FAQ

Lessons start at 8:30am and students should aim to arrive 15 minutes early. Lessons for Years 7-10 finish at 10:30am. For senior students, there will be a short recess break from 10:30am – 10:45am. Canteen facilities are not available at our Campuses so students should bring a drink and a snack if they wish. Lessons for senior students continue after the break until 11:45am. Year 12 Extension classes continue from 11:45am – 1pm.

See Our Campuses for each campus' location. All campuses are easily accessible via public transport. However for most campuses, there is limited parking available on site.

You will need to bring something to write on and something to write with – for example, a book and a pencil case. You may choose to bring a dictionary with you, and all students in Years 11 and 12 are encouraged to do so. It is also recommended that you bring a school diary to keep a record of homework and assessment due dates.

There is no school uniform at the SCL however students are expected to wear appropriate clothing, including enclosed shoes.

If your personal circumstances change at any time please make sure you inform the Campus Executive staff.

Please advise the SCL immediately of any changes to:

• emergency contact details, phone number, email, home address
• weekday school
• medical information
• learning support requirements
• any situation that may impact on your studies at SCL

Parents/caregivers are required to formally advise the SCL if a student wishes to withdraw from their studies.

If you are unable to attend a lesson, make sure to bring a note signed by your parent/caregiver on the day you return. Alternatively, your parent/caregiver can email the campus with an explanation. Please refer to our Contact Us page or your campus information brochure for the email address.

If you are travelling overseas and will miss lessons, you must provide a copy of your itinerary or other travel documentation to the campus. Extended absences must be communicated to the campus in writing.

If you arrive late, please report directly to the Campus office. The staff there will record your arrival and provide you with a late slip to give to your teacher. Late arrivals and early departures are included on your report and contribute to your overall attendance percentage.

If you need to leave early on a Saturday, please bring a note signed by your parent/caregiver to the Campus office before classes start. The staff will record it on the system and provide you with an early leaver slip to hand to your teacher. Where possible, please avoid scheduling any appointments on Saturdays.

You will receive a notification 2 weeks prior to all assessment tasks. Students who know in advance they will be absent for a task must inform the Campus Supervisor in person or via the Campus email as soon as they are aware of the impending absence. If an emergency arises on the day and you are unable to attend, please call your Campus to inform them of your absence as soon as possible.

On the first Saturday of your return, you must see the Supervisor to submit a Request for Consideration form. In all cases, appropriate supporting evidence must be provided, such as a police report or medical certificate dated on or before the date of the task.

If your Request for Consideration is accepted by the Supervisor they will arrange for you to attempt the task at a different time. If it is not accepted, or if no form is submitted, a mark of zero will be given and an N Award will be issued.

Students should engage in independent learning and continue to consolidate their knowledge and skills in between lessons. This could involve reading books in the target language, or conversing with family and friends. It’s a good idea to set some time aside each week to revisit what you learned on the previous Saturday.

Homework is an essential part of language learning. We recommend that students in Years 7-10 spend 1 ½ hours to 2 ½ hours completing homework each week. Students in Years 11-12 are expected to spend a minimum of 3 to 4 hours per week on homework and revision.

Students at the SCL will be assessed in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. It’s important to know how to prepare for assessments in each of these areas.

The phone ban includes all mobile devices like phones, headphones, AirPods, smart watches, and tablets or devices connected to or used like a phone are included in the ban.

This ban applies at every Secondary College of Languages campus and everywhere on campus, including classrooms, hallways, playgrounds. The ban also applies at any school-related activities or events.

Yes, the ban applies for the entire school day, from the moment you arrive at school until the end of classes, including recess.

Make sure your mobile devices are turned off and safely kept in your bag throughout the school day. They should not be visible or used at any time on campus.

If you are found with your phone out without teacher permission, you will be given a warning. If your device is used again, it will be confiscated and you can pick it up from the Assistant Supervisor at the end of the day.

Your parents or carers will be contacted the second time your phone is confiscated. If your device is taken more than 3 times in a term, you’ll need to give it to the Supervisor at the start of each Saturday and get it back at the end of the day. You will need to do this for five Saturdays in a row.

We understand some students have special needs. If you must use your phone due to health, wellbeing, or learning reasons, please talk to the Campus Supervisor. We will consider your situation and make sure you have what you need.