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1. STRUCTURE OF AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLING
Each state government manages the school system within their state and provide funding for their schools. Both public schools and private schools exist in each state. The curriculum taught in each state or school may vary but the learning areas are the same in all.
It is compulsory for all Australian students to attend school until Year 10 or age 16.
|
LEVEL |
NOTES |
|
Pre-School Duration = 1 year. |
- It is not compulsory. |
|
Preparatory Year Duration = 1 year. |
- It is not compulsory in some states. |
|
Primary School Duration = 6 or 7 years. |
- This level is compulsory for all students. - The early part of children's education is very important since it is in these formative years that attitudes and behaviour begins to take shape. Emphasis is put not only on the educational side of primary schooling, but also on students developing communication and cooperation skills, which will serve them well in later life. |
|
Secondary School Duration = 5 or 6 years. |
- To enter secondary school, international students must provide their academic records and demonstrate appropriate English proficiency. - The general tone of secondary education is much more independent and student guided than primary school. Students have many course options which reflect their interests and goals. Some schools emphasise certain subjects more than others. Choice and diversity is increased by schools which specialise in areas such as languages, music, sport, information technology, agriculture or vocational education. - Co-educational & single-sex schools are available. Junior High School - usually Years 7-10 - Students take a number of compulsory courses in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Senior High School - usually Years 11-12 - Students in Years 11 and 12 have a wider range of choices in selecting elective courses such as Computing, Art, and Drama.- Students study subjects that they excel in or that relate to their future career or educational goals. |
2. SECONDARY SCHOOL QUALIFICATIONS
Two qualifications are available from secondary schools:
- A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION OF YEAR 10
This is usually an informal certificate, but some states offer formal qualifications at this level.
Students with a certificate of completion for Year 10 may start to work or begin a vocational education program. They will not generally be accepted into a university program, but may seek mature age entry to some universities later.
- A SENIOR CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
This is a formal certificate known by different names as follows:
|
STATE / TERRITORY |
SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION |
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
ACT Year 12 Certificate |
|
New South Wales (NSW) |
Higher School Certificate (HSC) |
|
Northern Territory (NT) |
Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) |
|
Queensland (QLD) |
Senior Certificate |
|
South Australia (SA) |
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) |
|
Tasmania (TAS) |
Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) |
|
Victoria (VIC) |
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) |
|
Western Australia (WA) |
WA Certificate of Education (WACE) |
Students with a Senior Certificate of Secondary Education have more choices, and they may decide to:
- start work,
- begin a VET program,
progress directly to university studies.
3. ENTRY POINTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Entry points might be different depending on the school (government/non-government and/or the State it operates in), but commonly they are as follows:
- PRIMARY SCHOOLS
- Students may enter at Preparatory level or Year 1.
- A student can enter at any year if the application is accepted by the school, and they have complete transcripts from their former school. In some instances they may be required to take a placement test to ensure their success at their new school.
- SECONDARY SCHOOLS
- Students may enter Years 6 or 8 or at Years 10 or 11. The entry to these years reflects the beginning of the teaching/learning cycle, e.g. beginning of junior/senior high school)
A student may enter at any year if the application is accepted by the school, and with appropriate transcripts. New students need complete academic records and an appropriate English language proficiency.
4. COST OF SCHOOLING IN AUSTRALIA
School-level education in Australia is very cost effective, especially compared to other English-speaking countries. Costs vary from State to State and depend on whether students attend public or non-government schools. However, the following costs show what overseas students can expect:
|
TYPE OF COST |
COST - $AUD |
|
Application fees |
Variable |
|
Tuition |
$6,000 - 15,000 per year |
|
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
$420 per year |
|
Accommodation |
$70 - 400 per week |
|
Other incidentals |
Variable |
5. ACCOMMODATION FOR OVERSEAS STUDENTS
Approximate costs for each type of accommodation are shown here
|
TYPE |
APPROXIMATE COST |
|
Boarding School |
A$10,000 - 20,000 per year |
|
Homestay / Farmstay |
A$110 - 270 per week |
|
Share Accommodation |
A$70 - 250 per week |
|
Rental Accommodation |
A$100 - 400 per week |
6. ADVANTAGES OF AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLING
According to an AEI research snapshot, in 2016 there were 20,495 international student enrolments in the schools sector, increasing to 25,752 by November 2017.
Some schools and colleges cater exclusively for international students, whereas others have long traditions of student exchange with other international schoolsThere are three important reasons that attract international students to Australia:
- Quality
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs
- Information and Communication Technology in Schools
- QUALITY
The OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2009 showed that Australian students were above OECD averages in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy. Some of its findings are listed here:
- Australia performed better that the USA or UK in all areas.
- Australia was among the top ten countries in all three areas.
The top 5% of Australian students achieved at the same level in all domains as the top 5% of students in any country.
State and Territory Governments have agreed on a National Curriculum Framework for all Australian schools, that outlines national standards in key learning areas. This framework ensures that all students in Australian schools achieve the best possible outcomes.
The National Curriculum Framework is based on ten common and agreed national goals for schooling. The goals identify the skills, understanding, knowledge, attitudes and values which should be developed in young Australians. They focus on eight learning areas:
- English,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Technology,
- Studies of Society and the Environment,
- Health and Physical Education,
- Languages other than English,
- Arts.
- ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) PROGRAMS
ESL programs in both primary and high schools are available for students whose first language is not English. The types of ESL students range from those newly arrived in Australia and beginning to learn English to Australian born students from a non-English speaking background.
In general, ESL support can:
- prepare students for entry into school studies in intensive English courses,
- provide on-going language-support programs for students after they begin their formal studies
Parents of international students have access to translation and interpreter services in the public school system.
- INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS
Australian schools aim to produce graduates who are able to use information and communication technology (ICT) effectively in all aspects of their lives. This means that all students leave school as confident, creative and productive users of new technologies, and understand the impact of those technologies on society.
Australian schools are becoming world leaders in the application of technology to education, and they are well-equipped with the following:
- Computers,
- Digital data and communication links,
- Film and television,
- Satellite signals to remote locations,
- Internet access points,
CD-Rom materials.