Student Handbook
Welcome to our new students !I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Cambridge Academy and to say how pleased I am you chose our Academy to acquire your English language skills.
Our friendly Academy staff will help you to settle in and make you feel “at home”. We are here to support you with guidance and advice to assist you in reaching your fullest potential and academic success.
We hope you enjoy studying with us and that you make pleasant life long memories and friends whilst you are here in Brisbane. You have chosen to study in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and I am sure you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to discover this part of Australia.
I look forward to getting to know every one of you and I hope you will take the time to talk to me on any issues you may wish to discuss. My time is always available to you.
I wish you every success for your future.
Best Regards
Bill Heron
Principal / Director of Studies
CONTENTS
ACADEMY INFORMATION
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Academy Location and contact Academy Calendar Change of Course Level Study Management Attendance and Attainment Activities Fee Payment Arrangement Cancellation and Refund Policy Refund Procedure Complaints and Appeals Policy Counseling Behavior Messages Student ID Card First Aid Fire Evacuation Lost Property |
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Visas Work Embassies and Consuls Changing Your Address Homestay Accommodation Rental Accommodation Telephone |
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
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Medical Insurance Medical Treatment Major Public Hospitals Emergency |
STUDENT INFORMATION
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Internet Use Library Banking Post Offices Student telephone/ fax / photocopy and scan services |
TRANSPORTATION
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Buses & Ferries Trains Taxis |
LIVING IN BRISBANE
ACADEMY INFORMATION
CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY location and contacts
Location:
Level 1-2 , 231 George Street
BRISBANE City,
Queensland 4000
Phone: (07) 3221 9399
Fax: (07) 3221 8990
Email: camacad@tpg.com.au
Emergency Contact:
Principal:
Mr. Bill Heron
(W): (07) 3221 9399
(H): (07) 3901 5017
Mobile: 0405 508711
Administrator:
Mrs. Arunee Heron
(W): (07) 3221 9399
Counselor and Student Services:
Ms. Shoshanna Helfand
(W): (07) 3221 9399 (M): (04) 5826 9846
Homestay Co-ordinator:
Mrs. Arunee Heron
(W): (07) 3221 9399
(H): (07) 3901 5017
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Academic Calendar
Courses will run continuously for 50 weeks a year with National and Queensland holidays being observed. Students are permitted to take a vacation only after having studied for a period of at least 10 weeks.
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Change of Course or Level
This depends on the outcome of an appropriate assessment procedure.
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Study Management
Students need to plan and manage their time to gain the most benefit from their course. Teachers and Academy staff will be happy to help students plan their study program.
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Attendance and Attainment
STUDENT VISA ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Our academy must follow Australian laws, in this case, the law relating to Student Visa attendance requirements.
WHAT IS THE LAW?
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Student Visa students must achieve an attendance of at least 80%. The Australian Government believes a 20% allowance for absences is enough to cover normal absences due to illness or other reasons. |
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Your attendance in class is calculated over the length of each separate Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued to you. But if your CoE is for a period of study longer than 6 months, it is calculated over each 6-month period. |
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| If your attendance does not meet these requirements you may be reported to the Australian Government and your visa may be cancelled, which means you would have to return to your home country. |
HOW DO WE RECORD YOUR ATTENDANCE?
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Teachers mark class rolls every session and all absences are clearly recorded. Our courses are made up of 20 hours of study each week, or 100 hours of study in each 5-week unit. |
WHAT IF I AM LATE TO CLASS?
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If you are more than 30 minutes late to your first lesson, or more than 5 minutes late to other lessons, you will be marked absent and will not be permitted to enter the classroom. |
WHAT IF I HAVE A VERY GOOD REASON FOR BEING ABSENT?
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If you are sick, you must get a doctor’s certificate from a registered medical practitioner on the day that you are sick. We do not accept backdated medical certificates. Also, we do not accept certificates from alternative medical practitioners such as herbalists, acupuncturists, etc. |
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If you have another serious reason for being absent you must provide us with evidence of this. For example, if a close family member dies, you may need to produce a death certificate as proof of your situation. |
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If you need to be absent for a long time, and your final attendance will be less than 70%, you must tell us immediately and we may be able to arrange a Suspension of your studies. This can only be done at the start of your absence, not at the end of your absence. Application forms can be obtained from Administration. |
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ATTENDANCE IS NOT SATISFACTORY? - WARNING LETTER – THIS IS SERIOUS.
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We check your attendance percentage often and we make a note of it on your unit reports, also telling you if it is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. |
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If your attendance falls below 83%, we will give you a warning letter and conduct an attendance counseling session with you. The letter reminds you that you may have to be reported to the Australian Government if you cannot reach 80% by the end of your CoE and that your visa may be cancelled if this happens. In the counseling session, senior staff will discuss with you why you have been absent. They will remind you that you will need to provide evidence of very serious reasons to explain your absences if your attendance falls below 80%. |
INTENTION TO REPORT LETTER – THIS IS VERY SERIOUS
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If after your warning letter your attendance does not improve to a level that will allow you to achieve at least 80% by the end of your current CoE, we will advise you in a letter of our Intention to Report you to the Australian Government. |
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If you cannot reach 70% attendance by the end of your CoE, we must report you to the Australian Government, even if you have good reasons for being absent. |
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However, before we report you, we will advise you of your right to appeal against this decision in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals process. If you wish to make an appeal, you must lodge your appeal in writing to the Principal within 20 working days of the date we notify you of our intention to report you. You will be able to bring someone with you for support during this appeal meeting which will be held at the Academy. |
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If you can reach between 70% and 80% attendance by the end of your CoE, on the day of the appeal you will need to provide documents of evidence that you have Compassionate and Compelling (i.e. extremely serious) circumstances to explain your absences. If your appeal is successful because we believe you have Compassionate and Compelling circumstances to explain your absences, we will not report you to the Australian Government, so long as your attendance is at least 70%. |
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If your appeal is not successful, we will advise you that you may then appeal to an external organisation, in accordance with our Complaints and Appeals process. |
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Activities
CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY offers all students an on-campus or off- campus activity on Friday afternoons. Some of the activities include movies, snookers, bushwalks and BBQs.
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Fee Payment Arrangement
All required fees must be paid either before commencement of the course or as otherwise arranged with the Principal. However a minimum of 25% of all course fees is requirement of enrolment.
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Cancellation and Refund Policy
Please read the following conditions carefully and if they are not clear ask a Cambridge Academy counsellor or your local agent to clarify them for you.
o All refunds are made and covered by the provisions of the ESOS Act 2000 and the ESOS regulations 2001.
o Enrolment, accommodation placement and airport transfer fees are not refundable.
o Tuition fees are refundable in full if a visa application is rejected and official advice is made to Cambridge Academy.
o If you cancel your enrolment 28 days or more before your course start date then 85% of your tuition fees will be refunded.
o If you cancel your enrolment less than 28 days before your course start date then 50% of your tuition fees will be refunded.
o If you cancel your enrolment on or after your course start date then your tuition fees will not be refunded.
o Any dispute resolution processes do not circumscribe the student’s rights to pursue other legal remedies.
o This agreement does not remove the right to take further action under Australia’s Consumer Protection laws. (National Code Sections 43-44 & ESOS Act 2000 Sections 27-32)
o If a course is not delivered by Cambridge Academy after enrolment, students will be transferred to another provider under the ACPET TAS Scheme.
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Refund Procedure
Please read the following conditions carefully and if they are not clear ask a Cambridge Academy counsellor or your local agent to clarify them for you.
o All requests for cancellation of courses or refund of fees must be made in writing to Cambridge Academy.
o Refunds will be made only after you have returned the enrolment documentation and completed indemnity and release forms.
o Refunds as per above will be paid within 28 days of receipt of a written request of the student and/or his/her designated agent.
o Home-stay fees will be refunded where notice of cancellation is given at least two weeks in advance, other wise two weeks home-stay fees are applicable.
All refunds will be paid in Australian dollars.
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Complaints and Appeals Policy
A fair and impartial complaints and grievance process is available to all students and each complainant or appellant has an opportunity to formally present their case at no cost to him or herself.
If a student wishes to lodge a complaint about some aspect of our service, s/he must, where applicable, commence action within 14 days of the incident that is the subject of the complaint. The student must speak with the person in charge of delivering the service, in the first instance, in an attempt to resolve the problem, after which, if the student still wishes to proceed with the lodgement of a complaint, s/he should complete a Complaint form.
The process/ procedure of dealing with the complaint will be commenced by the College within 10 working days of initial receipt. All complaints and grievance are recorded in writing, and the results will also be communicated to the student in writing within 21 working days, including reasons for the decision.
Students may be represented by a nominee at any stage of the complaints and grievance process in compliance with Section 45 of the National Code. The complaints and grievance process does not prevent a student from exercising the student’s rights to other legal remedies.
Students concerned about our conduct may contact the State Registration Authority for CRICOS. In Queensland this is the Department of Education and Training. The Director-General of the Department of Education Queensland has the power, under the Act, to suspend or cancel the Registration of a Provider or a Course if a breach of the requirements of Registration provision is proved. Concerns about our conduct should be addressed to:- The Manage, CRICOS Registration, Office of Non-State Education, Queensland Department of Education, PO Box 15033, City East, Queensland 4002.
If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint s/he may make an appeal against the decision to an independent mediator. Currently this is ACPET. Students must lodge their External Appeals to ACPET via email using the Application for External Review form available from the ACPET website: http://www.acpet.edu.au . The contact for student appeals is Student.appeals@acpet.edu.au. There is a $200 fee payable to ACPET to lodge an External Appeal; however, $100 will be refunded if the appeal is successful.
Independent mediation is also available through the Dispute Resolution Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney-General at: www.justice.qld.gov.au/mediation/contact.htm or Level 1 Brisbane Magistrates Court, 363 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 (Tel.: 61 +7+3239 6269. Fax: 61+7+3239 6284).
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Counseling
If students are in need of some guidance or assistance whether it be to discuss further study options or a personal issue, they are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Counselor or the Principal. Appointments can be made through the Administration Office.
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Behavior
CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY strives to provide an excellent learning environment for students. Some commonsense rules must be adhered to:
Absolutely NO SMOKING in the building, stairwells or toilets.
No eating or drinking except for class parties in the classrooms. (Students may eat and drink in the students lounge and the kitchen area.)
Please consider other people’s property.
Do not rubbish the classrooms.
English is encouraged at all times.
Mobiles to be switched off during class.
Be punctual, students will not be permitted into the class after 9.30 am.
Internet access is not permitted during class hours.
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Messages
Telephone messages will not be encouraged. In an urgent or emergency situation messages will be relayed immediately. Written messages may be left at reception for collection after classes.
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Student ID Card
Students will be issued a student CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY ID Card on request. Students should carry this card at all times.
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First Aid
First aid facilities are available in the counselor’s room and/or the teachers room.
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Fire Evacuation
Fire evacuation procedures will be shown to the student during his/her first day orientation.
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Lost Property
Lost property will be held at the Academy Administration Office for a period of three months. If items are not claimed in that time they will be donated to a local charity.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Visas
Overseas students must be studying full-time to be eligible for a student visa (20 hours per week minimum). Student visas are issued for the period of time a student will be studying in Australia. At the end of that time students must depart Australia. Visas may be extended for students wishing to continue their studies; however, sufficient time (approximately eight weeks) should be allowed from the time students apply for this process to be completed. The Academy can assist you with this application, should it be required.
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Work
For students seeking part-time employment it is required that limitations of twenty hours per week whilst studying be observed. Other conditions regarding working in Australia will apply according to Government regulations.
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Embassies and Consuls
Contact numbers of all Embassies and Consuls appear on the Academy notice board. Specific details or queries may be directed to Academy staff who will assist you.
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Changing Your Address
Students must advise CAMBRIDGE of any changes in their contact details (residential address and phone numbers) and update this as necessary. This is mandatory for student visa holders.
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Homestay Accommodation
The homestay program allows international students to live in Australian homes. Students learn about the Australian culture and Australians learn about other cultures. The aim of the scheme is to make the student feel more at home in a new situation. Apart from providing a family environment, it can be quite valuable for learning and practicing English.
Homestay accommodation will include:
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food for all meals except week-day lunches. However, the host family needs to prepare and cook only the evening meals. |
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a single room in the family home. You will have your own bedrooms, with a bed, wardrobe, a desk and a reading lamp. |
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| the use of full facilities within the household, and a key to the house. |
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| orientation of your host’s locality. They will show you where the shops, post-office, doctor and bus stops are located, and help you open a bank account. |
Homestay accommodation will NOT include:
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the cost of telephone calls. |
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| personal laundry – you should wash and iron your own clothes, and wash your own bed sheets and towels unless your host offers to do this for you. |
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| cleaning your bedroom – this is your responsibility. |
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| items like shampoo and personal toiletries. |
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| transportation costs. |
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Rental Accommodation
Renting your accommodation may be an alternative you would prefer. Houses in the Brisbane suburbs vary in cost but would be approximately $500:00 per week for a three-bedroom unfurnished house. A furnished house will cost more.
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Telephone
If you wish to telephone home to let your family know you have arrived safely, you can call from a public telephone which has an IDD.
You can purchase a Phone card in denominations of $5,$10,$20, $30 or $50 from the 7/11 shop in front of CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY or from shops displaying the Phone card sign. Public phones also accept coins in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. The minimum charge for a local call is 50c.
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ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Medical Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC) or Private Health insurance for overseas students is a must. The fees vary according to the period of time the student is issued his/her visa for and the student must pay his/her OSHC fees before obtaining a student visa to come to Australia.
OSHC Cards will be sent to CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY within 2-4 weeks after application.
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Medical Treatment
For emergency and after hours treatment, you can go to the Outpatient section of any public hospital (where there is a 24 hour service).
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Major Public Hospitals
Brisbane Area:
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| Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston Road, Herston. Phone: 3253 8111 |
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| Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woollongabba. Phone: 3240 2111 |
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| Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, Kessels Road, Coopers Plains. Phone: 3327 6111 |
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| Queensland Ambulance Service, 219 Boundary Street, Spring Hill. Phone: 3364 1222 |
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Emergency
For the Police, Ambulance, Fire, phone 000.
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STUDENT INFORMATION
Internet Use
Students have free access to the internet but not during class time.
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Library
CAMBRIDGE offers students a variety of reading and general reference books to borrow on a weekly basis. Students need to pay a refundable deposit of $5 when borrowing a book.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday
8:30-8:55 am. and 1:00-1:25 pm.
Friday
12:00-3:00 pm.
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Banking
The four major banks in Australia are the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac and ANZ. These banks are all registered and regulated under federal government legislation which is scrutinized by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Business hours for most banks are from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday and 9:30 am. To 5:00 pm. on Fridays. Some also open on Saturdays. You will need to show your passport and other identification when opening a bank account.
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Post Offices
The minimum cost of mailing a local letter is 55c. Some post offices also have facsimile services. Faxing overseas will cost $10 for the first page and $4 for every page thereafter. Faxing within Australia will cost $4 for the first page and $1 each for following pages.
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Student telephone/fax/photocopy and scan services at CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY
1. To make a LOCAL call : 50 cents
2. To make an overseas call : students use their own prepaid telephone cards and pay 50 cents for each call.
3. To photocopy for personal use:
- A4 : 10 cents / page (a 2-sided copy = 20 cents)
- A3 : 25 cents / page (a 2-sided copy = 50 cents)
4. To scan a document : $2 a document / photo
5. To send a fax:
- local : $2 for the first page and $1 each for subsequent pages.
- overseas : $4 for the first page and $2 each for subsequent pages.
6. To receive a fax from local/overseas : 10 cents / page
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TRANSPORTATION
Buses & Ferries
The Brisbane City Council (BCC) is responsible for bus/ferry services within the city limits. Most buses/ferries will either arrive at the city or an interchange where connecting services can be caught.
The minimum fare for a single ticket is $2.40 for one zone. Bus/Ferry fares are dependent on the number of zones you have to travel. A convenient way to travel on buses, ferries and trains is by using ‘Go Card’. You can buy a ‘Go Card’ from an authorized newsagent.
When paying your fare it is best to have the correct money ready.
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Trains
Queensland Railway (QR) operates a suburban rail service which runs from approximately 5:00 am. To 12:00 midnight Monday to Saturday with trains running every half hour. On Sundays and public holidays trains run every hour but operate only until 10:00 pm.
Bus/Train/Ferry routes, timetables and fare information are available from:
Brisbane City Council Information Centre
Queenstreet Mall
or http://www.translink.com.au/
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Taxis
BRISBANE TAXIS
Both Yellow Cabs (13 19 24) and Black and White Cabs (13 32 22) service for Brisbane and surrounding areas. Both companies operate on a 24 hour basis. Taxi ranks are located throughout the Brisbane CBD, in other busy areas (such as shopping centres and cafe strips) and if there's no rank nearby you can hail a cab (if the light near the sign on the roof is on it means the car is available for hire) from any street — although the busier the street, the greater your chances of getting a taxi quickly.
Fares may vary from time to time and from place to place. Students are advised to visit www.ourbrisbane.com for the latest information.
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LIVING IN BRISBANE
Shopping
Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, Action and Bi-Lo are the more popular food shops where you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, canned goods, meats, bread, laundry and cleaning supplies, personal needs and non-prescription drugs. Other shops such as K-Mart, Target, Best and Less and Big W are known for inexpensive clothing and household items. These stores are open at various times from 8:00 am.to 8:00 pm. (Monday-Friday) except Thursday, stores are open until 9:00 pm. in the suburbs and Friday until 9:00 pm. in the Brisbane city. Sunday trading is normally from 10:00 am. to 4:00 pm. Asian grocery shops can be found around China Town in Brunswick Street, New Farm and Vulture Street, West End. Both locations also have a number of takeaways / restaurants where it is possible to get a meal for around $8:00.
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Schooling Obligations
Where a Cambridge student has school aged dependants of his/her own there is an obligation for such students to attend school. This will mean fees will be incurred. Further information can be obtained from the Cambridge administrator or from the office located on the ground floor of the Department of Education and Training, 30 Mary Street Brisbane, QLD 4000.
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Cambridge Academy of English Pty. Ltd. National Provider No : 31730 Provider Code : 01796F ABN : 30 887 128 867 |
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Cambridge ESOL Authorised Centre 1225 |
