student handbook - polestar pilates uk

Polestar Pilates UK Limited – Student Handbook

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Student Handbook



Polestar Pilates UK Limited 27 Canal Reach London N1C 4DD +44 (0)20 3959 9285 www.polestarpilates.co.uk [email protected]

Copyright © 2020 Polestar Pilates UK Limited.

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means electronic or mechanical without written permission from Polestar Education. All rights reserved.



Table of Contents

ORGANISATION INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Polestar Pilates International ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Mission ............................................................................................................................................................................ 6

History............................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Polestar Pilates Center .................................................................................................................................................... 6

About the President............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Student Responsibilities ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Professional Conduct ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

Change of Name and Address Details ............................................................................................................................. 8

Polestar abides by the Pilates Method Alliance Code of Ethics .......................................................................................... 8

PMA Scope of Practise ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

The following is within the scope of practise of a Pilates teacher .................................................................................. 9

The following is beyond the scope of practise of a Pilates teacher ................................................................................ 9

TERMS AND CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 10

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 10

BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 10

Polestar Notices ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

COURSE DATE CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS .............................................................................................................. 11

EMAIL AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION .................................................................................................................... 11

CONFIDENTIALITY ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Polestar Course Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Equality and discrimination .......................................................................................................................................... 12

Student Attendance ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

Homework .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Observation, Practise and Teaching Hours ................................................................................................................... 12

Student Logbook & Criteria for Exercise Check-off .......................................................................................................... 13

Student Logbook ........................................................................................................................................................... 13



Exercise Check-off & SELF-MASTERY ............................................................................................................................ 13

Review Criteria:............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Assessments ..................................................................................................................................................................... 14

GRADUATION requirements & assessment qualification ................................................................................................. 14

Graduation requirements include: ............................................................................................................................... 14

Required study hours: .................................................................................................................................................. 14

GRADUATION ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................................. 16

Practise MULTI-CHOICE PAPERS ................................................................................................................................... 16

Re-takeS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16

GRADUATION ASSESSMENT content ................................................................................................................................ 16

comprehensive ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

WRITTEN PAPERS: ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Reminders ................................................................................................................................................................. 16

ROUND-ROBIN MAT CLASS: ...................................................................................................................................... 17

BEGINNER SESSION: .................................................................................................................................................. 17

ADVANCED CIRCUIT CLASS DEMONSTRATION: ........................................................................................................ 17

What to bring: .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Appropriate Attire .................................................................................................................................................... 17

Reformer and Mat ........................................................................................................................................................ 18

Grievance & Complaints Procedures ................................................................................................................................ 19

Grievance/ Complaints ................................................................................................................................................. 19

Dismissal from Program ................................................................................................................................................ 19

Guidelines for Student Observation, Apprentice Teaching and Self Mastery .................................................................. 21

Student Observation and Apprentice Teaching Guidelines .......................................................................................... 21

Practise Teaching Suggestions ...................................................................................................................................... 22

Self-Directed Learning and Self-Mastery Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 22

Polestar Pilates Re-Qualification ...................................................................................................................................... 23

PMA certified Polestar graduates ................................................................................................................................. 23

Non-PMA certified Polestar graduates ......................................................................................................................... 23

Polestar Mentor Program ................................................................................................................................................. 24

PMA Professional Membership Association and Certifying Agency ................................................................................. 25



PMA Student Membership ........................................................................................................................................... 25

STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT .................................................................................................................................... 26

General Terms & Conditions ......................................................................................................................................... 26

Copyright & trademarks ............................................................................................................................................... 27

Student Learning Agreement ........................................................................................................................................ 27



ORGANISATION INFORMATION

POLESTAR PILATES INTERNATIONAL

Polestar Education is a worldwide provider of rehabilitation-based Pilates curriculum, high-caliber Pilates teachers and successful Pilates studio prototypes. Polestar's teacher training programs are offered on an ongoing basis in cities all over the USA and through licensee arrangements in over 30 countries. Polestar-trained Pilates teachers can be found at medical facilities, performing arts conservatories and fitness facilities all over the world.

MISSION

Polestar is an international community of research-oriented movement science professionals, transferring advanced knowledge to our clients to improve health and well-being, through the application of Pilates and various methodologies of movement science. Our vision is to impact the world through intelligent movement, which fosters awareness of self and community.

HISTORY

Polestar Education was founded in Sacramento California in 1992 by President Brent Anderson PhD, PT, OCS and co-founder Elizabeth Larkam MA, Feldenkrais Practitioner. Based upon local demand, it originated as a provider of continuing education for rehabilitation specialists interested in integrating Pilates into their practice. By 1995 Polestar LLC was officially organized in Sacramento California. Both Anderson and Larkam continued to work in their current jobs at Anderson Physical Therapy, Sacramento CA and St. Francis Hospital, San Francisco CA, respectively. In 1997 Anderson decided to pursue his doctorate degree in physical therapy and movement science and was accepted to the University of Miami. Polestar continued to thrive under the direction of Anderson and saw unprecedented growth from 1998 to 2000.

In October of 2000, Anderson and Larkam dissolved their partnership and Polestar continued to operate and expand under Anderson’s direction. The curriculum is continuously reviewed and enhanced by a committee of principal educators. Polestar has over 180 core educators who teach both nationally and internationally. Currently Polestar offers its education programme through a network of over 126 Pilates studios worldwide and has over 10,000 graduates.

Through the years, Polestar has collaborated with the Pilates Method Alliance and with reputable schools of Pilates to uphold the integrity of comprehensive Pilates education.

POLESTAR PILATES CENTER

The concept for Polestar Pilates Center Miami began in 1990 when Brent Anderson opened Anderson Physical Therapy (APT) in Sacramento, CA, a physical therapy clinic specializing in Pilates based rehabilitation and performance enhancement. By 1994 there were two APT facilities which allowed for the continued exploration of Pilates application in rehabilitation, dance medicine, cross-training and wellness. In 1997 Anderson sold his practice in preparation for his transition to Florida to pursue his doctorate. In October of 1998, in addition to seeing patients and clients at the University of Miami, Anderson opened Polestar Pilates Center in Coconut Grove with co-founder Shelly Power. In 2000, the center moved to its current location in Coral Gables, Florida. Polestar Physical Therapy & Pilates Center in Miami is a model of a fully integrated physical therapy and Pilates center offering rehabilitation and wellness to clients of all levels and serving as a home for Polestar education courses as well as physical therapy internship opportunities for university students doing their rotations.



ABOUT THE PRESIDENT

Brent Anderson, PT, PhD, OCS, PMA®-CPT, President

A licensed Physical Therapist and Orthopedic Certified Specialist, Brent is a leading authority in performing arts medicine and Pilates-evolved techniques for rehabilitation. He lectures widely at national and international symposia and consults with hospitals, universities and rehabilitation and wellness companies throughout the world. Brent received his degree in Physical Therapy at University of California, San Francisco in 1989 and his PhD in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami in 2005. His doctoral thesis explored the impact of Pilates rehabilitation on chronic low back pain using

psycho-emotional wellness and quality of life measures. He is currently adjunct faculty at the University of Miami, Division of Physical Therapy. From his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent has applied critical reasoning skills and supportive scientific research to Joseph Pilates’ revolutionary mind-body work. He also brings to the Polestar curriculum an investigation of the effects of psychology and energy systems on motor control and motor learning. Education:

PhD Physical Therapy (2005) University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL BS Certificate in Physical Therapy (1989) University of California, San Francisco CA BS Health Science (1988) California State University, Northridge, CA OCS: Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics (1996) Pilates Comprehensive training at St Francis Memorial Hospital, Centre for Sports Medicine (1988) Additional training with Eve Gentry, Alan Herdman, Jean Claude West, Romana Kryzanowska, Lolita San Miguel.

Service: APTA: American Physical Therapy Association since 1988; formerly served as President of its Performing Arts Special Interest Group IADMS: International Association for Dance Medicine and Science PMA: Pilates Method Alliance Certification Board; in 2005 served on the PMA Pilates Certification Assessment National Panel to improve the quality of Pilates instruction.



STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students will be required to meet the terms, conditions and graduation requirements of the courses in which they are enrolled, including successfully passing each section of the Graduation Assessment. These courses and graduation are not a guarantee of employment in the Pilates or related industries such as fitness and health. However, holding a formally recognized Pilates qualification is highly regarded by studios when employing instructors.

CODE OF CONDUCT

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

We conduct all of our activities professionally and with integrity and expect the same from our students.

CHANGE OF NAME AND ADDRESS DETAILS

Upon change of name and/or address and/or contact details, you must notify Polestar in writing of the updated details. You may submit this via email to [email protected].

POLESTAR ABIDES BY THE PILATES METHOD ALLIANCE CODE OF ETHICS

1. Do no harm. 2. Teach within your 'scope of practise' and give full attention to the comfort and safety of clients at all times.

(See PMA ‘Scope of Practise’.) 3. Maintain professional boundaries. The following constitutes improper behaviour:

• Inappropriate physical contact • Financial exploitation • Sexual exploitation

4. Maintain client confidentiality. 5. Direct clients to seek medical attention when necessary. 6. Do not discriminate against clients or colleagues on any level. 7. Do not intentionally solicit other Pilates professionals' clients. 8. Treat clients and colleagues with respect, truth, fairness, and integrity. 9. Comply with all applicable business, employment and intellectual property laws. 10. Maintain professional appearance and conduct. 11. Do not misrepresent skills, training, professional credentials, identity or services. 12. Continue gaining education to enhance your skills and knowledge, and to provide the highest quality services

to clients. 13. Maintain appropriate insurance (liability, studio, content, etc.) 14. Maintain appropriate teacher: student ratios in all class settings.



PMA SCOPE OF PRACTISE

THE FOLLOWING IS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF PRACTISE OF A PILATES TEACHER

1. Design Pilates exercise programs according to an individual’s needs 2. Recognize conditions that would preclude a client from safely participating in a Pilates exercise program 3. Coach, provide general information, and direct clients to seek medical attention as necessary. 4. Receive exercise guidelines and clearance from medical practitioners, when appropriate, to ensure client

safety. 5. Document client progress and cooperate with referring medical practitioners. 6. Promote exercise to improve overall health. 7. Request permission to touch clients and observe practise laws within your jurisdiction. 8. Use appropriate touch to facilitate movement, position the client, and prevent injury or damage.

THE FOLLOWING IS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF PRACTISE OF A PILATES TEACHER

1. “Prescribing” an exercise program. 2. “Diagnosing” a client with any medical, mental or physical condition. 3. Continuing to train a client with a condition that is beyond your knowledge without appropriate medical

clearance. 4. Prescribing diets or recommending supplements. 5. Claiming to “treat” or “rehabilitate” injury or disease. 6. Monitoring (measuring with instrumentation) the progress of clients referred by therapists or medical

practitioners. 7. Offering counseling 8. Claiming to be competent to offer professional education beyond the limits of your credentials. 9. Applying inappropriate touch 10. Continuing to train a client who exhibits any of the following unusual symptoms; e.g. chest pain, prolonged

dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, significant decrease in coordination, loss of consciousness, faintness, nausea, blurred vision, prolonged or increasing pain.



TERMS AND CONDITIONS

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS

1. You are responsible for making arrangements to complete your self-mastery and observation hours at your own expense.

2. You are responsible for completing the reading and writing assignments, and ensuring your logbook is checked off by a Polestar Educator or Mentor

3. Polestar course manuals will be issued to you at the beginning of the course. You must acquire at your own cost any additional text books required for assignments.

BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICIES

We accept your booking on the understanding that you are committing to attend the entire course. Cancellations in writing prior to course commencement date (first scheduled attended module) will be refunded as follows:

• With 60 days’ or more notice - 100% of fees; • With 30 or more days’ notice - 50% of fees; • Less than 30 days’ notice - Nil.

Fees exclude course materials costs (Comprehensive £595.00; Mat £495; Reformer £395.00; Gateway £99.00) which are non-refundable. Any unpaid instalments become due in full at the time of cancellation and any outstanding balances will be charged to your payment card. If, at the time of booking, you know that you will not be able to attend a scheduled course module, let us know and we will make every effort to accommodate you on a subsequent course, subject to availability. After course commencement, modules missed can either be caught-up privately with a Polestar educator/mentor at your own cost, or, subject to availability, re-booked on a subsequent course at a discounted module fee of 50%. COVID-19 Note: Should you need to self-isolate or are unable to attend a module for any other reason, we can arrange for you to observe the module remotely. We recommend that you then subsequently arrange, when able, to have some private 1:1 catch-up sessions with a member of the education team to practise exercises taught in the missed modules. We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any course or course module, in which case the fees will be refunded in full. Polestar Pilates UK Limited is not responsible for any participant’s hotel/airline reservations or transportation to and from a course in the event of cancellation of a course. Easy Payment Plans - Debit/Credit Cards only For your convenience, and at no extra charge, we offer you a payment plan to pay your course fees in equal monthly instalments. This facility is only available if making payment by debit/credit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express. The facility will be withdrawn in the event of payments being declined and remaining outstanding for 14 days or more after due date and the entire balance outstanding will become due for settlement in full within another 14 days. Balances outstanding thereafter will result in the course place being withdrawn and cancellation charges applied in accordance with the policies above. If you cancel your course place the payment plan will be terminated and the full balance outstanding will be charged to the card less any refund of fees in accordance with the cancellation policies above.



POLESTAR NOTICES

COURSE DATE CHANGES OR CANCELLATIONS

We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any course or course module, in which case the tuition will be refunded in full. Polestar Pilates UK Ltd. is not responsible for any participant’s hotel/airline reservations or transportation to and from a course in the event of cancellation of a course.

EMAIL AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION

If you elect to use email as a form of written notice to Polestar for cancellation, transfer or refund, you must verify that the email was received by contacting the Polestar office by phone.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All materials created and produced by Polestar Pilates for any purpose of its businesses remain the property of Polestar Pilates and no copying, display, distribution or any other unauthorized use will be allowed without the express written consent of Polestar Pilates. Polestar Pilates retains the intellectual and copyright property to all studio and educational materials, systems, documentation, policies and procedures, modules, handouts, work books, brochures, photographs and any material used within the context of the student work with Polestar Pilates. Unauthorised use of this material will mean that the student will be subject to the relevant legal proceedings and payments of any fees as determined by such legal proceedings.



POLESTAR COURSE REQUIREMENTS

EQUALITY AND DISCRIMINATION

We always strive to be fair and objective in our advice and actions, and we are never influenced in our decisions, actions or recommendations by issues of gender, race, creed, color, age or personal disability. However, Polestar reserves the right to refuse an application for course admission if there is reasonable evidence to suggest that the applicant is physically incapable of carrying out the necessary requirements of Pilates teacher training.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

If you miss half a day you can make up the missing section by taking a private session with an educator and/or mentor. This will be at additional cost. You will need to organise this directly with the educator, who will determine how many hours you will need to take.

HOMEWORK

Students are responsible for completing the writing and case study homework and submitting to the educator for grading. The educator will grade and record the results in the student logbooks. Refer to the Reading and Writing Assignments outline for your course. Writing Assignments These are graded on a pass/fail basis. To gain a passing grade, the assignment must meet length requirements and demonstrate understanding of the subject material. If it is not sufficient in length or content it will need to be re---written. Case Studies The Polestar Screening and ICF model with exercise plans are designed to prepare the student in assessing clients and patients and are used to prepare the students for the Case Study part of the assessment.

OBSERVATION, PRACTISE AND TEACHING HOURS

In addition to attending all of the course hours and completing the homework assignments, you must complete at your own expense, the required number of hours of Observation, Self-Mastery Practise, and Apprentice Teaching (see “Required Study Hours” table in the Graduation Requirements section). We encourage you to work with Polestar Educators, Mentors and Graduates to complete these hours. If a Polestar teacher is not available you may complete your hours with a Pilates teacher from another school; however, the best scenario is to complete all hours with a Polestar teacher for continuity because of the many different variations of exercises, breathing, equipment set up etc. may be confusing when working with teachers from other schools.



STUDENT LOGBOOK & CRITERIA FOR EXERCISE CHECK-OFF

STUDENT LOGBOOK

Students will be given a logbook on the first day of the course they are completing. This logbook is to be kept in a safe place by the student and brought to every lecture. It will be used to:

• Log all attendance/contact hours of the course and be signed off by the Educator

• Log all observation, self-mastery and work experience hours, to be signed and dated by the attending Pilates practitioner.

• Log all completed assignments, quizzes and self-study.

In order to sit for the assessment, you must have completed and had your logbook signed off by a Polestar Educator.

EXERCISE CHECK-OFF & SELF-MASTERY

This is a self-directed process. Regarding section VII - Exercise Self-mastery you are asked to monitor, track and sign the individual exercises yourself when you feel you have fully mastered each one for both demonstration and teaching. Self-mastery hours are exactly that. They are hours that you spend mastering the exercises you have learnt on your course. So, hours that you spend practising either on your own or with your fellow students, can be noted in your logbook without verification.

However, to ensure that you are on the right track, we recommend that you book a 1-1 session with an educator or mentor at least once a month. We also run student led practice pods with our education team.

On Friday afternoons we run online classes for students, both theory and practical. See www.polestar.life for details and booking. You can also attend classes elsewhere that are taught by Polestar graduates. Alternatively you can watch videos on either our website or on Pilates Anytime that feature a Polestar educator. To help you stay on track with this process, we also strongly recommend you have regular 1:1 check-ins with a member of your education team. They will counter sign your log book within one month of sitting your assessment should you both agree that you are ready.

REVIEW CRITERIA:

Movement

• Know the exercise and its variations • Move using the principles • Move with control • Move fluidly • Know how to self-correct

Teaching

• Know the exercise • Know variations • Know correct equipment set up • Make corrections to the student as necessary using appropriate cues and modifications • Demonstrate safety measures • Use appropriate tactile, verbal and imagery cues



ASSESSMENTS

The entire Logbook must be complete before the student is eligible to sit for the assessment. It is the educator’s responsibility to complete and sign the last page of the logbook giving the student permission to sit for the assessment.

Bring your completed logbook with you to the assessment, or send in advance, else you will not be allowed to sit your assessment.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS & ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Attending all of the course hours • Completing reading and writing assignments • Completing specified number of observation, self-mastery, and teaching hours as outlined in the

course progression chart • Completing the student Logbook • Successfully passing with 80% pass mark on EACH section, of the final assessment

REQUIRED STUDY HOURS:

Comprehensive Reformer & Mat Pre-course 25 25 Online 15 15 Attendance 104 56 Observation 40 25 Self-Mastery Practise 100 50 Apprentice Teaching 100 50 Assigned Homework 50 Exercise Check-off 25 TOTAL 459 221

Lectures: Lecture hours include formal lectures, workshop face-to-face delivery, practical and written assessments and mandatory tutorial hours.

Observation: Observation is where the student observes a studio in action, and has their hours signed off by a certified practitioner (preferably Polestar trained). A good way to observe is to take part in a group class being taught by a Polestar instructor which you can log as either an observation or self-practise hour. This can be a mat or equipment class.

Another good way for comprehensive students to observe is to book a self-practise hour at the studio when there are other Polestar instructors booked in with clients. Then you can absorb what is being taught in a less formal way. You can then log this as either observation or self-practise time.

We are mindful that for students living far away that finding a Polestar teacher for observation is not always easy which is why we do allow some of these hours to be with a non-Polestar instructor.

However, the point of observation is to hear the teacher giving appropriate cueing which will not necessarily be the same with non-Polestar teachers. We therefore also recommend that you watch Pilates Anytime videos which feature Polestar educators.



We also suggest students attend our online Friday Club classes and use these classes as either self-practise or observation hours.

Self-Mastery (and Self-Directed): Self-mastery hours are exactly that. They are hours that you spend mastering the exercises you have learnt on your course. So, hours that you spend practising either on your own or with your fellow students, can be noted in your logbook without verification. However, in order to ensure that you are on the right track, we do recommend that you book a 1:1 session with an educator or mentor at least once a month. We also run student led practice pods with our education team.

On Friday afternoons we run online classes for students, both theory and practical. See www.polestar.life for details and booking. You can also attend classes elsewhere that are taught by Polestar graduates. Alternatively, you can watch videos on either our website or on Pilates Anytime that feature a Polestar educator.

Apprentice Teaching: Students should begin practise teaching with their fellow students after the first module to gain experience instructing the exercises. Apprentice teaching hours are usually started at the end of the course once you have the knowledge of all the exercises. These teaching hours are self-certified so it is fine if you are not teaching in a formal setting, you could include teaching friends and family at home! The idea behind this is for you to stay connected with your practice and teaching. You can do this at home, or you can hire the studio by the hour.

It is possible to get student insurance once you complete your course so that are insured to teach them. We recommend Balens who offer student cover at a very reasonable price. We do not verify these hours but trust the student to complete and record them in their logbooks accurately.

As with self-mastery hours we suggest you have a 1:1 regularly with an educator or mentor to ensure you are on the right track.

NOTE: With regard to Self-Mastery, Observation and Apprentice Teaching hours: at least 50% of all hours in each category should be completed within a Polestar Studio or with a Polestar certified practitioner or graduate. If you do not live within an area to have access to a Polestar person, please discuss this with your Polestar educator.

You may also watch videos on Pilates Anytime featuring Brent Anderson, Christi Idavoy, Shelly Power, Serafino Ambrosio or Juan Nieto using these either as observation or self-practise hours. Alternatively you could watch them twice and log them as one of each. You can also watch videos on our own Polestar UK Library at www.polestar.video.

http://www.polestar.video/



GRADUATION ASSESSMENT

Students who complete the Comprehensive Studio or Rehabilitation, Mat or Reformer series and complete the Logbook for each series are eligible to sit for the corresponding graduation assessment.

PRACTISE MULTI-CHOICE PAPERS

We have created ‘official’ Polestar practise multiple-choice papers for the entire core curriculum. You can request these papers after the final module of your series. Your Educator/Mentor may be available to review the result of the practise paper with your group – it is left to their discretion.

IMPORTANT! Polestar Policy states that you have two years from the last course module attended to take your assessment. If you do not take it within that 24-month period, you may be required to re-take part or the entire course to be eligible for assessment. You can re-take course modules for a 50% discount on course fees.

RE-TAKES

If you receive less than 80% mark on any one section of the assessment, you will be required to re-take that section. Students have 1-6 months to retake the necessary sections. Please discuss with your assessor how much time should be allotted for re-take preparation. Re-take fees are as follows:

Re-take the multiple-choice section £50.00 Re-take case study £75.00 Re-take practical mat/reformer £75.00 Re-take practical comprehensive one section £100.00 Re-take practical comprehensive two sections £125.00 Re-take full mat/reformer £100.00 Re-take full comprehensive £150.00

GRADUATION ASSESSMENT CONTENT

COMPREHENSIVE

WRITTEN PAPERS:

Duration 2 hours.

The first part is a 50-Question Multiple Choice paper. Topics include Pilates history, the Pilates exercises, the Polestar Principles, equipment set-up and safety, pathologies and modifications, contraindications, exercise progressions/regressions, cueing (tactile, imagery, communication skills), lecture topics (postural assessment, sequencing and categories, energy medicine), the Polestar Screening.

The second part is the Case Study. Based on a completed Screening or Evaluation, you will create your problem and goal list then three 1-hour exercise programs: beginning; intermediate and advanced.

REMINDERS • Please arrive with clean bodies, free from any perfumes or scented lotions. • Please bring your completed Logbook and a pen/pencil. If your logbook is incomplete, you may not be

allowed to participate.



ROUND-ROBIN MAT CLASS:

You will be part of a Round-Robin style mat class where you will teach two mat exercises (a beginning/intermediate and an intermediate/advanced from the comprehensive course repertoire) to your fellow candidates. Feedback is given to each participant on what was done well and what could be improved upon for the future. This is an interactive learning experience and the feedback can be immediately put into practice in both this mat class and the other teaching opportunities.

BEGINNER SESSION:

Time per person: 1-hour

You will conduct 15-20 minutes of an interview and pertinent aspects of the Fitness Screening followed by a 40-45-minute Pilates lesson as if you are seeing a new client who has never done Pilates before and wants to try it, OR someone from out of town who wants to continue their Pilates practice with you.

• Choose the Screening test that are most applicable based on client’s intake form and history. • Teach a Pilates session for the remainder of the hour based on the Screening goals, the client’s personal goals

and any necessary modifications. It might not be a beginning session – base the level on the client in front of you.

• Introduce Pilates to the client – they should leave knowing more than they did when they arrived. Just a quick fact or story about Joe, the work etc.

• Use the sequencing categories. • Use all of the equipment as possible. • Avoid stopping to write – keep the flow of the session. • When the session is complete, thank the client and ask them to fill out the feedback form. You will now write

down the program you taught them to the best of your memory, complete the screening notes, list the problems and goals and sign the bottom of the screening.

ADVANCED CIRCUIT CLASS DEMONSTRATION:

It’s time to shine! You get to show off all of your hard work as your bodies are probably in the best shape ever. The Advanced Circuit class is a circuit class where you will demonstrate 20+ high-intermediate and advanced Pilates equipment exercises. You will spend 2-3 minutes at each station.

WHAT TO BRING:

Completed Logbook and a pen.

The back page can be signed by an Assessor if the rest of the logbook is complete.

If your logbook is not complete you may not be allowed to take any part of the assessment.

APPROPRIATE ATTIRE

Clothing should be worn so the assessors can clearly see the movement. • Leggings, capri pants, bike shorts, exercise pants that are close fitting • Sports tops and tops that are close fitting • Hair should be pulled back from the face and neck • Minimal jewelry • No perfume or strong scents, lotions etc.



REFORMER AND MAT

The written part consists of a 1-hour 50 question multiple-choice section, and a 1-hour case study. The multiple choice paper will cover the material taught in the courses, general exercise knowledge, equipment set-up, cueing, safety, precautions and modifications, contraindications, the Polestar Fitness Screening, and Pilates history. For the case study, you will create two, hour-long group reformer or mat classes including modifications for specific populations.

The practical part is a group class, with approx 15 minutes for each person to teach 4 exercises randomly selected by the assessmentiner.

Exercises are drawn from a hat. Each paper to be drawn has 4 pre-printed exercises on it, basic to advanced, plus any variations necessary. Students have a total of 15 minutes to teach their 4 exercises to the rest of the group, who are the mock class. The students in the “class” are graded on their demonstration of the exercises at the same time that the teacher is graded on their teaching skills. After the teacher finishes the assessor will call them aside and ask them any questions that remain, i.e. exercise principles, common mistakes, precautions and contraindications, modifications, exercise rationale.



GRIEVANCE & COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

If a student, educator or mentor has a complaint or grievance that they would like to present to Polestar Pilates, please follow these procedures

• Each complaint, grievance, appeal and its outcome is recorded in writing • Each appeal is heard by an independent person or panel: and • Each appellant has as opportunity to formally present his or her case: and is given a written

statement of the appeal outcomes, including reasons for the decision.

GRIEVANCE/ COMPLAINTS

Step 1 – Resolve verbally with a Staff Member The student should attempt to resolve the grievance with the staff member(s) concerned through discussion, within a reasonable time frame. The complaint and its outcome will be recorded in the Complaints/Appeals Log by the Staff Member concerned. Step 2 – Direct to a nominated party of Polestar Pilates and resolve in writing If the grievance is still unresolved, it should be directed to a nominated party of Polestar Pilates. The nominated party may include (but not restricted to) a faculty member or the Administration. The nominated party will respond in writing the reasons for any recommendations or decision in respect of the matter. The complaint and its outcome will be recorded in the Complaints/Appeals Log by the nominated party. Step 3 – Refer in writing to the Polestar Education Head Office If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved at this stage, the student should refer the grievance in writing to Polestar Education UK headquarters at [email protected]. Except when insufficient or unfounded reasons have been given by the student to support the complaint, the administrator will take the complaint in writing, inform the respondent, officially commence an investigation and give an answer, outlining the reasoning behind the response (normally) within 7 days. A copy of the response will be filed in the Complaints/Appeals log and any action to be taken will be attended to immediately by the administrator or the student (as required).

DISMISSAL FROM PROGRAM

Polestar Pilates reserves the right to instantly expel any student found to be acting improperly, unsafely, breaching copyright or breaching confidentiality of clients, staff and/or other students. The following actions will result in written warnings prior to further disciplinary action:

• Improper presentation and/or untidy appearance • Constant lateness in attending laboratory, training studio and work experience hours • Mistreatment of equipment or other items • Mistreatment of other staff, students or clients • Non-compliance with Polestar Pilates host sites policies and guidelines • Unsafe work practise • ‘Conflict of interest’ circumstances • Failing to achieve minimum progressive hours as required

The following will constitute grounds for instant expulsion:

• Theft • Drunkenness or smoking on premises • Unauthorized entry to office areas



• Actions endangering staff, students and/or clients • Abusive behavior or communications • Copying or removal from any Polestar Pilates premises of Polestar Pilates materials, handouts,

manuals, images • Reproduction of Polestar Pilates materials in any form • Unauthorized use of any Polestar Pilates trademarks, patents, images • Infringement of Polestar Pilates copyrights • Breach of confidentiality



GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT OBSERVATION, APPRENTICE TEACHING AND SELF MASTERY

STUDENT OBSERVATION AND APPRENTICE TEACHING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines are designed to give you some assistance in how to approach your self-practise and apprentice teaching hours. Remember that you are in a quiet, professional Pilates environment for learning purposes.

Be prepared

• Book your teaching times in advance. Don’t just turn up and assume you will be able to come in. Some studios restrict the number of students allowed at any given time.

• Bring a notebook and pencil for making notes. • Bring your logbook to record your hours and have the supervising instructor sign your logbook

before leaving. • Wear neat, comfortable clothing.

Dress appropriately

• Clean and neat attire. • Soft soled footwear, not flip-flops. • Minimal make-up. • No strong perfumes. • No elaborate or dangly jewelry. • Hair pulled back off the face. • Neat clean nails and hands. • Excellent personal hygiene. • Please check with the studio you are attending for any additions to this list.

Follow Studio Etiquette

• Abide by all procedures of the studio that you are attending. • Look sharp, professional and alert at all times. The client will pick up if you feel insecure, bored

or unsure. • Put all belongings in the studio’s designated safe area, so that you are only bringing essential

items into the studio with you. • There is to be no eating in the studio at any time. Drinking from water bottles with caps is

allowed. • Do not take any books or educational materials out of the studio unless authorized and

recorded by the Studio Coordinator. • Please make bookings and enquiries only at reception and only at an appropriate time.



PRACTISE TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

By the middle of your course series you should begin to practise your teaching skills.

• Contact a local studio to rent space or ask for practise time (usually £20 or less per hour). Usually the practise client pays this fee.

• Practise teaching your classmates or form study sessions to practise teaching each other. • Gather friends or family members to practise teaching them private sessions or group classes. • Volunteer to teach private sessions or group classes for free at a local studio. • Studios will often advertise a special rate for apprentice teachers to attract new clients.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING AND SELF-MASTERY GUIDELINES

Polestar Pilates host sites make times available in the studio for students to undertake self-directed practise with the apparatus. Please contact your host site to find out when studio space is available for self-directed learning. Note that a small fee is usually charged to cover your use of studio equipment during this time.

Supervisory staff MAY be on hand from time-to-time to answer your queries or to offer assistance as they see fit. However, the main purpose of self-directed learning is to give you your OWN TIME to go through the learning from your contact sessions and to gain extra insight into the constant application of the Pilates repertoire and methodology.

During self directed times in the studio (and at all times) you are expected to treat the studio staff, other students and equipment with respect and care. Please take the time to:

• Set up the equipment correctly • Undo the settings when finished with the piece of equipment • Clean down the machines after use • Keep the studio clean • Take no food or drinks other than water into the studio • Leave your belongings in a locker or designated safe area • Maintain an atmosphere of calm and learning • Ask for help when you need it and be patient if the available instructor has to deal with clients

first. If you need specific assistance in reviewing your work it may be appropriate to contact a Polestar mentor and negotiate a 1-2 hour block to take yourself and/or a small group through assisted self-mastery. If you arrange your own small study group you can split the cost between the members of the group, help each other with feedback and enhance your learning process. Your mentor can sign-off exercises you’ve attained self-mastery of in your log book.



POLESTAR PILATES RE-QUALIFICATION

Polestar Pilates™ Education continues to improve and develop its curriculum and assessment process. Re---qualification is an essential part of maintaining skills and quality of care.

PMA CERTIFIED POLESTAR GRADUATES

As you may be aware, through Brent Anderson's involvement, Polestar is now strongly connected with the PMA and encourages all studio and rehabilitation graduates to become members. Once they become PMA certified, all they need to do is to maintain their PMA certification and their Polestar certification will be automatically renewed.

In the UK, the PMA is not yet universally recognised so for us to adopt the same policy unilaterally would be somewhat premature. However, anyone who does decide to become a PMA member will automatically maintain their Polestar qualification provided they keep their PMA certification current. Then all we will ask is that you send us your PMA Certification number (which we will verify on the PMA website) in order to maintain your Polestar accreditation - along with your listing on the Polestar UK website searchable directory of practitioners. There is no application form to fill out and no fee assessed for comprehensive graduates renewing in this way.

NON-PMA CERTIFIED POLESTAR GRADUATES

For non-PMA certified Polestar graduates, the following simplified criteria will apply:

Newly-issued certificates will no longer carry an expiry date. However, in order to remain included as currently accredited on the Polestar UK website searchable directory of practitioners, you will need to show that you have completed:

• Comprehensive graduates: 16 hours of Polestar Advanced training every two years as well as two hours of self-practise and 10 hours teaching each week.

• Mat/Reformer graduates: 16 hours of Polestar training courses and/or workshops every two years as well as two hours of self-practise and 5 hours teaching each week.

Then all you do is complete the form which can be downloaded from the website (or request one to be emailed to you) and return to us every two years having paid the appropriate renewal fee online (first renewal £75.00 if prior to expiry, £150.00 if expired already - thereafter £45.00 every second year). We will then maintain your listing, as a currently accredited Polestar instructor on the Polestar UK website searchable directory of practitioners.

So please check when your certification expires and before that date make sure you have completed the necessary hours. We aim to run at least two Polestar Advanced training courses each year as well as numerous workshops so there are plenty of opportunities for you to complete the required hours.

If, as a mat or reformer graduate, you go on to take your comprehensive assessment, your mat and reformer certificates will be automatically updated with your studio renewal.

http://www.polestarpilates.co.uk/find-an-instructor.html





POLESTAR MENTOR PROGRAM

Polestar Mentors are extremely valuable members of the Polestar Education process, supporting and enhancing the Educators’ role. They work with students enrolled in Polestar courses, helping them with exercise mastery, teaching skills and theory. Mentor status is granted by nomination and when the necessary requirements and assignments are fulfilled.

A Polestar Mentor is someone who provides necessary feedback and guidance for Polestar students as they progress through the curriculum toward graduation. If a student shows exceptional ability when assessmentined, they may be invited to join the mentor program. Mentors receive a range of valuable benefits while giving their experience and expertise to dedicated Pilates students. For a complete list of Mentors see our website www.polestarpilates.co.uk

A Mentor-in-training is someone who has been accepted into the Polestar Mentor Program and is working to fulfill the requirements that lead toward becoming a Polestar Mentor. A Mentor-in-training is nominated to the program by a Polestar Educator.

http://www.polestarpilates.co.uk/



PMA PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION AND CERTIFYING AGENCY

Founded in 2001, the Pilates Method Alliance is the professional association and certifying agency for Pilates teachers. For the past decade, Pilates teachers from around the world have worked together to create a unified community, to share knowledge and information, and most importantly, to establish the practise of teaching Pilates as a profession. To that end, in 2005 the PMA launched the only third-party professional certification assessment in the Pilates industry. We urge you to join this movement to elevate the status of Pilates teachers and establish a new profession by joining the Pilates Method Alliance.

The PMA is both:

• A Professional Association, created to support and unite the Pilates community. Its mission is to foster community, integrity, and respect for diversity; establish certification and continuing education standards; and promote the Pilates method of exercise. and

• A Certifying Agency, that has established the only third party, legally defensible, comprehensive competency assessment for Pilates teachers accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The PMA is committed to establishing professional standards and promoting continuing education for Pilates teachers.

PMA STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Polestar Pilates Education is a PMA® Fostering Future Professionals Program Participant, and as such we can offer our students a discounted rate on a one-year PMA student membership. Visit the PMA website www.pilatesmethodalliance.org for more information about the Pilates Method Alliance, the benefits of your PMA Student Membership, and information about the PMA certification assessment.

http://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org/



STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS Confidentiality

It is the policy of the Company that the business affairs of the Company should be discussed with no one outside the organization except when required in the normal course of business.

During the period of training/education with Polestar Pilates, or at any time thereafter, you are not to disclose any unauthorized personal confidential information relating to students, staff or clients of the company, except where required to do so through law. Whilst participating in Polestar Pilates programs you shall not be engaged, concerned or interested in any other directly competing organization without the prior written consent of Polestar Pilates.

Information concerning the operations of the Company, and the activities or operations of the Company’s suppliers or customers should be treated as confidential. This information should not be discussed with outsiders and particularly not competitors. All information including client records, business, finances, operations and techniques, methods or transactions within Polestar Pilates is ‘Confidential Information’.

At all times clients are the customers of Polestar Pilates and you will not solicit any clients or employees of Polestar Pilates and their Host sites and affiliates.

All materials created and produced by Polestar Pilates for any purpose of its businesses remain the property of Polestar Pilates and no copying, display, distribution or any other unauthorized use will be allowed without the express written consent of Polestar Pilates.

Polestar Pilates retains the intellectual and copyright property to all studio and educational materials, systems, documentation, policies and procedures, modules, handouts, work books, brochures, photographs and any material used within the context of the student work with Polestar Pilates. Unauthorized use of this material will mean that the student will be subject to the relevant legal proceedings and payment of any fees as determined by such legal proceedings.

Upon completion of your training with Polestar Pilates you are still bound by the confidentiality agreement in respect to client information.

All files and materials produced, created, stored, retained or in any other way related to Polestar Pilates, Polestar Pilates Host studios and Host affiliates, must not be disclosed in any form by students, trainees or employees.

Files created and retained on clients are highly confidential and no details are to be discussed at any time off the premises or at any time that may be inappropriate on the premises. It is understood that at times students undergoing work experience hours will be require access to client files, and must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and professionalism.

Staff files are highly confidential and are not for access by students.

Polestar Pilates manuals, handouts and documents are not for general use or access.

Polestar Pilates and Polestar Pilates host sites and affiliates office files, or materials are not for general use and must not be accessed by students.

Polestar Pilates programs are strictly for use by Polestar Pilates studios and host sites and should not be taken off the premises.



COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS

All materials created by or for Polestar Pilates and their host sites and affiliates are bound by copyright and/or trademark and subject to legal recourse under the relevant copyright or trademark laws. No use of copyright or trademarked materials or images will be authorized unless expressly agreed in writing by the Director.

STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT

Please sign and return the PWA document that has been sent to you with your course registration confirmation email.

student handbook - polestar pilates uk

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