Australia Education System

The
Australian Curriculum sets consistent national standards to improve learning outcomes

for all young Australians. It sets out, through content descriptions and achievement standards,
what students should be taught and achieve, as they progress through school.
The country's education system has a good international reputation, scoring well above

average in international education league tables. ... Schooling in Australia starts with a
kindergarten or preparatory year at around age five to six, varying from state to state, followed
by 12 years of primary and secondary school.
What education system does Australia use?

School education is 13 years and divided into: Primary school - Runs for seven or
eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7. Secondary
school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10. Senior secondary
school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.
The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and tertiary education.
School education (Primary and Secondary)

School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between
states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between
the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and
divided into:
 Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at

Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7.
 Secondary school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10.
 Senior secondary school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational
education and training (VET).
Language of instruction
English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the
education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other
languages
Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by
the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and
is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher
education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving
certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education
qualifications into one national system. This allows you to move easily from one level of
study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as you satisfy student visa
requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in
the AQF help prepare you for both further study and your working life.
If you are studying an AQF qualification, you can be sure that your institution is
Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that your degree or other AQF
qualification will be genuine.
Our institutions are linked across the country and across the world, which makes it easy
to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal
agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to
your future no matter what your study or career goals.
What curriculum does Australia use?

Review of the Australian Curriculum
ACARA has developed the Australian Curriculum that provides teachers, parents,

students and the community with a clear understanding of what students should learn,
regardless of where in Australia they live or which school they attend.
The Australian Curriculum aims to: help to ensure all young Australians are equipped with the
skills, knowledge and capabilities that provide a foundation for successful and lifelong learning
and participation in the Australian community. make clear to teachers what is to be taught
across the years of schooling.
How do teachers use the Australian curriculum?

Teachers use the Australian Curriculum achievement standards and content to
identify current levels of learning and achievement, and then to select the most
appropriate content (possibly from across several year levels) to teach individual
students and/or groups of students.
What are the three dimensions of the Australian curriculum?

The three dimensions (learning areas, general capabilities and cross-
curriculum priorities) provide teachers with the flexibility to cater for student diversity
through personalised learning.
School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary

school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college).
Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. School is

compulsory until at least the age of 16. Types of schools include government schools,
non-government schools (including faith-based schools such as Catholic or Islamic
schools) and schools based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and
Steiner. All schools must be registered with the state or territory education department
and are subject to government requirements in terms of infrastructure and teacher
registration.
Australian schools do more than just educate students. They prepare them for life −
developing communication skills, self-discipline and respect for themselves, their peers
and their world. Schools offer a broad curriculum in the key learning areas – English,
mathematics, studies of society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other
Than English (LOTE), technology, health and physical education. They also believe
strongly in the benefits of a rounded education – including the teamwork, self-
expression and personal development that happens outside the classroom.
In Australia, students will enjoy a diverse learning environment that is as personally

enriching as it is educational, and develop the skills and qualities needed in a changing
world.
 Small class sizes (a maximum of 30 students in a class).

 University-trained and qualified teachers and specialist teachers in subject areas.
 Facilities of a high standard – including a high level of technology, with all
schools having computers and internet access.
 'Gifted and talented’ programs to extend students who are high achievers.
 ‘High Achievement’ programs, which see the top students studying university-
level subjects for advance credit.
 Individual learning programs for students who require additional learning support.
 Quality assurance frameworks where schools must meet required standards.
Producing thought leaders
The Australian school curriculum prepares you for your future. Our schools aim to
develop students into independent and successful learners, confident and creative
individuals, and active and informed citizens – with the view to giving them all the skills,
knowledge and capabilities to thrive in a globalised world. From Kindergarten to Year
12, Australian schools focus on providing equity for every student, and striving for
excellence in all areas of education.
Teaching styles and assessment

methods
A variety of teaching methods are used, including: teacher-directed learning, student
research, group projects and presentations, visual presentations, e-learning and
interactive classrooms. A variety of assessment methods are used to assess student
outcomes. These may include individual research projects, group assignments, oral and
visual presentations, the use of technology including PowerPoint, podcast or vodcast
presentations, as well as the more traditional class tests and assignments. National and
state testing programs ensure standards are met and maintained.
School qualifications
After completion of senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12) students sit for exams
and receive an official certificate of qualification. The name of this certificate varies
within Australia's state-based education systems but regardless of what the certificate is
called, it is recognised by all Australian universities, higher education and vocational
education and training institutions, as well as many institutions internationally.
All Australian schools offer a strong welfare structure to ensure the ongoing
support of every student. These include:
Support for school students

 International student coordinators present in every school
 A student welfare team
 Year advisers
 School counsellors
 Careers advisers to assist students with planning and applying for post-secondary study
 English as a second language support staff and programs
 Students learn with local Australian students
 Accommodation in homestays: all host families must have a police check to meet
requirements of child protection legislation and homes must meet required standards; students
have a 24 hour emergency contact number. Some schools offer boarding.

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The

Australian Curriculum sets consistent national standards to improve learning outcomes

The country's education system has a good international reputation, scoring well above

What education system does Australia use?

School education (Primary and Secondary)

 Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at

What curriculum does Australia use?

ACARA has developed the Australian Curriculum that provides teachers, parents,

How do teachers use the Australian curriculum?

What are the three dimensions of the Australian curriculum?

School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary

Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. School is

In Australia, students will enjoy a diverse learning environment that is as personally

 Small class sizes (a maximum of 30 students in a class).

Teaching styles and assessment

support of every student. These include:

Support for school students

 A student welfare team

 English as a second language support staff and programs

 Students learn with local Australian students

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