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Majura Avenue, |
There are three Primary Introductory English Centres (PIECs) in the ACT. Northside Primary located at North Ainslie (NPIEC), Tuggeranong Primary located at Kambah(TPIEC) and Southside Primary located at Hughes (SPIEC). The centres provide an intensive English language program and an introduction to Australian school life for newly arrived and Kindergarten students with minimal or no English.
Who can attend the NPIEC? - Children can enrol at NPIEC if they are eligible to attend a government primary school. They must turn five before April 30 of the current school year and they should be not over 12 years at the time of enrolment.
Students include: migrant and refugee children; dependants of diplomats, visiting personnel and university students and staff; and international private students.
Fees apply to students on visitors visas and may apply to some temporary residents. The International Education Unit of the ACT Department of Education and Community Services (phone: 6205 9176) can provide clarification of residential status and possible payment of fees.
How do students enrol at the NPIEC? - Students may enrol at any time during the school year, or may be referred by government schools and preschools. All students must show their passports or other documentation for verification of birthdate and residency status before enrolment can be completed. Permanent residents in the ACT receive free bus transport to and from school each day.
How does the NPIEC program operate? - On enrolment students are placed in a class group appropriate to their age and previous background. Class groups are small with an average size of 12 students. Students generally attend the Centre for three school terms, although the length of time may vary according to individual progress. On completion of the PIEC program, students transfer to their local primary school. Each student's progress is monitored carefully and a detailed written report is sent to the receiving government school at the time of transfer. Parents are welcome at the NPIEC at any time. Each term parent/teacher meetings are held to provide information about the program and to keep parents informed about their child's progress.
The Centre provides a stimulating language program in a secure and supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to become confident and enthusiastic users of English. Classes work on language themes which are appropriate to students' ages, interests and levels of language development. Regular excursions related to the themes are incorporated into the program so that students share experiences which stimulate their English language development.
While a strong focus is given to language, attention is also given to the development of skills and concepts to develop each student as a learner. Mathematics, Science, the Arts, Health and Physical Education and Technology form part of the curriculum to assist the development of the whole child. In this way students are prepared for the learning and social demands of their local Australian schools. If your child is of high school/college age contact the Secondary Introductory English Centre located at Dickson College.
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