Academic process
Student Academic History
Articulation
Credit Transfer/Subject Exemptions
Recognition of Prior Learning
Course Details
Assessment
Academic Appeals
Awards & Graduation
Student Academic History
A Student Academic History is an accumulative list of academic achievements through TAFE Queensland. It is not an award - it serves as a student reference.
A student may apply at the Program Delivery Administration for a Student Academic History at a prescribed cost, currently $10.70 (This charge is correct as at time of printing but is subject to change).
Articulation
There are a number of ways in which some TAFE courses link to other TAFE courses and also to University courses. A TAFE course may:
- provide pre-requisites for other TAFE or University courses
- be used to increase a student's QTAC rank (similar to an OP) which may assist the student in being offered a place in a University course or in a TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma course
-
be the basis on which a student is given a place in a University course or another TAFE course.
For further information on articulation, contact the Student Counsellors on your campus.
Credit Transfer/Subject Exemptions
Credit transfer and subject exemptions enable students to be exempted from specific subjects/modules/competencies of a course because of the successful completion of the same or similar subjects/modules/competencies in other courses. These other courses may have been undertaken in TAFE, school, university or with other Registered Training Organisations.
Credit transfer will be granted for studies completed with other Registered Training Organisations when students can demonstrate the currency of the knowledge and skills gained.
Students seeking credit transfer or exemptions from any subject/module/competency should apply by completing an 'Application for Advanced Standing Other Than Recognition of Prior Learning Transfer' form. These forms are available from and should be lodged with the Program Delivery Administration on each Campus. Applications should be supported by relevant documentation such as academic transcripts and syllabus outlines for subjects/modules/competencies completed.
Outlined below are the lower level Awards within an Advanced Diploma level. The Awards provide multiple entry and exit points within the Advanced Diploma. Students may enter or exit at any Award level and achieve the corresponding Award or students may progress to a higher level (providing they possess the necessary pre-requisites).
- Advanced Diploma
- Diploma
- Certificate IV
- Certificate III
- Certificate II
- Certificate I
All documentation supplied must be certified. Credit may be gained through Recognition of Prior Learning.
Multiple Entry and Exit
Many qualifications are now comprised of several lower level qualifications, which provide a 'ladder' to higher-level qualifications.
Entry and exit points are generally available at each of the Certificate levels, the Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels and may provide articulation into University level courses (contact Campus Student Counsellors for more information).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the acknowledgement of current skills and knowledge obtained through life experiences, education, work experience and previous training.
Students who are granted RPL avoid repetition of learning. As a result, this may reduce the time required to complete a training program.
Recognition can be for a whole program of training or a single subject/module/competency. Students who believe they already meet some of the requirements of a subject / module / competency may request accelerated learning through the subject / module / competency.
NOTE: RPL applications and further information can be obtained from the Program Delivery Administration on each Campus.
Course Details
Course information is available in our Program Guide or through our search facility. Information is also available from Program Delivery Areas and the Student Counsellors on each Campus or through the Customer Contact Centre by phoning 131 248.
The TAFE Queensland International Handbook provides information on courses for International Students. This is available from the International Students' Unit, phone 07 3836 0070.
Assessment
Competencies and modules studied at Brisbane North Institute of TAFE are part of accredited courses and National Training Packages. In order to be successful in gaining competency, students must demonstrate they have the necessary underpinning knowledge and can apply this in a practical way in a workplace setting to industry standard.
Assessment of competencies will be graded as either:
J competent
K underpinning knowledge and skills
M not yet competent
L unable to achieve
Or other course specific codes that may include performance level assessment.
Assignments
- The framework for assessment gives students two scheduled attempts to demonstrate competency when presenting assignments. If successful on the first attempt, students will not need to present a second attempt.
- The due date for submission of assignments will be clearly set out in the competency/module outline/training plan, given to students on the first day of competency/module delivery.
- Students who submit assignments by this due date, but who are unsuccessful in demonstrating competency, will receive appropriate feedback and support before submitting their second assessment will be scheduled by teachers to fit in with the program planning and timetabling demands of the course.
Collecting Marked Assessments
The onus is on the student to collect his/her assessment item within twenty-one (21) days after the results of the assessment have been published. The relevant Program Delivery Area has the authority to discard any assessment items not collected within three (3) months of completion of the module.
Examinations and Practical Assessments
- For examinations and practical assessments, students will be scheduled a first attempt date. This date will be clearly set out for students in the competency / module outline / training plan. This date will be regarded as students' first attempt at competency whether they choose to attend or not.
- If successful on the first attempt, students will not need to present themselves for a second attempt.
- Students who complete examinations and practical assessments on this first attempt date, but who are unsuccessful in demonstrating competency, will receive appropriate feedback and support before being given a second opportunity to demonstrate competency. This second assessment task need not be the same as the first assessment task but will assess the same element/s of competency or outcome/s of modules.
- The scheduling of this second opportunity to demonstrate competency will be determined by teachers to fit in with the program planning and timetabling demands of the course.
Special/Deferred Assessments
In exceptional circumstances a student may be allowed to sit for a deferred assessment. Any student wishing to apply for such a deferred assessment should complete the 'Request for Assignment/Assessment Consideration/Modification' form found in the Competency Outline or available from your Teacher.
NOTE: Medical certificates are required for all applications for special consideration based on illness.
Re-Evaluation of Results
If a student considers that a result received for an assessment item is not a fair reflection of his/her work, then the student can apply for re-evaluation of that assessment.
The student must lodge the request for re-evaluation of the assessment to the relevant Program Manager and it must be received no later than seven (7) days after the results have been notified. The student should provide an explanation as to why he/she considers the result inappropriate.
NOTE: A reassessment fee will be charged. This fee is refunded only if the result is upgraded.
Academic Appeals
Re-evaluation of Results
If a student considers that a result received for an assessment item is not a fair reflection of his or her work, then the student can apply for a re-evaluation of that assessment. The student must lodge the request for re-evaluation of the assessment to the relevant Program Manager and it must be received no later than 14 days after the results have been notified. The student must provide an explanation as to why he or she considers the results inappropriate.
Academic Appeals
If a student's assessment has been re-evaluated and the student is still dissatisfied with the result, the student may lodge an academic appeal. This appeal must be lodged with the Director of Education and Training within seven (7) days of the student being notified of the result of the re-evaluation by the Program Manager. A full Appeals Committee hearing will then hear this appeal. The student will have:
- The opportunity to present further evidence.
- The opportunity to clarify evidence already presented.
- Bring a support person to the Appeal hearing.
The student will be advised in writing of the outcome within seven (7) days of the appeal hearing.
Feedback, Grievances and Concerns
At Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, we strive for continuous improvement in the quality of teaching and learning. We welcome constructive feedback to help us provide the best service for our current and future customers.
Firstly discuss your views with the teachers or the manager of the appropriate area. If the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction or you do not feel comfortable discussing the issue with either of these people, complete a 'Customer Feedback' form.
'Customer Feedback' forms and confidential 'Customer Feedback' boxes are available on every campus, usually in the foyer, at Enrolments, Administration or the cafeterias. Your comments on these forms are taken seriously and sent to the appropriate staff member to ensure the issue is actioned. Alternatively, speak to a Student Representative Council member or address your communications to the Business Improvement Unit C/- Bracken Ridge Campus. You will be advised of the outcome of the investigation into the issues raised and, if you are dissatisfied, have the opportunity to request they be revisited.
Awards & Graduation
Awards
To be eligible for a course award students need to successfully complete all relevant modules or units of competencies. The Institute will issue awards to eligible students within the prescribed timeframes as detailed in the Training and Employment Act 2000.
Graduation
Students who have successfully completed an Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or Certificate course are eligible to participate in the graduation. These ceremonies are formal events and academic dress is optional. Graduation ceremonies are held to honour students for their efforts and family and friends of the graduating students are welcome to attend. Eligible graduands will be forwarded an invitation prior to the ceremony.
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