10_July_2025_ Release Note: Major Update of Student Handbook & Launch of Knowledge Base Library

Edited

Purpose

To officially inform you about the release of the refreshed Student Handbook and the launch of our 24/7 digital Pilates ITC Knowledge Base Library. These updates reflect a 12-month review driven by feedback from students across Australia and internationally. We're proud to bring you clearer, more transparent access to the policies and resources that support your learning journey.


Definitions

  • Student Handbook: Your comprehensive guide to policies, procedures, course details, and key information relevant to your enrolment.

  • Knowledge Base Library: A searchable online platform providing instant access to policies, codes of practice, guides, assessment tools, support links, and frequently asked questions.

  • Policy Update Table: An organised summary of all recent changes, categorized for easy navigation and aligned with Handbook versioning.


Who this update applies to

This update applies to all current Pilates ITC students, regardless of location. If you submitted a written request prior to 10 July 2025, it will be processed using the version of the Handbook that provides the most benefit to you.


Effective Date

This release is effective immediately, dated 10 July 2025.

As outlined in Handbook Section 6.3:

“Pilates ITC reserves the right to introduce or increase appropriate fees and charges, and to amend the procedures as required.”

All current student enrolments are now governed under this revised framework.

If you submitted a written request prior to 10 July 2025, it will be processed under the previous Handbook—unless the updated version provides greater benefit to you.


What’s New?

  • A Redesigned Student Handbook Visually upgraded and easier to navigate. It highlights the essential policies and course information you need as a student—without the clutter.

  • New 24/7 Knowledge Base Library A searchable digital hub housing all supporting policies, guides, placement tools, codes of practice, FAQs, feedback portals and direct support links.

Together, these platforms are designed to empower your learning experience with clarity, consistency, and confidence.


Summary of Policy Changes

  • New policies such as Use of AI, Extenuating Circumstances, and Code of Practice for Students and more...

  • Major updates to Refunds, Deferrals, Withdrawal, Extensions, Fees Schedule, DEI Policy, Change of Cohort Policy and Student Wellbeing Focus.

  • A complete overhaul of formerly overlapping documents, improving consistency and transparency

All retired, replaced, and redundant policies have been clearly labelled and mapped to their respective new references.


Learning & Assessment

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Assessment Policy

V12.0

12.0

Updated

Clear steps for submissions, resubmissions, feedback, and final assessment procedures.

Assessment Marking in the VET System Policy

V1.0

New

Explains competency standards, grading, reassessment, and compliance with VET frameworks.

Declaration of Own Work Policy

V12.0

12.1

Updated

Outlines academic integrity expectations and original work submissions.

Practical Assessment Policy

V12.0

Updated

Clarifies studio expectations, scheduling, and practical competency observation requirements.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) Policy

V12.0

5.2.4

Updated

Simplified procedure to apply for recognition of prior learning.

Credit Transfer Policy

V12.0

5.2.5

Updated

Clear instructions for credit transfers based on previous qualifications.

Extension Policy

V12.0

6.6.1

Updated

Defines how to apply for time extensions on assessments under supportive conditions.

Student Support & Experience

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Support Services Policy

V1.0

New

Central guide to academic, wellbeing, and contact-based student support.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy

V1.0

New

Outlines our commitment to mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

V1.0

New

Describes how to request tailored learning or assessment accommodations.

Extenuating Circumstances Policy

V1.0

New

Replaces “Compassionate & Compelling Reasons”; clearer application criteria.

Complaints & Appeals Policy

V12.0

16.0, 17.0

Updated

Simpler complaint resolution pathways and timeline transparency.

Student Feedback & Continuous Improvement Policy

V12.0

18.0

Updated

Formalises how your feedback is gathered and used to improve the learning experience.

Enrolment, Progression & Administration

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Admissions & Onboarding Policy

V12.0

5.1

Updated

Simplifies what to expect before and during your enrolment.

Students Under 18 Policy

V12.0

Updated

Strengthens protections and consent pathways for minor students.

Deferral Policy

V12.0

6.6.3

Updated

More flexible: 2 deferrals up to 6 months; can extend beyond course end date.

Withdrawal Policy

V12.0

6.6.5

Updated

Withdrawals permitted only under extenuating circumstances; tiered system removed.

Transition of Training Products Policy

V12.0

5.2.7

Updated

Ensures continuity if training packages or units change.

Variation of Enrolment

V11.3

6.6.4

Redundant

Removed; merged with updated withdrawal process.

Change of Cohort Policy (Blended Only)

V1.0

V1.0

New

Allows eligible students to move between scheduled in-person courses.

Individual Assessment Schedule

V11.3

6.6.2

Redundant

Merged into Extensions Policy for clarity.

Course Duration Policy

V12.0

6.5

Updated

Ensures clarity around course durations including Expected Duration and Maximum Course Durations.

Fees, Refunds & Financial Support

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Refunds Policy

V12.0

6.4

Updated

5-day cooling-off period added. Tiered refund system removed.

Fee Payment and Management Policy and Procedure

V12.0

6.1, 6.2

Updated

Details timelines for payments, debt recovery, and instalment options.

Financial Hardship Policy

V12.0

6.3.2

Updated

Allows students to apply for alternate fee arrangements.

Private Tuition Policy

V1.0

Updated

Defines private session availability, fees, and expectations.

Fees Schedule

V12.0

6.3

Updated

Some increased fees; Some reduced fees and added some new services. Concessions removed for clarity.

Other Fees and Charges

V11.3

6.7

Redundant

Fully absorbed into the Fees Schedule.

Conduct, Inclusion & Ethics

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Our Student - Code of Practice

V1.0

New

Describes how students contribute to respectful and inclusive learning.

Our Team - Code of Practice

V12.0

3.0

Updated

Reinforces organisation-wide behavioural expectations.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Policy

V1.0

New

Replaces Access & Equity; promotes inclusive policies and practices.

Drug & Alcohol Policy

V12.0

13.0

Updated

Clarifies expectations during training and placements.

Social Media Policy

V1.0

Updated

Encourages respectful, professional online engagement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

V1.0

New

Explains appropriate academic use of artificial intelligence tools.

Work Placement, Studios & Equipment

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Work Placement Policy

Work Placement Library

V12.0

14.0

Updated

Dedicated placement support space now live in Knowledge Base.

Instructor Studio Access Guide

V1.0

10.0

New

Replaces Facilities policy; outlines etiquette and expectations.

Student Tools Policy

V1.0

11.0

New

Merges previous tech/apparatus info into one accessible document.

Technology & Apparatus Policy

V11.3

11.0

Redundant

Replaced by Student Tools Policy.

Facilities

V11.3

10.0

Redundant

Replaced by Instructor Studio Access Guide.

Governance, Records & Compliance

Policy or Procedure

Version

Previous Handbook Code

Update Type

What’s New for You

Privacy & Data Management Policy

V12.0

20.0

Updated

Clarifies how student data is stored and managed.

Record Keeping Policy

V12.0

19.0

Updated

Describes document retention and access protocols.

Secure Disposal of Records Policy

V11.3

21.4

Redundant

Merged info into Record Keeping Policy - Adds clarity on how your data is securely deleted.

Third-Party Arrangements Policy

V12.0

21.1

Updated

Explains partnerships with external systems like LMS platforms.

Unique Student Identifier Policy

V12.0

5.2.1

Updated

Supports you in managing your official USI record.

Marketing & Advertising Policy

V1.0

New

Commits to honest representation of courses and student outcomes.

Pilates Industry Association

V12.0

22.0

Updated

Reaffirms affiliation and its value to students.

Compliance Policy and Procedure

V11.3

23.0

Replaced

Compliance with Legislation


Contact

If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly Student Services Team is here for you. Visit our Contact Us page for details.


Access the Updated Resources


Compliance

This policy complies with:

Clause 3.1 of the Standards for RTOs 2025: Using student feedback to guide continuous improvement.

Clause 5.2 of the Standards for RTOs 2025: Making sure information provided to you is clear, current, and easy to understand.

Clause 6.3 of the Standards for RTOs 2025: Ensuring effective version control and governance of policy documents.

Clause 7.1 of the Standards for RTOs 2025: Prioritising ongoing quality improvement, supported by structured reviews and transparent updates.

Clause 1.4 of the Standards for RTOs 2025: Supporting inclusive, equitable access to policies for all students.

VET and ASQA Frameworks: Reinforcing consistent academic and operational integrity across Pilates ITC.