Equity Policies | Recognition of Prior Learning - Policies & Procedures | Learner Grievance Policies
Equity Policies
Equal Opportunity Policies
South Seas Film and Television School is fully committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all members of its community, including staff, students and management.
As a co-educational Private Training Establishment the school is mindful that the effective implementation of gender, ethnic, socio economic and other aspects of equity within its Establishment requires the practical application of effective policies and practices.
The school’s Equal Opportunity Polices cover:
Equal Employment Opportunities
To Ensure:
- Selection and Employment, which is merit based.
- Fostering of a culture that inherently values the individual.
- Remuneration that is skilled based and not gender based.
- Recognition and responsiveness to individual needs (professional and family)
- Provision of a stimulating working and training environment that fosters collaboration and diversity.
- Implementation of Good Governance and Ethical Business Practices.
Equity of Student Access
To Ensure:
- Each student course application is reviewed on its merit.
- Recognition of the uniqueness of each individual student.
- Provision of assistance with scholarship applications (where appropriate)
- Access to both female and male counsellors.
- Access to a Kaumatua for our Maori students.
- Continual development and implementation of a curriculum that reflects the needs and aspirations of all students in the school.
- Provision of appropriate role models.
Responsibilities
The School Director in consultation with the Associate Director are responsible for the formulation of policies and procedures. In consultation with the course selection committees they are also responsible for the implementation of the same policies and procedures.
Policy Reviews
This policy (and the underlying policies) are to be reviewed annually.
Delegation
The implementation of this policy is delegated to the School Director and General Manager.
Other Relevant Policies
The Treaty of Waitangi, School Ethics and Governance Policies, Human Rights Act 1993.
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Recognition of Prior Learning - Policies & Procedures
In order to ensure that student Prior Learning achievements are recognised in relation to course entry requirements the school will (during the selection process for all courses) adhere to the following policies:
- All selection processes will provide an open process for students that will allow them valid and appropriate recognition of skills and knowledge that they already possess.
- Recognition of prior learning should be accessible to any student with skills, knowledge, and attitudes that can be validated and are appropriate to the course/s they are applying to undertake.
Procedures
Each student being interviewed for placement on a course will have the need (if any) of any recognition of prior learning established at their first interview.
- The curriculum committee will then consider a student’s request for recognition of prior learning and then (if required) proceed with a formal interview.
- Students may be asked to further substantiate evidence of prior learning. This request will be submitted in writing to the student. A timeline will be given to the student to accompany this process. Written permission will also be obtained from the student for the school to contact any referees nominated by the student.
- The student will be informed of the Committee’s decision and subsequently they will be allowed access to the curriculum committee to discuss and view their findings. In the event that the student concerned should disagree with the decision/s made the student will be informed of their right of appeal through the School Director.
Review and Evaluation
This policy will be evaluated immediately after the first time its procedures are used. The review will be the responsibility of the Curriculum and Selection Committees who will seek feedback from the student/s concerned as part of the review. Any policy changes will be submitted to the School Director for approval.
Thereafter the Prior Learning Policies & Procedures will be reviewed on a biennial basis.
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Learner Grievance Policies
South Seas Complaint Procedures
The following options are available to students should they wish to lay a complaint:
- For complaints regarding school equipment, facilities and other services students should lodge their complaint with the student committee so that it can be aired at the fortnightly meetings between the committee and the school staff/ management.
- South Seas Film and Television School is committed to, and actively encourages, a philosophy of open consultative practices between students and staff. It is therefore recommended that for specific complaints regarding tutors or staff members, students should initially address and discuss their complaint directly with the tutor or staff member concerned. If however a student does not wish to do so they can verbally address their complaint to the Student Committee or one of the School Counsellors so that the complaint can be actioned on their behalf.
- If any complaint cannot be resolved fairly and equitably through internal discussions the student should submit to the School Director a written notification of the complaint outlining relevant details and the reasons why they feel that formal action is necessary. Upon receiving such a complaint the School Director will take steps to set up a formal meeting with all the parties involved in order to investigate and assess the complaint. Students may bring a representative or adviser to this meeting if they wish to do so. Immediately after the meeting the School Director and Staff will adjourn to decide the appropriate course of action which will then be conveyed to the student(s) concerned in writing within three days of the meeting.
- If, following this meeting, the student feels that the matter is still not resolved to their satisfaction they have the right to take their complaint to an independent authority.
Domestic students:
You may submit a complaint to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority who can be located at:
New Zealand Qualifications Authority 110 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden AUCKLAND
PO Box 8775, Symonds Street, AUCKLAND Telephone (09) 623-8650.
International students:
South Seas Film and Television School is a signatory to the Ministry of Education Code of Practice for the Recruitment, Welfare, and Support of International Students. Students have the right to submit a complaint to the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA).
The IEAA has been set up by the New Zealand Ministry of Education to make sure international students are treated fairly while they are studying in New Zealand. In your letter you should tell the IEAA everything you can about the problem. You must include your address and telephone number. Also include the address and telephone number of your education provider and anyone else you think could help the IEAA find out more about the problem.
The International Education Appeal Authority c/- The Ministry of Education,
Private Box 1666, Wellington, New Zealand Fax: 04-471-6133
If you have any questions about how to complain, you can call: 04-4-471-6027
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