How schooling works in Australia? (Part 2)— Australian Education System

If you’re an immigrant in Australia like myself, then you’re most likely wondering about how schooling works in Australia. I understand that navigating a new education system can be challenging. And that’s why I’ve written this article. To help you better understand the Australian education system. 

As mentioned in the title, this is part 2. If you missed the first part, we highly recommend checking it out.

Australian Academic Year

Typically, the Australian academic year commences in late January and concludes in mid-December. The academic year consists of two semesters. The first semester typically begins in late February or early March and ends in June, followed by a mid-year break. The second semester commences in July and ends in November or early December, marking the completion of the academic year. Each semester is divided into two terms, with each term lasting approximately 10 weeks. Some institutions also offer shorter study periods (trimesters or quarters), providing flexibility for students and enables them to complete their studies more efficiently.

It’s important to note that the start dates and duration of study in Australia may vary depending on the type of study you’ll be undertaking as well as the educational institution you’ll be attending. To find out the specific start dates and the number of semesters for your particular course of interest, it’s advisable to check school’s website directly for accurate information.

Type of StudyStart
FoundationFebruary (can vary by institutions)
Kindergarten/ Preparatory to Year 12Late January to Early February
VETFebruary (can vary by course and institutions)
University
(undergraduate, postgraduate etc.)
March (can vary by course and institution)
Source: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/study/education-system/academic-year

Australian Curriculum

The Australian curriculum serves as a comprehensive framework that guides the learning goals and content for students at various stages of their education in Australia. It ensures a consistent standard of education across the country, regardless of the location or school attended by the students. By providing a well-rounded education, the Australian curriculum aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies, future career pursuits, and active engagement in society.

Australian Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of learning areas (8): 

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Health and physical education (HPE)
  • Humanities and social sciences (HASS)
  • Arts
  • Technologies
  • Languages

It focuses on developing seven general capabilities:

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Digital literacy
  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Personal and social capability
  • Intercultural understanding
  • Ethical understanding

It also emphasises three cross-curriculum priorities:

  • Sustainability
  • Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It plays a crucial role in providing valuable insights into a student’s academic progress and achievements. NAPLAN assessments are administered all over Australia every year, with a recent change shifting the test window from May to March starting in 2023.

NAPLAN’s comprehensive testing program uses standardised tests to assess a student’s abilities in four key areas, namely: 

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Conventions of language (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation)
  • Numeracy

Different Types of Schools to Choose From

When it comes to selecting a school for your children, there are several options for you to consider. However, the first decision often involves choosing between a public or private school. 

Different Types of Schools to Choose From

Public Schools (Government)

These schools are funded and managed by the state or territory government. They offer education to students based on the national curriculum and are typically non-selective, catering to a wide range of students. There’s little to no school fees involved for Aussie students attending a public school. However, temporary visa holders may have to pay thousands of dollars in school fees to attend an Australian public school.

Private Schools (Non-government)

These schools are privately funded and managed. They’re often associated with a particular philosophy or a religious denomination. Parents who choose private schools for their children usually do so because it may offer more facilities, subject choices, or that school’s culture best matches that of their family’s. As you would expect, tuition fees are quite high.

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Checkout these different types of schools and their descriptions:

  • Catholic Schools: Catholic schools are affiliated with the Catholic Church and provide education based on Catholic values and teachings. They are funded by a combination of government funding, parent contributions etc.
  • Specialist Schools: Specialist schools cater to students with specific educational needs, such as those with disabilities, behavioural difficulties, or gifted and talented students. These schools provide specialised programs and support services tailored to meet the unique requirements of their students. Students must meet specific entrance criteria to attend a specialist school.
  • Selective Entry High Schools: These are schools for high-achieving students in years 9 to 12. They accept students through a competitive entrance exam.
  • Boarding Schools: Boarding schools offer accommodation and education for students who live away from home. They provide a structured environment where students reside on campus during the school term.

It’s important to note that these school types are not mutually exclusive, and some schools may incorporate elements from multiple types. 

Picking A School That’s Right For You

Picking A School That's Right For You

When choosing a school, it’s important to consider several factors to make an informed decision. You’d need to think of the cost, location (especially for public schools within designated zones), performance, and cultural fit. You may also want to take into account factors such as extracurricular activities, values, and support services. Considering all these aspects will contribute to finding the most suitable educational environment for your kids.

It would also be a good idea to conduct an online search using tools like the Australian Schools Directory, Good Schools Guide, and My School to find schools based on your specific criteria. These resources also provide valuable data on academic performance. You can also visit the school’s official website, read reviews and testimonials, attend open days/ tours, and directly contact the school. 

To find out a school’s zone or catchment area, visit your state’s education website. Links for them are as follows:

Applying For Admission

Enrolment dates and procedures can differ among schools and universities. Every institution have their own specific admission criteria and procedures. It would be best to reach out to the school itself to gain a clear understanding of their admission criteria, procedure and requirements. 

Applying For Admission

However, here is a general overview of the admissions process:

  1. Fill out an enrolment application form – Contact the school to get a form. They can  also help you with your application.
  2. Submit your application for enrolment – Submit the form at the school as soon as possible along with copies of any documents that they require of the student such as:

    – Birth certificate
    – Immunisation History Statement
    – Proof of current address
    – Previous years’ academic transcripts or school reports 
    – Family Court orders for confirmation of proof of name or custody arrangements, if applicable.
  3. Attend the interview/ assessment – Some schools may conduct interviews or assessments as part of their admission process to assess the student’s suitability and educational needs. If this is something that the school you’ve chosen requires, then it could involve a one-on-one interview, academic assessments, or observations.
  4. Wait for the letter – You will receive a letter from the school stating that they’re either offering a place or indicating that no place is available.
  5. Accept the offer – If your child had been offered a place and you want to accept it, contact/ visit the school to complete the enrolment process.

Note:
– Children typically enrol in public high schools in April or May in their final year of primary school.
– Private high schools typically have long wait lists so it’s often advised to start your child’s enrolment process the soonest possible.

University Applications
  1. Meet entry requirements – Look into what the entry requirements are for the specific course you intend to apply for.

    Universities typically require: 

    – Successful completion of a secondary education qualification or its equivalent
    – Minimum academic attainment (such as ATAR, OP, or equivalent)
    – English language proficiency (some applicants may need to achieve a specific score in English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL and the likes)
    – Completion of prerequisite courses
  2. Submit your application – This is usually done online through the university’s portal. You may also need to pay your application fees at this point.
  3. Wait for the admission decision 
  4. Enrol – Once you have received a letter of offer from the university, you will need to respond to accept and finally enrol.

Note:

Make sure that you thoroughly review the admission requirements, deadlines, and procedures of the universities and the courses you are interested in as they may have additional or specific criteria that need to be met.

Need Support?

Check out the links below to find available support services that can be utilised to assist either yourself or your child throughout the schooling journey.

Conclusion

Please note that the above information are only a general guide as some aspects may have some minor variations across different states and territories. To find out the exact information that you are looking for with regards to your child’s education, please contact your local school.

Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.

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MyAussieStory

My Aussie Story is a product of our move to Australia from a country in Southeast Asia (Philippines). I made this website to document our experiences as we make Australia our home. Through My Aussie Story, I hope to help out people like us to be able to navigate the Australian way of life a little bit easier.

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