British International House; 130 Bryanston Drive; Bryanston

Post: Private bag X 79; Bryanston; 2021; South Africa

Tel: (011) 706 7199 Fax: (011) 706 4267 e-mail: admin@bidc.co.za
Website: www.bidc.co..za

Dean: Margaret Oshry (B.A ; UED; B. Ed; M. Ed)

Academic Manager: Gerrit Blom
British International Distance College (Pty) Ltd Registration: 2001/000603/07
Directors : CM Oshry
GDE Registration: 400111 Umalusi: SCH 000361 PA

Cambridge International Examination centre number: ZA 057

 Contents

1. Welcome letter from Academic Manager

2. General Information

About Home schooling

College contact information
Staff information
Office hours
Website
Map

3. Student Advisors

The role of a student advisor

How to contact a student advisor

4. Tutors

The role of a tutor

Response time on queries
Private tuition

5. Work Programme

What is a work programme?

6. Assignments

About assignments
Response times
Past Paper Pack\ Memorandums
7. Tutorials

What are tutorials?

Requirements for attending tutorials
Where are tutorials held?

8. Code Of Conduct

9. Exams

Exam Information
Concessions
Exam Times
Student Card
Alternative Venues
Exam timetable
Exam registration deadlines
Re - Writing exams
Remarking exams
Religious Holidays
Results

10. Carry Over

What is a carry over?

What are you entitled to?

11. Study Centre

How study centres operate?

Cambridge certified centres
List of all accredited centres

12. FAQ’s
Dear Student

Welcome to the British International Distance College (BIDC)

We are proud to have been selected by the University of Cambridge to

offer this unique opportunity to provide you with up to date, quality distance
education of the highest international standards.

On completion of your selected courses you will have Cambridge University

International qualifications. BIDC students write examinations set and
marked by the Cambridge International Examinations board in the U.K.

Throughout the year student receive ongoing support from the highly
qualified and experienced British International Distance College Tutors in
Johannesburg.

As a registered student at BIDC you will be assigned your own Student

Advisor to assist you through your course at all times. Student Advisors
assist you with all queries and questions pertaining to your studies. You will
also have access to a Tutor for every subject for which you have registered
who will provide you with ongoing support via email or phone.

We are proud to have you as a student and trust that this will be a fruitful
relationship for you. The Student Advisors look forward to working with you
to ensure that you achieve your goals. We believe that by choosing BIDC as
your preferred education provider, you have taken a significant step toward
your future.

All the best for your selected courses!

Regards,

_______________
Gerrit Blom
Academic Manager
2. General Information

About Home Schooling

Homeschooling or Distance learning is an educational alternative to

mainstream schooling. Homeschooling provides the same qualifications as
a student could achieve in the conventional schooling environments. The
Cambridge distance curriculum as offered by The British International
Distance College, provides students with international secondary school
qualifications.

Many families choose to homeschool their children to continue the parent

– child relationship that has developed since birth. They see no reason to
end this just because the child has reached an age where they are now
required to attend a school. Providing better supervision over the course
of their children’s education serves as another important reason for
choosing homeschooling over the conventional schooling environment.
Knowing one’s children better that anyone else allows parents to meet
their special needs and nurture their specific learning styles. The
flexibility that homeschooling provides also allows students to experience
and excel in all aspects of life.

College contact details

Office Line - (011) 706 7199

Fax Line – 011 706 4267

Email – admin@bidc.co.za

Postal Address – Private Bag X79.

Bryanston,
2021

Physical Address – 130 Bryanston Drive,

Bryanston,
2021
Staff Information

 Dean of all BIC Colleges in South Africa – Mrs. Oshry

 BIDC Academic Manager – Gerrit Blom
 BIDC Student Advisors –Marise Hanekom and Daniel Gardens

Office Hours

The British International Distance College is open during the following

hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 – 16.00

Please note: The College may open later or close earlier during vacation
periods (April, July and December). The College closes mid December for
3 weeks each year.

2.5 Website (www.bidc.co.za)

The British International Distance College website offers students and

parents the opportunity to always be notified about important matters at
BIDC. Parents may also access their child’s information on their record
should you wish to change their details. Parents are also able to view the
latest Assignment results at their convenience.

To register for this online service you should contact your Student
Advisor.
Map

Map to the College

3. Student Advisors

The role of a Student Advisor

All students will be assigned a Student Advisor who will attend to and
follow up on all questions and queries. Students will be assigned a Student
Advisor alphabetically according to their surname.

Student Advisors will provide assistance for the following:

(a) Assisting you with academic advice and course\subject options.

(b) Answering all questions and queries pertaining to your course.
(c) Monitoring your performance by tracking your assignments and
results.
(d) Providing a link between you and the Tutor (All requests for Tutor
assistance must go through your Advisor)
How to contact a Student Advisor

You may contact your Student Advisor telephonically or via email.

Office: (011) 706 7199

E-mail: Studentadvisor1@bidc.co.za or Studentadvisor2@bidc.co.za

4 Tutors

4.1 The role of a Tutor

Tutors are available for each subject should you need any assistance
through the duration of the course. All our Tutors are highly qualified in
their specific field and look forward to assisting you when you require
help.

4.2 Response time on queries

Tutors are on Campus twice per week excluding College vacations. Once a
message has been left for the Tutor to contact you, we expect they will
do so within 72 hours. If you have not heard from a Tutor by the end of
the third working day, please contact your Student Advisor.

4.3 Private Tuition

Tutors may be approached to provide private tuition. This is subject to an

additional fee stipulated by the Tutor. Please arrange this directly with
your Tutor as BIDC is not involved in this.
5. Work Programme

How to use it:

As part of your course you should have received a Work Programme. This
is a week to week plan to follow in accordance with the Cambridge
syllabus provided in the Past Paper Pack. Following it will ensure that you
complete the course in good time to prepare thoroughly for your exams.
You will need to adjust this if you wish to accelerate or slow down. The
work programme refers you to all other materials included in the course.
At the back of your work programme you will find the Assignment Pack.

6. Assignments

About assignments

You will receive 6 assignments per subject to be completed well before

the exam is to be written. The assignments are then submitted to the
College and graded by the subject Tutor. Once the assignment has been
graded it is returned to you. It is important to complete your
assignments so that we can monitor your progress.

Response Times

Assignments have a minimum of 14 working days turn around time from

the date they are received at the College to the date they are
dispatched back to you. You will receive an email informing you that an
assignment has arrived or is being dispatched. You can also check your
assignment history to see when marks are logged. Please notify the
College if an assignment e –mail back to you has not arrived. Please note
that there are certain times during the year when Tutors are on leave
and therefore the assignments will take longer to be graded. This occurs
during the first two weeks of April, the first three weeks of July and all
of December.
Past Cambridge exam Paper

You will receive a past paper pack (PPP) containing 3 years of past
Cambridge papers for every subject. The PPP should be used in
preparation for your exams and during Tutorials. At Cambridge’s request
there are no mark schemes included with your past Cambridge papers,
However mark schemes for Cambridge exam papers are discussed in
detail at your Tutorials.

7. Tutorials

7.1 What are Tutorials?

Tutorials are offered to all students able to attend before their final
exams are to be written. During Tutorials you will meet your Tutor and
your fellow students. Your Tutor will extensively cover all exam
preparation work and provide you with helpful hints and studying
suggestions for each subject. Please note that it is vital to bring your
past paper pack and Mock exam scripts to the Tutorials. Any syllabus
questions may also be discussed during Tutorials. Tutorials are a vital
part of your exam preparation and it is highly advisable to attend them.

There is no charge for attending Tutorials.

7.2 Requirements for attending Tutorials

 All Work Programmes and Past Paper Packs, as well as your answers to
the Mock exam.
 Registration for the subject for the following Cambridge exam
session.
7.3 Where are Tutorials held?

Tutorials for all subject levels are conducted at the Bryanston campus
during April and September.

Tutorials in selected subjects may also be available in Cape Town and

Durban during April and September.

7.4 Timetable:

The tutorial timetable is constructed taking into account student subject

choices to ensure that every student can attend tutorials in all their
subjects. An effort is made to limit the length of time student are
required to be away from home if they live outside Johannesburg.

8. Code Of Conduct

Please refer to annexure 1.

9. Exams

9.1 Exam Entry

An Exam Entry application form is attached to this Services and

Procedures booklet. If you require another one, please email a request to
your student advisor who will ensure that the BIDC exams office will
provide you with one. If you are not writing in a particular sitting please
do not complete or submit the exam entry form.

Once the application for Exam Entry form has been completed please
make payment of the relevant examination fees (these will be published
on our website two weeks before the deadline and also emailed to all
registered students). Students must return both the completed and
signed entry form along with proof of payment to the College. Any late
entries received after the deadline has passed will be processed for a
period but incur expensive penalties levied by Cambridge.
It is advised that the documents be faxed to (011) 706 4267 or e –mailed
to registrations@bidc.co.za. You will be emailed within 48 hours of our
receipt of your form and proof of payment. If you do not hear from the
College by then, please contact your Student Advisor urgently.

BIDC will provide you, within a month of entry, with your Statement of
Entry from Cambridge which confirms your entry and provides you with
your exam dates and times.

Please note: You can only register for the exams listed on your Exam
Entry form. If a subject does not appear on your exam entry form, please
contact your Student Advisor who will gladly assist you.

9.2 Concessions

Should a student need a concession for their exam (eg. extra time) based
on medical or psychological grounds the College can assist the student by
applying to Cambridge for special conditions. Please ensure that the
required medical documents accompany the completed exam form. The
BIDC Exams officer can assist you with this.

9.3 Exam Timetables

Once you receive your Statement of Entry you will see the following time
sessions:

AM – This sessions starts at 9:30 (subject to change)

PM – This sessions starts at 13:30 (subject to change)

NOTE: if you are writing at a special alternative exam venue you may be
notified of a slightly later start
9.4 Student Card

A student card is a photographic form of identification and is a necessity

for every exam you write and tutorial you attend. No student is
permitted to write the exam should he\she not be in possession of a valid
2011 student card.

The student card will be made for you once you provide 2 ID photos to
the College.

9.5 Alternative Venues

If students prefer not to write exams at the British International

College campuses in JHB, there will be a list of alternative centres
stipulated on the Examination Entry form. Should you wish to write an
exam at an alternative venue, there will be additional costs incurred over
and above the Cambridge exam fees. This additional cost covers venue,
courier and invigilation fees.

Please note that Orals\Practical exams may only be conducted at the

Bryanston Campus or Pretoria Campus.
Please check your Cambridge syllabus to see whether you will have an
Oral or practical examination in a subject so that you can plan
accordingly.

9.6 Exam Registration Deadlines

The deadline for registering for the May\June exams is the 31 January.
The deadline for registering for the October \ November exams is the
31 May.
9.7 Exam Timetable

Your exam timetable will be sent to you as your Cambridge Statement of

Entry.

Note: If payment is late the exam entry cannot be sent to Cambridge

until it is received.

9.8 Re – Writing Exams

If a subject is failed or if a student wishes to write again in order to

achieve a higher grade, it may be written in the next available exam
sitting within the course period of registration for that course. Please
contact a Student Advisor for further information. If it is to be written
outside of the period of the academic year for which the student is
registered at BIDC, registration for carry over applies.

9.9 Results and Queries \ Questions

An application for a re – mark is to be submitted to Cambridge

along with payment. The Student Advisors or Academic Manager
will assist you with this.

9.10 Religious Holidays

Should your exam fall on a religious holy day according to your

religious beliefs, please contact the BIDC Exams officer in writing
(registrations@bidc.co.za) as soon as you receive your Statement of
Entry. Cambridge does not normally change a student’s exam timetable on
these grounds.

9.11 Results

Results for all Cambridge and College exams will be available from the
BIDC Exams Officer or the Academic Manager. Results are never given
telephonically. BIDC will e-mail them to you. You may request:

(i) That the Statement of Result should be sent by registered post

(ii) That it be handed to a courier or another party who will collect on
your behalf
For Exams written in the May\June sitting:Results will be available mid
August.

For Exams written in the October \ November sitting: HIGCSE results

will be available in December. All other results will be available mid to
late January

10 . Carry Overs

10.1 What is a carry over?

A carry over refers to any subject where, following registration in a

particular academic year, the exam has not been written and the subject
needs to be continued into the second academic year. There is a fee
payable for carrying over any subject. Please contact your Student
Advisor or look on our website for this information. Your Student Advisor
will ensure that you have fulfilled the necessary prerequisites for the
carry over to take place.

10.2 What does a carry over offer you?

The carry over entitles you to the following:

(a) The syllabus for the new academic year.

(b) The latest available Cambridge past exam papers
(c) Continued access to your Tutors
(d) The submission and marking of any assignments not previously
submitted
(e) Attendance at Tutorials
(f) The facility to enter and sit Cambridge examinations via our College
11. Study Centre

11.1 How do Study Centres operate?

The Study Centres offer a service to students who would like supervision
of their studies, have the social interaction of studying in a group and/or
the academic support of face to face tutors. The Study Centres also help
the students to submit assignments and any other administrative
documentation. Each Study Centre has their own schedule and adds value
in their own way. You need to visit the Study Centre you are interested in
attending and discuss your needs with the Head of the Study Centre.

11.2 BIDC accredited centres

All our accredited Study Centres are inspected and monitored by the
College prior to accreditation which is renewed annually. Do ask to see
their current certificate of accreditation. We cannot recommend
unregistered centres.

11.3 List of all Study Centres

Please consult the BIDC website for a full listing of all our currently
accredited Study Centres.
 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. How can I contact my Tutor(s)?

You can e-mail your Tutors at any time throughout the year for advice and
help. You may phone (011 706–7199) or fax (011 706-4267) your Student
Advisor at British International Distance College during office hours and
leave a message for your Tutor to contact you. The Tutors have set times
each week when they respond to student queries. There is no additional fee
for this service. You may e-mail Studentadvisor1@bidc.co.za or
Studentadvisor2@bidc.co.za

2. Are the BIDC courses online?

The British International Distance College prescribes textbooks
recommended by Cambridge International Examinations and supplements
these with detailed weekly work programmes, assignments, syllabi, past
examination papers and any additional notes the Tutor feels may assist you
with that particular subject.

3. Do I need a student card and how much is it?

Students must have a student card for the purpose of identification at all
tutorials and Cambridge examinations. Students will not be allowed to write
examinations without producing a student card. This is a Cambridge ruling.
There is no cost for the card. The student does have a responsibility
however, to supply the British International Distance College with two
recent passport size photographs (in black and white or colour) when
submitting their examination entry form. Replacement cards cost R20.

4. Are the Cambridge qualifications recognised by South African

Universities?
Yes. The Cambridge Higher International General Certificate of Secondary
Education (HIGCSE) and the AS level are equivalent to the South African
Grade 12 and are recognised by the Matriculation Board (HESA) for
Exemption purposes. Please note that to attain a Matriculation with
Exemption you will need to fulfil the requirements prescribed by HESA.
Please contact your Student Advisor for guidance or the HESA website.
5. Are the HIGCSE Examinations being phased out?
Examinations in certain HIGCSE subjects will only be offered till the end of
2010. BIDC now also offers the AS Level courses. Both qualifications are
widely accepted by the Universities and can be mixed in any combination.

6. What does ‘exam sitting’ mean?

An ‘exam sitting’ is a time set by Cambridge when a particular subject is
examined at a Cambridge Centre. (eg. May\June is a sitting as is
October\November)

7. What do the tutorials cost?

The cost of tutorials forms part of the course fee and there is no additional
cost for tutorials held at the College. The tutorials are offered in April and
September for students who are registered to sit examinations in May or
November respectively. They focus on intense examination preparation.

8. What is meant by a ‘carry-over’ subject and do I need to re-

register?
Any subject that a student is registered for remains valid for two academic
years. This means that there is the option to ‘carry-over’ or continue with
that subject after the first academic year of study should a student not
have completed the course in that year. Should students wish to ‘carry-over’
any subject/s they would need to re-register in the second academic year
and only pay the annual registration and carry over fees. This will allow a
student to continue to submit assignments not completed in the previous
year and receive ongoing support from the Distance College. This will also
enable a student to submit a Cambridge examination entry. A student who
successfully completes a subject within one year and achieves the desired
result would not need to ‘carry-over’ that subject to the next year and would
proceed to the next level.

9. Must I take a second language?

Yes. The Matriculation Board (HESA) requires that a first language and
another language form part of a student’s choice of subjects in order to
qualify for Matriculation Exemption.
10. Must I do the IGCSE level?
Students must have completed either Grade 11 or the IGCSE level before
proceeding to HIGCSE or AS level. IGCSE not only prepares them
academically for the HIGCSE/ AS level, but the IGCSE results must
accompany university applications. This determines acceptance for the
student’s tertiary studies before the HIGCSE/ AS level results are available
and is therefore imperative.

11. What age should I be to start the Cambridge programme?

The Cambridge programme is aimed at students of high school going age in
their teenage years. Please contact a Student Advisor for assistance, as
they will be able to assess, recommend and advise each student where to
start.

12. What are the payment options?

Payments can be made by: electronic funds transfer (EFT), direct deposit
into the British International Distance College bank account, credit card or
cheque. We do not accept cash. We are only able to ship study material
after a standard 10 day clearing period, when payment is tendered by
cheque. Proof of payment must accompany your registration form.

13. If I have two children, can they share the same course?
Students cannot share one course, but need to each purchase their own
course material. Where textbooks are duplicated however new books may
be returned to the Bookshop. This is solely at the discretion of the
Bookshop. Books must remain in mint condition for refund which takes place
via the Bookshop not via BIDC.

14. How can I get in touch with other distance students?

The Orientation Day held on an annual basis and tutorials held in April and
September for students entered to write examinations are great ways of
meeting other distance students. Students are welcome to supply contact
details to British International Distance College to post on the website so
that other students can contact them should they so wish.

15. How is BIDC affiliated with Cambridge?

The British International Distance College is a proud to be an accredited
supplier of Cambridge study material in South Africa. Our centre number is
ZA 057 The Cambridge philosophy of education provides courses which are
demanding, challenging and thoroughly prepares students for tertiary study
and the demands of modern life.
It was announced in 2003 that in recognition of the work the British
International College has done in promoting the Cambridge philosophy in
South Africa it has been awarded Cambridge International Fellowship
Centre status. There are only a few Cambridge International Centres
worldwide to be granted this prestigious status, which is akin to a hotel
being awarded 5 stars.

16. Do you offer A-levels?

The British International Distance College does offer many subjects at AS
level which is the first half of A Level. The second half of A levels can only
be done by attending the Full time College in Bryanston (011 706 7775)

17. Are HIGCSE and A Levels the same?

HIGCSE and A Levels are not the same. The HIGCSE course is the
equivalent of Grade 12. A levels are the equivalent to Grades 12 and 13 (first
year university). AS levels, the first half to A levels, is equivalent to grade
12.

18. Can I study overseas with Cambridge qualifications?

Yes, Cambridge qualifications not only give students direct entrance to
universities in Southern Africa, but also internationally. Please contact the
University of your choice for their admission requirements.

19. I struggle with examination technique, what should I do?

The past examination packs that students are issued with at registration
includes three years of past Cambridge examination papers per subject. By
going through these papers students can familiarise themselves with the
format, content and time constraints they will face when writing their
examinations. These are invaluable to students in improving their
examination technique and confidence. Also see the Study Tips booklet, ask
your Student Advisor if you did not receive one. Each year we run tutorials
and attending these will also improve your marks.

20. When must I enter if I would like to write Cambridge

examinations?
Deadline dates for entering to write Cambridge examinations are supplied on
the front of the Work Programmes issued for every subject.
21. What happens to my exam entry should I decide to withdraw from
an examination?
Students who withdraw from an examination will not be automatically
entered at the next session, but will have to re-apply for a future sitting and
pay the necessary examination fees again. All withdrawals must be in writing.

22. Can I change the time or date of a Cambridge examination?

Cambridge examinations have to be written at the set time and date. These
cannot be changed.

23. What does AM and PM mean on my Statement of Entry?

AM means 08H30
PM means 13H00

NOTE: if writing at an alternative venue, these may differ.

24. How do I know the length of each examination that I’ve entered
for?
You can establish how long an examination you have entered for will be by
consulting your syllabus.

25. Are mark schemes available for the Cambridge papers?

Some mark schemes are available for the Cambridge papers. These are
shared with students at the tutorials.

26. Can I contact Cambridge directly?

No. Please do not contact Cambridge directly, as the Cambridge Centre
where you are registered is there to act on your behalf and to answer your
questions. CIE does not liaise directly with students and/or parents.

27. Does BIDC have accommodation and transport facilities?

We do have a list of recommended B&B’s and transport providers who can
assist you.

28. Do I have to do orals and practical examinations at the College in

Bryanston or Pretoria?
You are expected to do all orals and practical examinations at the College in
Pretoria or Bryanston. The HIGCSE Physical Science practical examination
must be completed at one of the College campuses. AS levels and IGCSE Art
examinations are also completed only at the Colleges. Oral examinations also
require special arrangements and so need to be completed at the College.
This is a Cambridge requirement to ensure that examinations are properly
conducted..

29. How do I enter for an examination?

Examination entry forms must be completed and the required fee must be
paid. Deadline dates must be adhered to in order to avoid penalties.

30. Where can I find out the dates and times of my examinations?
This is detailed on your Statement of Entry.

31. How will I get my examination results?

Your examination results will be emailed to you or you can arrange to collect
them from the BIDC Academic Manager or Examinations Officer.

32. Does CIE provide percentage marks?

CIE grades are given in Alpha grades only and percentage marks are not
provided. A key is provided to explain the value of the grade.

33. When are examination results released by Cambridge?

Examination scripts are marked in the UK. Advice of results for the
HIGCSE subjects is made available in late December and for Checkpoint,
IGCSE and AS Level subjects in late January.

34. What is a Cambridge International Study Centre?

A Cambridge International Study Centre offers supervision and ongoing
assistance for students working on the British International Distance
courses to prepare students for Cambridge International Examinations. The
British International Distance College ensures that all accredited centres
adhere to the conditions set by Cambridge and the British International
College.

 NOTE: if you have any other questions please contact your Student
Advisor.