One of the main characteristics of the Australian school system is that it aims to meet the learning needs of each individual student. This helps each person reach their full intellectual and educational potential. Study programs are person-centred and focus on the development of learning skills and strategies, which train students to be life-long, self-motivated learners.
National Curriculum Framework
Australian schools are also famous for their high level of quality. National Curriculum Framework outlines national standards in key learning areas. This framework ensures that all students in Australian schools achieve the best possible outcomes. The 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
One of the surveys made by OECD confirmed that Australian students were above OECD averages in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy.
- 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.
Australia has already expressed its ambition (in National Strategy for International Education 2025) to advance Australia as a global leader in education, training and research. Australia wishes to further strengthen its international reputation for high-quality education and training, drives collaboration in education and research, and increases opportunities for Australian providers and communities.
Other features of the Australian schools are:
- The teacher aims to assist students in reaching their individual learning goals.
- Students commonly undertake projects, group work and self-directed learning. Schools operate from 9am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. Furthermore before- and after-school care is also generally available to those students who require it.
- Class sizes are kept as small as possible, so teachers can regularly interact with students on an individual basis, and international students often have access to English language support to help them adapt to their new school environment.
- It is compulsory for all Australian students to attend school until Year 10 or age 16.
Structure of the Australian school system
| Level | Duration | Student Ages | Offered |
| Pre – school | 1 year | 3 to 4 years | 2 years before Year 1 |
| Preparatory Year | 1 year | 4 to 6 years | the year before Year 1 |
| Primary School | 6 or 7 years | 5 to 12 years | |
| Secondary School | 5 or 6 years | 12 to 18 years |
Year 12 programs
- they are designed by State education authorities
- they are designed to meet the needs of Australian students who may seek a variety of outcomes
- their results are accepted by all Australian higher education institutions
- they have a wider range of subject choices for students
- they normally focus on classroom learning
- their students are typically aged from 16 to 18
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Education system
