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Outlook> 2006
> July
Parents play big part in learning
RESPONSIBILITY for education is divided between State and Territory
governments and the Australian Government. State and Territory
governments are responsible for school education, provide and manage
government schools, and support non-government schools.
The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Science
and Training (DEST) provides supplementary funding to support certain
strategies and priorities such as literacy and numeracy programmes, and
is responsible for higher education. Vocational education and training
is shared between the State and Territory and Australian governments.
The Australian education system is divided broadly into five areas:
* Preschool
* Primary school
* Secondary/high school/secondary colleges
* Career and vocational training
* University or other tertiary institutions
You may find the system of teaching and school discipline very
different in Australia. Less importance is placed on outward discipline
and memorising than is done in many countries.
Emphasis is put on self discipline, on learning by finding out and by
questioning, and encouraging a child's interest and enthusiasm for
learning.
Schools encourage parent involvement and wish to help newcomers. Most
schools have parent and teacher associations which play an active part
in school life, raising funds for many school needs but also helping to
decide what is taught and done at the school. Parent skills are valued
and your involvement is welcome.
Compulsory schooling
Schooling is compulsory for students in most states and territories
until the age of fifteen. Although students are able to leave at that
time, most students do not leave until they complete their Year 10
qualification, with many students continuing on to complete their Year
12 studies.
Public and private schools
You can choose to have your children educated in public (state
government) or private (independent) schools throughout the country.
Education at public schools is free in most states, although most
schools do have a small voluntary annual fee to cover extra activities.
Parents may also have to purchase such items as books and uniforms and
pay for outings, camps etc. Most public schools are co-educational,
with girls and boys encouraged to participate equally in class.
Most Private schools fall into one of two categories, schools
administered by the Catholic Education Office, and independent schools
of other religious persuasions administered by their own boards.
Private or independent schools have their own fee structure and receive
a subsidy from both Federal and State governments. Many private schools
are either exclusively all boy or all girl schools.
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