Australia has traditionally been the home of inventors and scientists right from its early settlement. This has happened partly out of necessity because Australia was a long way from the rest of the industrialised world and Australians had to rely on what could be produced locally. However, it is also true that the Australian education system (especially the universities) is responsible for developing a culture of innovation and discovery.
This culture of innovation aims to:
- make the best use of national and international information networks,
- encourage creativity in all forms of research,
- promote collaboration between university researchers and industry,
- disseminate the outcomes of research to the wider community.
Australian scientists and researchers have been responsible for many advances in business and industry, and have made significant contributions in medical science. Australia has been a pioneer in solar energy research and other potential energy sources. Australian advances in technology include the development of the black box flight recorder, bionic ear implants, a heart pacemaker, the vaccine for cancer of the cervix and computer hardware and software. Australia is also at the forefront of producing new technologies such as wave piercing ocean catamarans, solar-powered cars and the revolutionary orbital engine.
Australians have won prestigious international awards including eight Nobel prizes:
Significant Australian inventions include:
- Penicillin – (Howard Walter Florey)
- Ultrasound scanners – (Sonography)
- Radio telescopes
- Photovoltaic cells (Solar cells)
- The Xerox photocopying process
- The Electric Drill
- Regular ‘around the world’ airline services
- The inflatable aircraft escape slide
- The two stroke lawn mower
- Lithium as a treatment for manic depression
Australian education is at the forefront of the world, and supports the National Strategy for International Education 2025 to advance Australia as a global leader in education, training and research.
It provides a wide range of conditions and institutions for international students. Through CRICOS and ESOS system provides students with guidance and, on the other hand, provides them with a network of institutional systems to provide students with all possible support during their years of study.
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.
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.