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Tip Store: Education: General
Brain Food
For those of senior years, when time is more plentiful than money, may I suggest joining U3A (University of the Third Age) run by volunteers from all walks of life, eager to inform with thought-provoking and interesting courses and one-off talks on many, many topics in a warm, social environment. U3A is available in all capital cities, regional cities and towns all over Australia and the world. The annual membership fee is about $50 and for this you have the opportunity to join any course listed in the 60-odd page (Sydney) course book. Victoria, I am told has even more to offer. The only other thing you might have to contribute financially is a gold coin donation for a cuppa in the half-time break. But hey, this is also a social group with opportunities to expand your mind and your circle of friends.
Contributed by Lesley Thompson
Contributed by Lesley Thompson
Making School Labels
Now that school is back I just wanted to share how I label my kids' pencils. I get them to pick a coloured piece of paper (this helps them identify their items at a glance) and print their name on it, big enough to read small enough to go on the items (12 or 14size). You can fit a whole lot of names to one page. I do 4 columns. Cut these up then use a piece of contact slightly bigger on all sides of the name paper, position the name in the middle of the contact, then stick it to the item. I also get the kids to cut the contact. They can follow the lines, they like to feel like they are helping and it's good practice for them cutting, helping with their motor skills.
- Contributed by Carmen Squires, 30th January 2013
- Contributed by Carmen Squires, 30th January 2013
You Don't Need to Spend Money to Learn
Approximate $ Savings: $100 - $5000
Recently I've become interested in Aromatherapy and Computers. Unable to afford the cost of expensive courses and uni fees, I decided to look a bit closer to home. I gathered a pile of my family's unused books and magazine and took them into my local book exchange where I got an $82 credit! I was able to purchase the books needed to school myself up. I also used good old YouTube for how-to videos. The Internet is a wealth of information for anything you need to learn. There was also a lot of books at my local library that I couldn't afford to purchase, but was happy to borrow. I then had my hubby give me some pop quizzes too. Although I'm not "qualified" I have still learnt enough now to use my oils safely on my family and friends, and whiz around on my PC at lightening speed!
- Contributed by Anita, Bundaberg, 4th March 2010
Recently I've become interested in Aromatherapy and Computers. Unable to afford the cost of expensive courses and uni fees, I decided to look a bit closer to home. I gathered a pile of my family's unused books and magazine and took them into my local book exchange where I got an $82 credit! I was able to purchase the books needed to school myself up. I also used good old YouTube for how-to videos. The Internet is a wealth of information for anything you need to learn. There was also a lot of books at my local library that I couldn't afford to purchase, but was happy to borrow. I then had my hubby give me some pop quizzes too. Although I'm not "qualified" I have still learnt enough now to use my oils safely on my family and friends, and whiz around on my PC at lightening speed!
- Contributed by Anita, Bundaberg, 4th March 2010
Learning LOTE at Home
Approximate $ Savings: $728.00
When my daughter was young I wanted to take her to the classes for her to learn a second language, as they say if they are young they pick it up very quickly. I couldn't afford the lessons that were $24 for one hour and by the time we returned the following week my little girl had forgotten, you need to speak the language on a regular basis. I then had a brain wave and rang the local high school and spoke to the teacher that was teaching Japanese. When I asked her if there was a young girl she could recommend to come over twice a week and just sit and play with my daughter, dolls etc and only speak to her in this language the teacher was very helpful and talked to her best student for me. The young lady lived in my suburb, a couple of streets away and she agreed to come over twice a week after school and teach/play with my daughter. She only charged me $5 per hour and I had to supply afternoon tea - a drink and something to eat. So we were all winners. I came to know a great young lady where we live and my daughter can now speak a second language as well as write her name and other phrases. The best bit was that I was also able to listen into the lessons and pick up knowledge on the way - this meant I could also speak the language. My daughter didn't even realise she was at school as they just sat and played or drew for the hour. My little girl loves her young friend and is wowing her LOTE teachers in primary school.
- Contributed by Kathy, Rochedale South, 3rd December 2009
When my daughter was young I wanted to take her to the classes for her to learn a second language, as they say if they are young they pick it up very quickly. I couldn't afford the lessons that were $24 for one hour and by the time we returned the following week my little girl had forgotten, you need to speak the language on a regular basis. I then had a brain wave and rang the local high school and spoke to the teacher that was teaching Japanese. When I asked her if there was a young girl she could recommend to come over twice a week and just sit and play with my daughter, dolls etc and only speak to her in this language the teacher was very helpful and talked to her best student for me. The young lady lived in my suburb, a couple of streets away and she agreed to come over twice a week after school and teach/play with my daughter. She only charged me $5 per hour and I had to supply afternoon tea - a drink and something to eat. So we were all winners. I came to know a great young lady where we live and my daughter can now speak a second language as well as write her name and other phrases. The best bit was that I was also able to listen into the lessons and pick up knowledge on the way - this meant I could also speak the language. My daughter didn't even realise she was at school as they just sat and played or drew for the hour. My little girl loves her young friend and is wowing her LOTE teachers in primary school.
- Contributed by Kathy, Rochedale South, 3rd December 2009
Update Your Skills Free of Charge
Approximate $ Savings: $2,500 +
Are you currently unemployed? Need to update your skills? At the moment the Australian Government is offering FREE courses - Cert I, II, III and IV - up to Diploma level in some cases - to anyone who is unemployed. You don't have to be on a Centrelink benefit or registered with a job network. If you are unemployed today you can do a free course in just about anything. Your partner can earn money and you can have money in the bank or investments. Look in your local newspaper or contact Centrelink, TAFE, or 'Google' courses you are interested in. It is called the Productivity Placement Program. You can even do it via distance education on-line. If you find employment after you have already started the course that is fine because you just let the trainers know and they can extend your study time and you can keep doing the course for FREE.
- Contributed by Venessa, Ormeau, 18th January 2009
Are you currently unemployed? Need to update your skills? At the moment the Australian Government is offering FREE courses - Cert I, II, III and IV - up to Diploma level in some cases - to anyone who is unemployed. You don't have to be on a Centrelink benefit or registered with a job network. If you are unemployed today you can do a free course in just about anything. Your partner can earn money and you can have money in the bank or investments. Look in your local newspaper or contact Centrelink, TAFE, or 'Google' courses you are interested in. It is called the Productivity Placement Program. You can even do it via distance education on-line. If you find employment after you have already started the course that is fine because you just let the trainers know and they can extend your study time and you can keep doing the course for FREE.
- Contributed by Venessa, Ormeau, 18th January 2009
Free Training
The Federal Government will pay for fully accredited training to eligible people in industries where there is need in Australia. Participants must be looking for work, but it doesn't have to be full time work. There are hundreds of courses from registered training organisations all over Australia from Certificate II to Certificate IV level. I couldn't believe the wide range of courses on offer: there's something for everybody and you know it's in an area where there are shortages of qualified staff. For example, I am doing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment over three months with 10 days' face to face training spread over one month. My friend is doing a Certificate IV in Fitness Training over nine months by correspondence. These particular courses would have cost us about $2,000 and $4,000 ourselves. This is such a great opportunity for people who are re-entering the workforce (stay at home mums, carers, people changing careers) as well as others. Grab this opportunity while you can. Further information from www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au or look in your local newspaper ads for registered training organisations offering courses in your local area. The registered training organisation can help you apply (easy peasy form), or if you are unemployed the employment organisation which supports you can help you to apply. (Full time students and self employed people are ineligible.) Do remember to do your research though: some training organisations will offer more flexible training options to suit your needs, some will provide more skilled trainers and facilitators. Naturally, the Federal Government will only fund one qualification per person. Choose wisely and start your new career!
- Contributed by Julie, Perth, 16th September 2008
Website: www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au
- Contributed by Julie, Perth, 16th September 2008
Website: www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au
Returning to Earning for Mums
Approximate $ Savings: $1000
If you are a mum and looking to return to work some time in the future, the Victorian government has a great plan called "returning to earning." Basically if you qualify you are given a grant for up to $1000 which can go towards fees, books and in some cases childcare. There are a huge amount of places you can train at (check the list) and the grant lasts for a year. Well worth looking at. The site www.returningtoearning.com.au Hope it helps!
- Contributed by Keren, Mooroolbark, 4th September 2008
If you are a mum and looking to return to work some time in the future, the Victorian government has a great plan called "returning to earning." Basically if you qualify you are given a grant for up to $1000 which can go towards fees, books and in some cases childcare. There are a huge amount of places you can train at (check the list) and the grant lasts for a year. Well worth looking at. The site www.returningtoearning.com.au Hope it helps!
- Contributed by Keren, Mooroolbark, 4th September 2008
Saving on Uni Fees
If you are able to pay upfront Uni fees you can claim fees back at the end of the year in your tax, however if you pay by HECS or PELS you are not able to claim future payments as tax deductions. Of course this supposes that you have the cash up front and many of us do not. In which case HECS and PELS are the best options as they help us get ahead so that our earning power in the future is greater.
- Contributed by Rachel Harris, 13th August 2008
- Contributed by Rachel Harris, 13th August 2008
Free Tuition
Approximate $ Savings: $1150-$1500
I had recently decided to return to the work force after being a stay at home mum for the past 5 years. I was planning to do a Certificate III in Aged Care. The cost of this course plus a senior first aid certificate is about $1150-$1500 depending on where you do the course. I discovered via the Internet that due to a skills shortage in this area the Australian Government is currently fully funding tuition for Cert III Aged Care courses for eligible applicants. There are also other certificate courses available in different fields which are also fully funded. You have to be over 15 years old, have low employment or be unemployed. It's not means tested so my husbands income did not effect my eligibility. I have just started my course and it's going great. I am gaining new skills, meeting new people and I have saved over a thousand dollars!! To find out more info you can visit the following website and download a .pdf brochure.
- Contributed by Natasha, Mudgeeraba,20th July 2008
www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au
I had recently decided to return to the work force after being a stay at home mum for the past 5 years. I was planning to do a Certificate III in Aged Care. The cost of this course plus a senior first aid certificate is about $1150-$1500 depending on where you do the course. I discovered via the Internet that due to a skills shortage in this area the Australian Government is currently fully funding tuition for Cert III Aged Care courses for eligible applicants. There are also other certificate courses available in different fields which are also fully funded. You have to be over 15 years old, have low employment or be unemployed. It's not means tested so my husbands income did not effect my eligibility. I have just started my course and it's going great. I am gaining new skills, meeting new people and I have saved over a thousand dollars!! To find out more info you can visit the following website and download a .pdf brochure.
- Contributed by Natasha, Mudgeeraba,20th July 2008
www.productivityplaces.deewr.gov.au
Longer Lasting Lead Pencils
Approximate $ Savings: $3
Please don't buy the packs of cheap (especially the yellow painted) lead pencils as it is false economy. Ask any teacher and they will tell you how frustrating and wasteful they are because they continue to break. Instead get three or four more expensive pencils and name them really well.
- Contributed by Michele, West Mackay, 1st February 2008
Please don't buy the packs of cheap (especially the yellow painted) lead pencils as it is false economy. Ask any teacher and they will tell you how frustrating and wasteful they are because they continue to break. Instead get three or four more expensive pencils and name them really well.
- Contributed by Michele, West Mackay, 1st February 2008
Choosing the Right School
Save on school fees by sending your child/ren to a good public school. If you're unsure what your local public school is like, there are ways to find out, i.e. visit the school several times, talk to parents of children who already go to the school, attend an open day or orientation day; even bring your child for a visit (pre-arrange with the school beforehand). Many public schools are excellent, especially nowadays, because schools have stringent guidelines to follow and have to maintain good standards. I know, because I teach in both (part-time) and our son has attended both the private system, as well as the public.
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
Teach by Example
If your children want to learn a certain skill and you know that you can do this skill well yourself, then have confidence to teach your child yourself, rather than shell out hundreds of dollars to have someone else teach your child the skill. I did this and I've taught our son to touch-type; plus I taught him the violin for 4 years.
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
Give Them an Academic Headstart
Reduce the likelihood of having to shell out money for extra tutoring for your kids, down the track in their school years, by giving them a great start to their learning. You can give your child a good start to their school life by following a few simple steps: -read to them each day and enjoy this special time with your child/ren; -show them how to do things, e.g. cook recipes with them; -make things with them, e.g. craft, art, so they learn how to cut and glue and follow procedures; take them to a good playgroup; -have mealtimes together, with fun discussions and sharing of ideas times, e.g. current issues going on in the world and ask them to describe their opinions; -take them to places of interest, e.g. libraries, hobby classes, sports, music (but don't have them doing too many things); -do a bit of fun counting and expose them to the letters of the alphabet. In all, make your child's (before-school) life interesting and happy - that's the main thing to aim for!
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
- Contributed by Carolyn, 12th November 2007
Free Online Maths Program
I've discovered a great web site to assist with primary aged kids' education. The site is: www.smartkiddies.com This is an Australian site with a curriculum based maths program for kids in year 1 to year 6. It offers a variety of exercises, time assessments and tests. It was written by a NSW schoolteacher. This is a great site for most kids, the ones that need to catch up, the ones that want to move on and the ones that just want a little more work. Best of all the site is FREE! Fantastic educational tool. Contributed by Connie, Baulkham Hills, 29th March 2007
website: www.smartkiddies.com
website: www.smartkiddies.com
Stocking Up on School Supplies
Stock up during back-to-school sales on school supplies. During the year you will need more glue, markers, paper, notebooks, etc. and they will never be cheaper than they are right now! Store them all in one place, like a crate so you and your kids will know where to look before buying anything more.
- Contributed by Maryanne, Dunlop, August 19th, 2006
- Contributed by Maryanne, Dunlop, August 19th, 2006
Free Online Encyclopedia
For a free online encyclopaedia, refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page will save you lots of money on buying encyclopaedias or CD Roms or the like. Very useful and moneysaving!
- Contributed by Josie, Regent, December 28, 2005
- Contributed by Josie, Regent, December 28, 2005