Who Can Enrol In Distance Education?
To be considered for enrolment with Sydney Distance Education Primary School, the student must:
- be a NSW resident who is unable to attend your local school
- be eligible for enrolment in Kindergarten up to Year 6
- have an adult English-speaking supervisor
- qualify in one of the following categories:
2.2 Students who meet geographic isolation criteria
Students who are isolated from a NSW government school who meet the geographic isolation criteria may be able to enrol with Sydney Distance Education Primary School (SDEPS). They must provide evidence to the principal of SDEPS that they meet the criteria for enrolment eligibility.
2.3 Students travelling within Australia
Families travelling around Australia for business or holiday reasons may enrol their children. The enrolment will generally be for a minimum of three months (1 term) and a maximum of 12 months (4 terms). This may be extended upon application to our Bathurts office by the parent/carer, but not for further travel.
A comprehensive itinerary should be submitted to ensure continuity of the learning program. Using a third party to forward materials is not acceptable. Should your itinerary change, please phone us as soon as possible, to avoid lessons going astray. All postage costs are paid by the school, except where redirection is necessary because of failure to inform the school of a change of itinerary.
2.4 Students temporarily resident or travelling overseas
This type of enrolment is available to students who are temporarily living overseas in areas where there are no suitable English-speaking schools. The enrolment will generally be for a minimum of three months (1 term) and a maximum of 12 months (4 terms). This may be extended upon application to our Bathurts office by the parent/carer, but not for further travel.
Students who are travelling while overseas must provide an itinerary with addresses for a minimum of six weeks in advance to ensure the continuity of the students learning program. All lesson material should be returned by airmail to the school with the cost of postage paid by the family. We require a copy of confirmed airline bookings before commencing overseas travel.
2.5 Students with a medical condition
Students requiring education while they are undergoing medical assessment or treatment, which prevents their attending a local school, may be able to enrol in this category.
When applying for enrolment it will be necessary to supply a letter from the student’s medical specialist. It should outline the student’s medical condition and how it impacts on their ability to attend their school or other local education provision. This letter should include an assessment of the length of time it is expected that the student will require distance education.
2.7 Vocationally talented students employed in the entertainment industry and students participating at elite levels in the performing arts or sport
Students whose employment in the entertainment industry or elite participation in the performing arts and sport prevents their regular attendance at school or other suitable local provision for more than 50 school days in a year, may be eligible for enrolment with distance education.
2.8 Students with additional learning and support needs
Students with additional learning and support needs may be eligible for enrolment in distance education if it is determined that they cannot attend school regularly or there is no local provision to meet their learning needs.
Access to this provision is through the access request process through the local government school. Local delivery support teams will provide support and advice on access to a range of support provisions and enrolment options for students with a disability and learning support needs.
Parent/carer should discuss the application with school prior to applying for enrolment in this category.
2.9 Transition for students with significant support needs
Students with additional learning and support needs which prevent them from attending school on a regular basis may be eligible for enrolment at SDEPS.
Enrolment in Distance Education must be recommended by your local school principal and sometimes the local DoE area office. You must contact them to get a recommendation to enrol.
2.10 Students in extraordinary circumstances
This category is designed to meet unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances not covered by any other enrolment category and must be endorsed by the local Director, Public Schools NSW or the Director, Secondary Education.
Enrolments in this category must be supported by the Rural and Distance Education Specialist Program Coordinator who will consult with the Director and liaise with the local School Services team and other appropriate agencies to determine if an enrolment in this category should proceed.
