What makes your On Campus school different?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) believes in a multi-age approach to learning. We encourage students to work independently, utilising a teacher in a facilitator role. We have created a flexible workspace to foster and encourage a collaborative learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I follow my own program?
All enrolled families are required to complete the Pinnacle Academic College Distance Education Program which is uploaded to the Sentral Parent Portal as this covers all requirements of the Australian Curriculum.
Will you supply curriculum if I need it?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) supplies a book list to purchase your texts direct from your educational bookstore of your choice.
Do we have to complete a textbook based program at Pinnacle Academic College?
No. Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) uses a mix of textbooks, staff designed programs, videos and external websites as well as our extensive incursion and excursion programs to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum.
The PAC program will be modified to suit the student and all individual adjustments made will be noted on the Individual Learning Pathway (ILP).
What is your homework policy?
At Pinnacle Academic College (PAC), our on-campus students will not be set homework. All required work will be completed during school hours. If students choose to complete work at home, that is their choice.
What are the PA Days?
Once a week, at our Kallangur campus, Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) will conduct full-day curricular and co-curricular activities for Distance Education (DE) students. On these days, areas of the Australian curriculum within our work program will be taught. PAC has registered teachers to deliver both lessons and assessments.
The PAC Work Program has activities written in to cover The Arts, STEM, Auslan, HASS and HPE.
Do I need to stick to the traditional school terms?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) on campus will run according to the traditional school terms with relevant pupil free days, a detailed calendar will be available on Sentral. PAC Distance Education will
have all due dates within traditional school terms, and Performing Arts (PA) Days will happen within school terms. However, what you choose to do as a family in terms of when you do the required school work is up to you, as long as all compulsory commitments are met.
Do teachers at Pinnacle Academic College conduct home visits?
Not normally. Families will have access to regular teacher check-in via Zoom. If a family feels that a home visit is necessary arrangements can be made through the school admin.
Do you have an Open Day?
Yes, at the end of each year, Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) will have an open day for parents and students to experience a typical Performing Arts (PA) Day. Parents will have opportunities to meet with staff, listen to a short presentation on the College and ask any questions.
What are the extra costs when I enrol?
Depending on the the enrolment option, you can choose to have the fees cover all the costs for each enrolled student: Performing Arts (PA) Days, Excursions Incursions, Special Events, Student Performances. Exclusions: textbooks, uniforms are available for you to purchase. Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) aims to provide a quality educational experience at an affordable cost.
What are the fees?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) aims to be affordable for all families.
Fees are now confirmed for the School Year. Please see the Fee Schedule page for all the details.
What sort of excursions do you provide?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) provides a variety of excursions and various incursions (on campus for all interested students) each term for those who choose to participate. Excursions to theme parks etc, always include an educational talk/experience. Examples of Excursions could include: Australia Zoo, Sea World, Outback Spectacular etc. Examples of Incursions could include: Robotics Workshops, Visual Art Workshops, Living History Australia Presentation etc. All these experiences will enhance the Distance Education (DE) or On-Campus program students are involved in.
Is Pinnacle Academic College a religious school?
No. Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) is a non-religious, independent school. Our educational program is based around the Australian Curriculum, which has no Religious Content in years P-10. If families choose to teach religion as part of their home program, that is their right and their choice. PAC places a high priority on Values, Ethics, Respect, and Character in all it stands for. It is an inclusive environment.
Do I need to create my own assessment tasks for my students?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) creates and supplies all the assessment tasks.
Do you offer extra-curricular activities?
Yes, there may be opportunity to partake in extra-curricular activities during the year. Details will be provided to enrolled families during the year.
What are the advantages to enrolling with Pinnacle Academic College in comparison to the Home Education Unit (HEU)?
At Pinnacle Academic College (PAC), your student will attract government funding which we use to assist us to provide educational opportunities (excursions, incursions, performing arts classes etc...) We also value you as the parent to be an important element in your student's education.
Can I apply for Newstart exemption or AIC (Assistance for Isolated Children) payments if I enrol with Pinnacle Academic College?
Yes, if you are enrolled as a Distance Education (DE) family. You will receive a confirmation of enrolment via email, which you send to the relevant department.
What assistance will I receive as a parent if I enrol my children in Pinnacle Academic College?
At Pinnacle Academic College (PAC), teachers are available on an appointment basis to discuss issues with you via ZOOM. At PAC, staff aim to encourage and acknowledge you as the main facilitator of your child’s education.
Do I have to be available to supervise my student if we are enrolled in Pinnacle Academic College as a Distance Education Family?
Yes. A Distance Education (DE) enrolment requires a supervising adult to be with the child when course work is being completed. Alternatively, look at our on campus option where students are supervised by Registered Teachers whilst they are on campus. Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) is about choice for your family’s educational needs.
How is completed work sent to Pinnacle Academic College?
Compulsory assessments require original, correctly labelled work, therefore will be collected by post or in person. The education program includes the deadline dates for compulsory assessment tasks (PAC SATs) as well as any other relevant deadlines. Non compulsory/ by choice assessments are to be emailed to assessments.
How will Pinnacle Academic College ensure attendance according to legislation?
Distance Education (DE) families are required to enter all absences into Sentral it needs to be dated and explained on the absence notification.
On-campus students will be marked absent or in attendance each day; if there are any absences, a note from a parent is required via Sentral.
PAC will follow up with all unexplained absences for both DE and On-Campus Students.
Is there a school uniform?
Pinnacle Academic College (PAC) will have available for purchase Polo Shirts for On-Campus students and for any Distance Education (DE) student that wishes to purchase them; they are not compulsory for DE students, except for excursions. In addition,
students must wear sun-safe clothing (including a hat) and covered in shoes to all PAC events: On Campus, PA Days and excursions. Sun Safe means: covering from the neck to the knees to the elbows
to provide maximum coverage for sun safety. All PAC students will be required to wear a hat for all outside activities. For excursions, a PAC polo shirt and purple hat are compulsory for
the safe supervision and identification of our students by teachers and supervisors