Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd


Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook2006 > 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.

About Us | Our Publications | Shopping | Visa Enquiries | Information Days | Links | Advertising | Privacy Policy

© 2005 Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd.