FAQ
How do I enrol a student in a Bubble Dome course?
The preferred method of enrollment is via the Bubble Dome website. However, if you are unable to make a booking via our website, or would prefer for your payment to be processed over the phone, please call:
NZ: 0800 GET BUBBLE (438 282)
AUS: 1800 11 55 62
When do I have to pay for Bubble Dome courses?
Payment at the time of registration:
We would prefer payment at the time of registration, which may be made via our website or over the phone. We accept Visa and Mastercard. Credit card transactions are processed in real-time and once payment is confirmed, we do not hold credit card details.
You will receive a confirmation email once you have registered for the course.
Payment after registration:
It is also possible to register for a Bubble Dome course and pay at a later date. You will be sent a email confirming that you have enrolled, which will also show your outstanding balance. We prefer payment within 7 days of registration or before the course begins (whichever is sooner). We cannot guarantee students will have a place in their preferred course until payment is received.
Payment by Visa or Mastercard may be made over the phone. Credit card transactions are processed in real-time and once payment is confirmed, we do not hold credit card details.
NZ: 0800 GET BUBBLE (438 282)
AUS: 1800 11 55 62
You can also use online banking to pay:
For customers in New Zealand: 02-1244-0117605-01
For customers in Australia: BSB: 013013 ACC: 204676109
Are you registered for Ministry of Health subsidies?
Yes we are. If you have a New Zealand Ministry of Health Carer Support Form please request an invoice upon booking your child in and bring the form along with you to registration on the first day. One of our representatives will happily sign this so you can attach the invoice and send to Ministry of Health for your reimbursement.
Can I pay on the first day?
Bubble Dome tutors are unable to accept cash or cheque payment on behalf of Bubble Dome. In extenuating circumstances, we are able to accept credit card payment over the phone up until 9:00am on the first day of the course. Please call our office or email [email protected], if you are unable to pay prior to this time.
Does Bubble Dome offer any discounts on courses?
Bubble Dome offers occasional discounts to customers who have received a discount code via a Bubble Dome promotional flier (distributed through schools) or an promotional email. We also offer occasional discounts to students who re-enrol or who enrol in multiple courses during the same holiday period. Please join the Bubble Dome mailing list, if you would like to receive information about upcoming courses and promotional discount codes.
Bubble Dome discount codes are not valid indefinitely, and discounts are offered at our discretion.
When do registrations close?
To guarantee a place on the course of your choice we recommend enrolling and paying at least one week prior to the end of the school term. Bookings may be made up until the course begins, however prompt bookings are preferred and we are unable to guarantee that there will be spaces available in your preferred course.
What happens to my personal details once I register with Bubble Dome?
Your personal details only be used to contact you regarding Bubble Dome courses and will not be sold or shared with other companies. Bubble Dome does not retain credit card information after your payment has been processed. You may receive email notifications of upcoming Bubble Dome courses- please click on the 'unsubscribe' button at the bottom of the email if you would prefer to not receive notifications from Bubble Dome in the future.
During Bubble Dome courses, it is very important that your child's tutor has the correct contact details for the parent or caregiver who is responsible for your child during this time. This is to ensure that we are able to contact the correct person in the event that your child is unwell, or if they are not collected promptly at the end of the day.
Can students enrol in more than one course?
Students are unable to concurrently attend Bubble Dome courses that are scheduled at the same time. However, Bubble Dome courses are scheduled during both weeks of each term holidays (during the school year) and for several weeks during the summer holidays, and many students attend a different course each week.
What is the tutor to student ratio?
In the computer classes each student has their own computer and we are constantly monitoring our larger venues to ensure accurate student to teacher allocations. However in our larger classes we bring in extra tutors so that we have approximately a 1 tutor per 14 - 16 student ratio.
How are the days structured?
All courses begin at 9:00 am and finish at 3:00 pm, but students may be collected at 5:00 pm in which you will be charged a $29 fee. ( website will have both options) If you wish to stay till 5pm then please note that the time between 3pm and 5pm is your childs free time. The tuor may have some taks or games to keep them busy until pick up time. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon breaks are scheduled every day. Students are allowed to go to the toilet or drink water (from a sipper bottle) as needed.
As the majority of our courses are computer-based, we ensure the students have regular breaks throughout the day for fresh air and a run around outside. Free play during break times is supervised by tutors and takes place within a designated area near the classrooms. Students are not allowed to leave the designated play area, or to wander the school grounds.
What software do you use?
Most software is either browser-based or free, to ensure that students are able to dowload and continue using resources after the course, or to continue working on porjects they started during a course. If a course is designated BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), hardware and software requirements will be listed on the course page on our website, and will also be included in the venue instructions that are emailed to parents and caregivers prior to Bubble Dome courses.
For some Bubble Dome courses (such as Minecraft or Terraria), students will require a software licence, which should be purchased prior to the start of the course. Students will need to bring their login credentials (user name and password) to the course, in order to participate. Please be aware, that you will need to purchase a software licence that is specific to the device that the students will be using. Computer and digital device software licences are not interchangable.
Will this appeal to my child who has a learning difficulty?
There is scope within Bubble Dome lesson plans to accomodate students with learning differences, for example: students are welcome to type out or verbally deliver answers, rather than writing them down; students may ask their tutor to reiterate or rephrase instructions, and may ask for clarification or assistance. Bubble Dome tutors have the flexibility to modify course materials to meet the learning needs and abilities of their students. Student participation is expected, but students are able to work at their own pace. Extension activities will be given to students as needed.
Bubble Dome courses are designed to foster an environment in which encourages learning and discovery, and to provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a subject they are passionate about, surrounded by like-minded people. Students receive feedback and guidence from Bubble Dome tutors who share their interests.
Does this cater to my child who requires extension?
As we have a number of returning students each holidays we are constantly offering new activities and content (where possible) to keep the learning experiences alive for all students. Students who have attended before or require extension will be grouped with fellow students so they can continue their learning at their own pace.
What prior experience/knowledge of computers does my child need?
A basic level of experience with the course material is expected. Please read the course descriptions on the Bubble Dome website carefully. If you have any queries about the level of material that will be covered, please email us at [email protected], or call our office:
NZ: 0800 GET BUBBLE (438 282)
AUS: 1800 11 55 62
Who will be teaching my child?
Bubble Dome tutors are registered teachers or other professionals with relevent qualifications, who have experience working with children and adolescents. We work with them closely to ensure they have the appropriate knowledge to work with the students and to extend them.
What do students need to bring with them to course?
Students will need to bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks. Unless the weather is unsuitable, students will spend part of each break outdoors, and will need to dress appropriately for the season. We also recommend sunscreen in the summer months. Students are welcome to bring along their own activities to enjoy during breaks (such as a ball, or playing cards), however this is at their own risk. Valuables, such as technology, should not be brought to the venue however if they do, this is at their own risk. Please have your child bring a USB memory stick so they can save work to take home.
What do the courses involve?
Each course features a series of themed lessons and activities that progressively build on prior knowledge. Bubble Dome extend students' ability to use resources that they are already familiary with (such as Minecraft) and introduce new concepts and resources to broaden students' knowledge.
What if my child has health needs/concerns?
What if my child has a pre-existing condition?
It will be greatly appreciated that at the time of registration you provide us with any additional learning and/or health issues to aid us in providing the best possible environment for your child. If you have concerns which you wish to discuss with us in-depth please do not hesitate to contact our office directly.
Bubble Dome expects that students will be able to cope with a typical classroom environment. We define this as a space that contains multiple students, where students are expected to follow written and verbal instructions to perform activities under the guidence of a tutor. Students will receive individual feedback about their work from their tutor, however we are unable to provide continuous, one-on-one aid or supervision to individual students in Bubble Dome courses.
We expect that students will be able comply with instructions provided by their tutor, and to not detract from the enjoyment and participation of others. Actions and behaviour that detrimentally affects others may include, but are not limited to: verbal harassment; physical intimidation or violence; intentionally damaging other students' work or preventing other students from participating in the course; oppositional or defiant behaviour or severe emotional outbursts.
If a student is unable to cope with the Bubble Dome classroom environment, their parent or caregiver may be contacted, with the expectation that the student will be collected before the end of the day. In some cases, we may also choose to exclude a student from the remainder of the course. This policy is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Bubble Dome students and staff.
What if my child has an allergy?
Please notify Bubble Dome (by phone or email) if your child has any allergies prior to the course. To reduce the risk exposure to food allergens, students are required to eat outside of the classroom and are prohibited from sharing food. However, we are not able to gurantee that Bubble Dome venues are completely free of contamination, and we may be unable accomodate students with severe or life-threatening allergies.
What if my child needs to take medication during a Bubble Dome course?
If your child needs to take any medications during a course, please notify Bubble Dome prior to the course and notify your child's tutor at the start of the course. Bubble Dome staff are unable to administer medications to students, and are not responsible for ensuring that students self-administer any medications.
Your child will need to be responsible for any medications that they require during a Bubble Dome course, and may drink water or (from a sipper bottle) or visit the restroom at any time in order to do so. If your child needs to take any medications that they are unable to administer themselves, please notify Bubble Dome prior to the course. Parents and caregivers are welcome to visit students during Bubble Dome courses to administer medications or to deliver personal items (such as food, clothing or items needed for a Bubble Dome course).
What if my child falls ill before or during a Bubble Dome course?
Students will be sent home if they are unwell or have a communicable illness that poses a significant risk to other people. This policy is necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Bubble Dome students and staff.
Students should not attend Bubble Dome courses if they experience: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, faintness/exhaustion, severe coughing or sneezing, or any communicable rash or infection (such as measles, chicken pox, boils, lice, scabies or 'school sores'). Unwell students will be sent home at the discretion of Bubble Dome, and will need to be collected promptly by a parent or caregiver.
If your child is unable to attend a course due to an unexpected illness, they will be able to attend the same or similar course in the future. You will receive a credit for all of the days that your child was unable to attend, which may be put towards another Bubble Dome course within twelve months of the course your child was unable to attend.
Where do I go on the first day?
Prior to the beginning beginning of courses, you will be sent venue instructions via email- please ensure that you provide Bubble Dome with an email adress that you access regularly, to ensure that you receive this information. Signs will also be place outside of the rooms that are used as Bubble Dome venues. If you are unable to find the correct classroom, please notify a Bubble Dome employee, and they will assist you.
What time are we supposed to be at the venue on the first day?
Students may arrive from 8:30am onwards, and courses begin at 9:00 am. Please arrive promptly to collect your child, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, as caretakers and property managers need to lock up the venue after 5:00 pm. All students will be fully supervised the whole time.
Can my child be with their friend/sibling?
If you wish to ensure your child is in the same class as their sibling and/or friend, they will need to be enrolled in the same Bubble Dome course.
What happens in the even that a Bubble Dome course or venue changes or is cancelled?
Bubble Dome will endeavor to deliver courses as advertised. However, in the event of an unforeseeable equipment failure or power outage, alternate activities will be provided to students. Bubble Dome will ensure that students are supervised and engaged until such time that scheduled activies may resume. Refunds will not be issued, except in extenuating circumstances.
Bubble Dome courses are conducted in classrooms and computer labs that are rented from schools and other suitable venues. In the event that students are unable to remain at a venue, for reasons beyond Bubble Dome's control (such as an unforseeable and sudden venue closure), Bubble Dome will contact parents and caregivers to collect students prior to the intended end of the course. Refunds may be issued, at the discretion of Bubble Dome.
Bubble Dome courses may be cancelled if an insufficient number of students enrol in a course. We will endeavor to inform you as soon as possible, and we may be able to suggest an alternative course for your child to attend instead.
What is your customer cancellation policy?
For cancellations up to 7 days before the start date then you will be refunded the amount you have already paid towards the course fees, minus a $40.00 processing fee. For cancellations within 7 days of the start date, no refund will be made. No refund will be made for any missed course days due to fixed costs already inured based on student numbers.
If your child is unable to attend a course due to an unexpected illness you will be entitled to a credit on your account for the days they were unable to attend. This credit can be used towards another Bubble Dome course within twelve months of the course your child was unable to attend.
If it is determined that a student needs to be collected early or excluded from the remainder of the course, no refund will be given. If you are unsure if a Bubble Dome course will be suitable for your child, please contact us prior to registration.
We ask that all parents contact us no later than the first day (of our holiday workshops) if they have any problems with our service. We require a detailed written account addressing specific issues of concern. This allows us to immediately address any problems that may arise, so that students and parents can happily continue with the remainder of the full programme. We require that letters are emailed through by 7.30pm so that we have time to respond before the beginning of Day Two.
If a student has fully completed an entire 3-4 day workshop, we operate a No Refund policy. We therefore stress that all complaints or concerns must be sent in writing no later than the first day of each programme.