Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your relationship with SparkleForge Education ("we," "our," or "us") when you access our website, enrol in our courses, or use our services. By accessing our website or enrolling in our courses, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or enrol in our courses. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

Course Enrolment and Fees

Enrolment Process

• Course enrolment becomes binding upon payment of fees and our confirmation
• Course places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
• We reserve the right to decline any enrolment application at our discretion
• All students must be at least 16 years of age (under 18 requires parental consent)

Course Fees and Payment

• All course fees are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable
• Payment is required in full at the time of enrolment unless alternative arrangements are made
• We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and approved payment plans
• Course fees include all materials, supplies, and resources specified in the course description

Fee Changes

We reserve the right to change course fees at any time. However, fee changes will not affect courses for which you have already enrolled and paid.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Student Cancellations

• More than 14 days before course start: Full refund minus $50 administration fee
• 7-14 days before course start: 50% refund
• Less than 7 days before course start: No refund
• After course commencement: No refund for unused portions

SparkleForge Education Cancellations

We reserve the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrolments, instructor unavailability, or other circumstances beyond our control. In such cases:

• Full refund of all fees paid
• Opportunity to transfer to an alternative course
• Credit towards future courses (valid for 12 months)

Refund Processing

Approved refunds will be processed within 14 business days to the original payment method. Bank fees or credit card charges may apply and are the responsibility of the student.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance Requirements

• Regular attendance is essential for course completion and certification
• Students must attend at least 80% of scheduled classes to receive a certificate
• Punctuality is expected; late arrivals may miss important instruction
• Notify us in advance if you cannot attend a scheduled class

Make-up Classes

• Make-up opportunities may be available for missed classes (subject to availability)
• Additional fees may apply for individual make-up sessions
• Make-up classes must be scheduled within the course duration

Course Materials

• All course materials and supplies are provided and included in course fees
• Students may take home completed artworks and unused materials
• Loss or damage to provided materials may result in replacement charges

Student Conduct and Responsibilities

Expected Behaviour

All students are expected to:

• Treat instructors, staff, and fellow students with respect and courtesy
• Follow all studio safety guidelines and instructions
• Maintain a clean and organised workspace
• Respect studio equipment and materials
• Support a positive and inclusive learning environment

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviours are prohibited and may result in dismissal from courses:

• Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour
• Use of alcohol or drugs on studio premises
• Smoking anywhere on the property
• Photography or recording of classes without permission
• Commercial use of studio facilities without prior approval

Consequences

Students who violate conduct expectations may face warnings, suspension, or permanent dismissal from courses without refund.

Health and Safety

Studio Safety

• Students must follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided
• Report any accidents, injuries, or safety concerns immediately
• Use protective equipment as directed by instructors
• Be aware of emergency procedures and exit locations

Health Considerations

• Inform us of any medical conditions that may affect your participation
• Some art materials may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
• Students with respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before participating
• Pregnant students should discuss participation with their healthcare provider

Insurance and Liability

Students participate in courses at their own risk. We maintain public liability insurance, but students are encouraged to have their own personal insurance coverage.

Intellectual Property Rights

Course Content

• All course materials, curricula, and teaching methods are proprietary to SparkleForge Education
• Students may not reproduce, distribute, or commercialise course content without permission
• Personal notes and sketches made during classes remain the property of the student

Student Artwork

• Students retain ownership of artworks created during courses
• We may photograph student work for promotional purposes with permission
• Students may grant permission for display of their work in studio exhibitions

Website and Digital Content

• All website content, including text, images, and design, is protected by copyright
• Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited
• Students may not use our trademarks or branding without written permission

Limitation of Liability

Scope of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SparkleForge Education's liability is limited to:

• The amount paid by the student for the specific course in question
• Direct damages only (not indirect, consequential, or punitive damages)
• Circumstances within our reasonable control

Exclusions

We are not liable for:

• Personal injury due to student negligence or failure to follow safety instructions
• Loss or damage to personal property brought to the studio
• Allergic reactions or health issues not disclosed prior to enrolment
• Course disruptions due to circumstances beyond our control (weather, emergencies, etc.)

Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government actions, pandemics, or other emergencies.

Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

Photography and Recording

• Classes may be photographed for promotional purposes
• Students will be notified when photography is taking place
• Students may opt-out of being included in promotional materials
• Recording of classes by students requires instructor permission

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

We encourage students to first attempt to resolve any disputes through direct communication with our management team. Most issues can be resolved quickly through open dialogue.

Formal Complaints

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, formal complaints should be submitted in writing to:

External Resolution

If you are not satisfied with our response to your complaint, you may contact relevant consumer protection agencies or seek legal advice.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Australia and the Commonwealth of Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Australia.

Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights or remedies under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us:

Business Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Acknowledgment

By enrolling in our courses or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. You also acknowledge that these Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and SparkleForge Education regarding the subject matter herein.