Arts

SEDA was established in 2006 as a provider of senior secondary education and training in partnership with schools.

The concept was established to meet the needs of young people requiring an applied learning education focus that was set in the real world. The disengagement of young people in the senior years often results in lack of attendance, motivation and reflects a lack of direction and meaning in what they are learning.

Schools and SEDA have responded to the needs of many young people through a program that engages them in their study, motivates them to challenge themselves and improves their skills.

SEDA is the first non school senior secondary provider to be registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).

If you are a school leaver or about to enter Year 11 or Year 12 you can complete a Diploma in live Production and complete year 12 through SEDA's Arts Development Programs. Courses can be completed over two or three years and offer extensive involvement in the Arts Industry with Arena Theatre company. The program uses an applied learning model combining both classroom and practical based activities linked closely with our industry partners and the local community.

SEDA Principles

SEDA Policies and Practices adhere to the principles of “democracy” in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

SEDA provides a curriculum and program approach that adheres to the principles that Australian society is defined, among other aspects, by a belief in elected Government; by a commitment to the rule of law, to equal rights for all before the law; and by a belief in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of association. Our society is also tolerant of a range of religious, political, social and cultural beliefs and values in the context of the fundamental principles of our democracy.

SEDA provides education and training programs in line with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 which requires all education providers to operate in a manner consistent with this set of Australian democratic principles.
SEDA programs comply with:

• elected Government
• the rule of law
• equal rights for all before the law
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech and association
• the values of openness and tolerance

The Policy and Procedures of SEDA and this manual is for the use by staff working within the SEDA Sports Development Programs (SEDASDP). Staff Handbooks, Student/Parent Handbooks and the SEDA website also provide the commitments outlined in this manual.

The SEDA policies and procedures provide all guidelines for programs linked to our partners and have been written to be used in conjunction with DEECD Guidelines and Host School policy and practice.

SEDA programs are compliant with Commonwealth, State and local legislation, and regulations relevant to its operations are integrated into its policies and procedures.

SEDA co-operates with its registering body:

• through the conduct and monitoring of its operations by providing accurate and timely data relevant to measures of its performance
• by providing information about significant changes to SEDA ownership
• in the retention, archiving, retrieval and transfer of records consistent with its registering Body ‘s requirements
• by providing a statement demonstrating its financial viability and/or its annual financial statements and/or a business plan on request of the registering Body.
• by issuing qualifications/Statements of Attainment to persons who have been assessed as competent in accordance with the requirements of the VRQA and VCAA and Accredited Course being used.

SEDA complies with legislation in the following areas:

• Occupational Health and Safety;
• Work Safe;
• Harassment, Victimisation and Bullying;
• Equal Opportunity (EO);
• Vocational Education and Training (VET);
• Occupational Licensing;
• Privacy;
• Disability;
• Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

The Board sources information with respect to the changing of, or amendment to, legislation, and this will be conveyed to all relevant parties.

SEDA fulfils its corporate law obligations in compliance with the Education and Training Reform Act (2006).

The SEDA Board maintains a high level of ethical standards. Each Board member will meet the DEECD and AQTF fit and proper persons test.

The SEDA Board utilises independent professional advice from expert consultants in the areas of financial and business planning, corporate law and accounting.

The CEO is responsible for Regulatory Compliance and will report to the Board on governance issues.

SEDA observes the principles of access and equity in all of its activities. SEDA maintains working and education environments free from discrimination in all its forms.

SEDA does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of, but not limited to, the following defined characteristics:

• Gender
• Ethnicity, colour, nationality
• Religion
• Marital status
• Pregnancy
• Sexual preference
• Age

Prior to enrolment, SEDA provides trainees and clients with a clear information package outlining its commitments to:

• assessment procedures;
• Access and equity;
• Provision for language, literacy and numeracy assistance;
• Client support, including any external support SEDA has arranged for clients;
• Welfare and guidance services;
• Appeals and complaints procedures;
• Disciplinary procedures; and
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer arrangements.

SEDA’s Code of Practice includes reference to the organisation’s commitment to the principles and practice of access and equity.

The need for comprehensive policies in the SEDA programs ensure Host School and partner organisations compliance. The policy and practice outlined ensures compliance with regard to the quality of education, training, duty of care, student welfare and other guidelines set out by the DEECD. The policy and practices in this manual are generated with reference to the following core principles:

• Regulatory and legal requirements - The funding of grants, the handling of sensitive or hazardous materials, financial management, government or related organizations, medical, legal, and other organizations are generally bound by common practices, many of which are required to be audited for compliance on a regular basis.
• Fairness - Policies ensure that the playing field is level; all users are treated fairly with respect to the level of access they may have.
• Consistency - Similar problems are treated in a similar fashion.
• Understanding - Policies ensure that all involved parties understand clearly what is expected.
• Conservation of time - By laying out rules ahead of time, the time required to assess how a situation is to be addressed is reduced. Policies can in some cases even prevent some problems from occurring at all.
• Professionalism – A commitment to a professional approach to all practice.

SEDA provides information to parents and students that complies with all the guidelines and regulations outlined above.

Financial Management

SEDA will annually review a three-year rolling Financial Plan to guide the business and to guarantee its financial viability.

SEDA will maintain professional accounting systems and have its accounts certified annually by a qualified accountant or auditor with either membership of Certified Practising Accountants Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, the National Institute of Accountants or registration by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

When requested by the registering authority, SEDA will obtain and make available a full audit report from a suitably qualified independent accountant or auditor.

SEDA’s Financial Officer will maintain effective financial management and accounting procedures. The Financial Officer will:

• Ensure operational compliance with the Financial Plan;
• Monitor and report on financial performance in Review meetings as a basis for continuous improvement; and
• Provide weekly reports to the CEO and monthly accounts to the Board.

Management of Student Records

SEDA will have effective administrative and records management systems.

SEDA systems will ensure

• Secure storage (including offsite backup of electronic records)
• Retention, archiving and retrieval of trainee results consistent with registering authority requirements.
• Compliance with external reporting requirements.
• That compliance with the VASS System is maintained through a compliant software reporting system.
• Safeguards for any confidential information.
• Procedures are consistent with the SEDA Privacy Policy
• Access by clients to their personal information.

SEDA will also ensure up-to-date records of:

• The verified qualifications and experience (vocational competence) of all staff and persons working on behalf of SEDA.
• Enrolments and participation.
• Fees paid and refunds given.
• Scope of registration

The Administration Manager will monitor and report on system performance as a basis for Continuous Improvement.

Selection Criteria

The program provides a program for young people who are:

• 16-20 years of age
• Not fully engaged in education or training
• Not attending school regularly
• Wish to return to education and training having not completed a Year 12 pass
• Independent learners that can handle travel and a flexible learning model
• Have the maturity to manage unsupervised work and learning tasks
• Seek a program that links education and training with a focus on live production
• Are suited to applied learning and a real life learning environment
• Able to complete Intermediate and Senior VCAL

Referral by Schools

Young people may be referred by schools into the program. Enrolments are discussed with the student’s previous school and then through an information and interview process with parents, staff and participant the decision regarding entry into the course is finalised.

Referral by Agencies

Young people may be referred by community agencies into the program. Enrolments are discussed with the student’s youth worker or case manager and then through an information and interview process with parents, staff and participant the decision regarding entry into the course is finalised