7.1 What are Tutorials?

Tutorials are offered to all students able to attend before their final

exams are to be written. During Tutorials you will meet your Tutor and

your fellow students. Your Tutor will extensively cover all exam

preparation work and provide you with helpful hints and studying

suggestions for each subject. Please note that it is vital to bring your

past paper pack and Mock exam scripts to the Tutorials. Any syllabus

questions may also be discussed during Tutorials. Tutorials are a vital

part of your exam preparation and it is highly advisable to attend them.

There is no charge for attending Tutorials.

7.2 Requirements for attending Tutorials

All Work Programmes and Past Paper Packs, as well as your answers to

the Mock exam.

Registration for the subject for the following Cambridge exam

session.


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7.3 Where are Tutorials held?

Tutorials for all subject levels are conducted at the Bryanston campus

during April and September.

Tutorials in selected subjects may also be available in Cape Town and

Durban during April and September.

7.4 Timetable:

The tutorial timetable is constructed taking into account student subject

choices to ensure that every student can attend tutorials in all their

subjects. An effort is made to limit the length of time student are

required to be away from home if they live outside Johannesburg.

8. Code Of Conduct

Please refer to annexure 1.

9. Exams

9.1 Exam Entry

An Exam Entry application form is attached to this Services and

Procedures booklet. If you require another one, please email a request to

your student advisor who will ensure that the BIDC exams office will

provide you with one. If you are not writing in a particular sitting please

do not complete or submit the exam entry form.

Once the application for Exam Entry form has been completed please

make payment of the relevant examination fees (these will be publishedon our website two weeks before the deadline and also emailed to all

registered students). Students must return both the completed and

signed entry form along with proof of payment to the College. Any late

entries received after the deadline has passed will be processed for a

period but incur expensive penalties levied by Cambridge.


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It is advised that the documents be faxed to (011) 706 4267 or e mailed

to [email protected]. You will be emailed within 48 hours of our

receipt of your form and proof of payment. If you do not hear from the

College by then, please contact your Student Advisor urgently.

BIDC will provide you, within a month of entry, with your Statement ofEntry from Cambridge which confirms your entry and provides you with

your exam dates and times.

Please note: You can only register for the exams listed on your Exam

Entry form. If a subject does not appear on your exam entry form, please

contact your Student Advisor who will gladly assist you.

9.2 Concessions

Should a student need a concession for their exam (eg. extra time) based

on medical or psychological grounds the College can assist the student by

applying to Cambridge for special conditions. Please ensure that the

required medical documents accompany the completed exam form. The

BIDC Exams officer can assist you with this.

9.3 Exam Timetables

Once you receive your Statement of Entry you will see the following timesessions:

AM This sessions starts at 9:30 (subject to change)

PM This sessions starts at 13:30 (subject to change)

NOTE:if you are writing at a special alternative exam venue you may benotified of a slightly later start


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9.4 Student Card

A student card is a photographic form of identification and is a necessity

for every exam you write and tutorial you attend. No student ispermitted to write the exam should he\she not be in possession of a valid

2011 student card.

The student card will be made for you once you provide 2 ID photos to

the College.

9.5 Alternative Venues

If students prefer not to write exams at the British InternationalCollege campuses in JHB, there will be a list of alternative centres

stipulated on the Examination Entry form. Should you wish to write an

exam at an alternative venue, there will be additional costs incurred over

and above the Cambridge exam fees. This additional cost covers venue,

courier and invigilation fees.

Please note that Orals\Practical exams may only be conducted at the

Bryanston Campus or Pretoria Campus.

Please check your Cambridge syllabus to see whether you will have anOral or practical examination in a subject so that you can plan

accordingly.

9.6 Exam Registration Deadlines

The deadline for registering for the May\June exams is the 31 January.

The deadline for registering for the October \ November exams is the

31 May.


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9.7 Exam Timetable

Your exam timetable will be sent to you as your Cambridge Statement of

Entry.

Note: If payment is late the exam entry cannot be sent to Cambridge

until it is received.

9.8 Re Writing Exams

If a subject is failed or if a student wishes to write again in order to

achieve a higher grade, it may be written in the next available exam

sitting within the course period of registration for that course. Please

contact a Student Advisor for further information. If it is to be written

outside of the period of the academic year for which the student is

registered at BIDC, registration for carry over applies.

9.9 Results and Queries \ Questions

An application for a re mark is to be submitted to Cambridge

along with payment. The Student Advisors or Academic Manager

will assist you with this.

9.10 Religious Holidays

Should your exam fall on a religious holy day according to your

religious beliefs, please contact the BIDC Exams officer in writing

([email protected]) as soon as you receive your Statement of

Entry. Cambridge does not normally change a students exam timetable on

these grounds.9.11 Results

Results for all Cambridge and College exams will be available from theBIDC Exams Officer or the Academic Manager. Results are never given

telephonically. BIDC will e-mail them to you. You may request:

(i) That the Statement of Result should be sent by registered post

(ii) That it be handed to a courier or another party who will collect on

your behalf


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For Exams written in the May\June sitting:Results will be available mid

August.

For Exams written in the October \ November sitting: HIGCSE results

will be available in December. All other results will be available mid to

late January

10. Carry Overs

10.1 What is a carry over?

A carry over refers to any subject where, following registration in a

particular academic year, the exam has not been written and the subject

needs to be continued into the second academic year. There is a fee

payable for carrying over any subject. Please contact your StudentAdvisor or look on our website for this information. Your Student Advisor

will ensure that you have fulfilled the necessary prerequisites for the

carry over to take place.

10.2 What does a carry over offer you?

The carry over entitles you to the following:

(a)The syllabus for the new academic year.(b)The latest available Cambridge past exam papers

(c)Continued access to your Tutors

(d)The submission and marking of any assignments not previously

submitted

(e)Attendance at Tutorials

(f)The facility to enter and sit Cambridge examinations via our College


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11. Study Centre

11.1How do Study Centres operate?

The Study Centres offer a service to students who would like supervision

of their studies, have the social interaction of studying in a group and/or

the academic support of face to face tutors. The Study Centres also help

the students to submit assignments and any other administrative

documentation. Each Study Centre has their own schedule and adds value

in their own way. You need to visit the Study Centre you are interested in

attending and discuss your needs with the Head of the Study Centre.

11.2 BIDC accredited centres

All our accredited Study Centres are inspected and monitored by theCollege prior to accreditation which is renewed annually. Do ask to see

their current certificate of accreditation. We cannot recommend

unregistered centres.

11.3 List of all Study Centres

Please consult the BIDC website for a full listing of all our currently

accredited Study Centres.


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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I contact my Tutor(s)?

You can e-mail your Tutors at any time throughout the year for advice and

help. You may phone (011 7067199) or fax (011 706-4267) your Student

Advisor at British International Distance College during office hours and

leave a message for your Tutor to contact you. The Tutors have set timeseach week when they respond to student queries. There is no additional fee

for this service. You may [email protected]

[email protected]

2. Are the BIDC courses online?

The British International Distance College prescribes textbooks

recommended by Cambridge International Examinations and supplements

these with detailed weekly work programmes, assignments, syllabi, past

examination papers and any additional notes the Tutor feels may assist youwith that particular subject.

3. Do I need a student card and how much is it?

Students must have a student card for the purpose of identification at all

tutorials and Cambridge examinations. Students will not be allowed to write

examinations without producing a student card. This is a Cambridge ruling.

There is no cost for the card. The student does have a responsibility

however, to supply the British International Distance College with two

recent passport size photographs (in black and white or colour) whensubmitting their examination entry form. Replacement cards cost R20.

4. Are the Cambridge qualifications recognised by South African

Universities?

Yes. The Cambridge Higher International General Certificate of Secondary

Education (HIGCSE) and the AS level are equivalent to the South African

Grade 12 and are recognised by the Matriculation Board (HESA) for

Exemption purposes. Please note that to attain a Matriculation with

Exemption you will need to fulfil the requirements prescribed by HESA.Please contact your Student Advisor for guidance or the HESA website.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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5. Are the HIGCSE Examinations being phased out?

Examinations in certain HIGCSE subjects will only be offered till the end of

2010. BIDC now also offers the AS Level courses. Both qualifications are

widely accepted by the Universities and can be mixed in any combination.

6. What does exam sitting mean?An exam sitting is a time set by Cambridge when a particular subject is

examined at a Cambridge Centre. (eg. May\June is a sitting as is

October\November)

7. What do the tutorials cost?

The cost of tutorials forms part of the course fee and there is no additional

cost for tutorials held at the College. The tutorials are offered in April and

September for students who are registered to sit examinations in May or

November respectively. They focus on intense examination preparation.

8. What is meant by a carry-over subject and do I need to re-

register?

Any subject that a student is registered for remains valid for two academic

years. This means that there is the option to carry-over or continue with

that subject after the first academic year of study should a student not

have completed the course in thatyear. Should students wish to carry-over

any subject/s they would need to re-register in the second academic year

and only pay the annual registration and carry over fees. This will allow astudent to continue to submit assignments not completed in the previous

year and receive ongoing support from the Distance College. This will also

enable a student to submit a Cambridge examination entry. A student who

successfully completes a subject within one year and achieves the desired

result would not need to carry-over that subject to the next year and would

proceed to the next level.

9. Must I take a second language?

Yes. The Matriculation Board (HESA) requires that a first language andanother language form part of a students choice of subjects in order to

qualify for Matriculation Exemption.


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10. Must I do the IGCSE level?

Students must have completed either Grade 11 or the IGCSE level before

proceeding to HIGCSE or AS level. IGCSE not only prepares them

academically for the HIGCSE/ AS level, but the IGCSE results must

accompany university applications. This determines acceptance for the

students tertiary studies before the HIGCSE/ AS level results are availableand is therefore imperative.

11. What age should I be to start the Cambridge programme?

The Cambridge programme is aimed at students of high school going age in

their teenage years. Please contact a Student Advisor for assistance, as

they will be able to assess, recommend and advise each student where to

start.

12. What are the payment options?Payments can be made by: electronic funds transfer (EFT), direct deposit

into the British International Distance College bank account, credit card or

cheque. We do not accept cash. We are only able to ship study material

after a standard 10 day clearing period, when payment is tendered by

cheque. Proof of payment must accompany your registration form.

13. If I have two children, can they share the same course?

Students cannot share one course, but need to each purchase their own

course material. Where textbooks are duplicated however new books maybe returned to the Bookshop. This is solely at the discretion of the

Bookshop. Books must remain in mint condition for refund which takes place

via the Bookshop not via BIDC.

14. How can I get in touch with other distance students?

The Orientation Day held on an annual basis and tutorials held in April and

September for students entered to write examinations are great ways of

meeting other distance students. Students are welcome to supply contact

details to British International Distance College to post on the website sothat other students can contact them should they so wish.

15. How is BIDC affiliated with Cambridge?

The British International Distance College is a proud to be an accredited

supplier of Cambridge study material in South Africa. Our centre number is

ZA 057 The Cambridge philosophy of education provides courses which are


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demanding, challenging and thoroughly prepares students for tertiary study

and the demands of modern life.

It was announced in 2003 that in recognition of the work the British

International College has done in promoting the Cambridge philosophy in

South Africa it has been awarded Cambridge International Fellowship

Centre status. There are only a few Cambridge International Centres

worldwide to be granted this prestigious status, which is akin to a hotelbeing awarded 5 stars.

16. Do you offer A-levels?

The British International Distance College does offer many subjects at AS

level which is the first half of A Level. The second half of A levels can only

be done by attending the Full time College in Bryanston (011 706 7775)

17. Are HIGCSE and A Levels the same?

HIGCSE and A Levels are not the same. The HIGCSE course is theequivalent of Grade 12. A levels are the equivalent to Grades 12 and 13 (first

year university). AS levels, the first half to A levels, is equivalent to grade

12.

18. Can I study overseas with Cambridge qualifications?

Yes, Cambridge qualifications not only give students direct entrance to

universities in Southern Africa, but also internationally. Please contact the

University of your choice for their admission requirements.

19. I struggle with examination technique, what should I do?

The past examination packs that students are issued with at registration

includes three years of past Cambridge examination papers per subject. By

going through these papers students can familiarise themselves with the

format, content and time constraints they will face when writing their

examinations. These are invaluable to students in improving their

examination technique and confidence. Also see the Study Tips booklet, ask

your Student Advisor if you did not receive one. Each year we run tutorials

and attending these will also improve your marks.

20. When must I enter if I would like to write Cambridge

examinations?

Deadline dates for entering to write Cambridge examinations are supplied on

the front of the Work Programmes issued for every subject.


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21. What happens to my exam entry should I decide to withdraw from

an examination?

Students who withdraw from an examination will not be automatically

entered at the next session, but will have to re-apply for a future sitting and

pay the necessary examination fees again. All withdrawals must be in writing.

22. Can I change the time or date of a Cambridge examination?Cambridge examinations have to be written at the set time and date. These

cannot be changed.

23. What does AM and PM mean on my Statement of Entry?

AM means 08H30

PM means 13H00

NOTE: if writing at an alternative venue, these may differ.

24. How do I know the length of each examination that Ive entered

for?

You can establish how long an examination you have entered for will be by

consulting your syllabus.

25. Are mark schemes available for the Cambridge papers?

Some mark schemes are available for the Cambridge papers. These are

shared with students at the tutorials.

26. Can I contact Cambridge directly?

No. Please do not contact Cambridge directly, as the Cambridge Centre

where you are registered is there to act on your behalf and to answer your

questions. CIE does not liaise directly with students and/or parents.

27. Does BIDC have accommodation and transport facilities?

We do have a list of recommended B&Bs and transport providers who can

assist you.

28. Do I have to do orals and practical examinations at the College in

Bryanston or Pretoria?

You are expected to do all orals and practical examinations at the College in

Pretoria or Bryanston. The HIGCSE Physical Science practical examination

must be completed at one of the College campuses. AS levels and IGCSE Art

examinations are also completed only at the Colleges. Oral examinations also


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require special arrangements and so need to be completed at the College.

This is a Cambridge requirement to ensure that examinations are properly

conducted..

29. How do I enter for an examination?

Examination entry forms must be completed and the required fee must be

paid. Deadline dates must be adhered to in order to avoid penalties.

30. Where can I find out the dates and times of my examinations?

This is detailed on your Statement of Entry.

31. How will I get my examination results?

Your examination results will be emailed to you or you can arrange to collect

them from the BIDC Academic Manager or Examinations Officer.

32. Does CIE provide percentage marks?CIE grades are given in Alpha grades only and percentage marks are not

provided. A key is provided to explain the value of the grade.

33. When are examination results released by Cambridge?

Examination scripts are marked in the UK. Advice of results for the

HIGCSE subjects is made available in late December and for Checkpoint,

IGCSE and AS Level subjects in late January.

34. What is a Cambridge International Study Centre?A Cambridge International Study Centre offers supervision and ongoing

assistance for students working on the British International Distance

courses to prepare students for Cambridge International Examinations. The

British International Distance College ensures that all accredited centres

adhere to the conditions set by Cambridge and the British International

College.

NOTE: if you have any other questions please contact your Student

Advisor.

services and procedures 2011

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