Rules and Requirements

            The following is a list of the rules under which I conduct my lessons. Forgive me for the severe wording, but it has been written like this so that the meaning is clear and unambiguous.

1. I will invoice for the whole term in the first lesson of each term. Each term is approximately 10 weeks. If I do not invoice in the first week then it will not be long after. Please return payment by 4 weeks from the date shown on the invoice. If I do not receive payment in the time allotted then I will reserve the right to discontinue lessons. If paying by cheque, please make payable to ‘Justin Francis Buckingham’.
2. If a student cannot, for whatever reason, get to a lesson you must inform me at least 24 hours before the lesson or the lesson will be forfeit. Please assume that I am unaware of any activities your school may be having, eg: sport, excursions, incursions, exams, etc. If you inform me of your absence at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson then I will do my best to make arrangements for a makeup lesson. If I cannot fit in a makeup lesson I will credit the cost of the lesson to the next term’s invoice.
3. If a student has two unexplained absences in a term I will ring their parent/guardian to ascertain whether they wish to continue tuition. If a student has more than two unexplained absences in a term I will discontinue lessons unless convinced otherwise.
4. Regular lessons have a set start and finish time. If I begin a lesson early this does not mean that subsequent lessons will begin early, unless explicitly organised with me. If you arrive late to a lesson, I will not extend it beyond its usual finish time. I cannot supervise students after their lesson time. If I must supervise a student for more than 10 minutes after their lesson ends it is at my discretion to charge my full rate.
5. Students are expected to practice regularly. This is as much the student’s responsibility as the parent’s. If you are ever unsure how often your practice should be, please ask me at our next lesson.
6. I will conduct students through AMEB examinations at the request of the student or parent/guardian, or may recommend it. Enrolment in exams, however, is at my discretion and I will only enrol students who I believe can complete them well. Exams can be challenging, though. If I have enrolled a student in an exam and it becomes apparent that they are not putting in enough effort closer to the exam time, I will withdraw the student. Unfortunately, the AMEB does not refund exam fees in these cases.

The preceding information and more can be downloaded.