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Education in Australia

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Education in Australia
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and YouthChristopher Pyne
National education budget (2009)
Budget$489 million (5.10% of GDP)[1][2] – 80th ranking of government expenditure on education worldwide.[3]
General details
Primary languagesEnglish
System typeFederal
Established compulsory education1830s[4]
1870s[4]
Literacy (2003)
Total99%[2]
Male99%[2]
Female99%[2]
Enrollment (2008)
Total20.4% of population[5][6]
Primary1.9 million[5]
Secondary1.4 million[5]
Post secondary1 million[7]
Attainment (2008)
Secondary diploma75%[5]
Post-secondary diploma34%[citation needed]
Adults employed in the education and training industry as a percentage of the adult population in Australia divided geographically by statistical local area, as of the 2011 census

Education in Australia is primarily the responsibility of the states and territories. Each state or territory government provides funding and regulates the public and private schools within its governing area. The federal government helps fund the public universities, but was not involved in setting university curriculum.[8] As of 2012, the Australian National Curriculum,[9] under development and trial for several years, has already been adopted by some schools and will become mandatory soon. Generally, education in Australia follows the three-tier model which includes primary education (primary schools), followed by secondary education (secondary schools/high schools) and tertiary education (universities and/or TAFE colleges).

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006 evaluation ranked the Australian education system as sixth for reading, eighth for science and thirteenth for mathematics, on a worldwide scale including 56 countries.[10] The PISA 2009 evaluation ranked the Australian education system as sixth for reading, seventh for science and ninth for mathematics, an improvement relative to the 2006 rankings.[11]

In 2012, education firm Pearson ranked Australian education as thirteenth in the world [12]

The Education Index, published with the UN's Human Development Index in 2008, based on data from 2006, lists Australia as 0.993, amongst the highest in the world, tied for first with Denmark and Finland.[13]

Education in Australia is compulsory between the ages of five and fifteen to seventeen, depending on the state or territory, and date of birth.[14] Post-compulsory education is regulated within the Australian Qualifications Framework, a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training (TAFE) and the higher education sector (university).

The academic year in Australia varies between states and institutions, but generally runs from late January/early February until mid-December for primary and secondary schools, with slight variations in the inter-term holidays[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] and TAFE colleges,[23][24][25] and from late February until mid-November for universities with seasonal holidays and breaks for each educational institute.[26]

Pre-school

Pre-school and pre-prep programmes in Australia are relatively unregulated, and are not compulsory.[27] The first exposure many Australian children have to learning with others outside of traditional parenting is day care or a parent-run playgroup.[28] This sort of activity is not generally considered schooling, as pre-school education is separate from primary school in all states and territories, except Western Australia where pre-school education is taught as part of the primary school system.[29] In Queensland, pre-school programmes are often called Kindergarten or Pre-Prep, and are usually privately run but attract state government funding if run for at least 600 hours a year and delivered by a registered teacher.[30]

Pre-schools are usually run by the state and territory governments, except in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales where they are more often run by local councils, community groups or private organisations.[29] Pre-school is offered to three- to five-year-olds; attendance numbers vary widely between the states, but 85.7% of children attended pre-school the year before school.[31] The year before a child is due to attend primary school is the main year for pre-school education. This year is far more commonly attended, and may take the form of a few hours of activity during weekdays.[32]

Responsibility for pre-schools in New South Wales and Victoria, lies with the Department of Education and Communities and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), respectively.[33] In all other states and territories of Australia, responsibility for pre-schools lie with the relevant education department.[29]

The average net cost (taking into account the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Tax Rebate entitlements) for a long day care in Australia is $3.85 per hour,[34] or a net cost of around $46 a day for a long day care service offering 12-hour days.not to mention I am from Australia and all this is false

School

School education in Australia is compulsory between certain ages as specified by state or territory legislation. Depending on the state or territory, and date of birth of the child, school is compulsory from the age of five to six to the age of fifteen to seventeen.[14] In recent years, over three quarters of students stay at school until they are seventeen. Government schools educate approximately 65% of Australian students, with approximately 34% in Catholic and independent schools.[5] A small portion of students are legally home-schooled, particularly in rural areas.[35]

Government schools (also known as public schools) are free to attend for Australian citizens and permanent residents, while Catholic and independent schools usually charge attendance fees.[36] However in addition to attendance fees; stationery, textbooks, uniforms, school camps and other schooling costs are not covered under government funding. The additional cost for schooling has been estimated to be on average $316 per year per child.[37][38]

Regardless of whether a school is part of the Government, Catholic or independent systems, they are required to adhere to the same curriculum frameworks of their state or territory. The curriculum framework however provides for some flexibility in the syllabus, so that subjects such as religious education can be taught. Most school students wear uniforms,[39] although there are varying expectations and some Australian schools do not require uniforms. A common movement among secondary schools to support student voice has taken form as organisations such as VicSRC in Victoria bring together student leaders to promote school improvement.

Catholic and independent schools

See also: Public and private education in Australia, Catholic education in Australia, and Anglican education in Australia

In 2010 66% of students in Australia attended government schools, 20% attended Catholic schools and 14% attended independent schools.[40] In 2000 these figures were 69%, 20% and 11% respectively.

Most Catholic schools are either run by their local parish, local diocese and their state's Catholic education department.[41][42] independent schools include schools operated by secular educational philosophies such as Montessori, however, the majority of independent schools are religious, being Protestant, Jewish, Islamic or non-denominational.[43]

Some Catholic and independent schools charge high fees, and because of this Government funding for these schools is often criticised by the Australian Education Union and the Greens.[44][45]

Common ages

Students may be slightly younger or older than stated below, due to variation between states and territories. The name for the first year of primary school varies considerably between states and territories, e.g. what is known as kindergarten in ACT and NSW may mean the year preceding the first year of primary school or preschool in other states and territories.[46][47][48][49][50] Some states vary in whether Year 7 is part of the primary or secondary years,[51] as well as the existence of a middle school system.[52]

Primary

People attending an infants or primary school as a percentage of the local population, as of the 2011 census, geographically subdivided by statistical local area
  • Kindergarten (QLD) 3- to 4-year-olds[48]
  • Pre-school / kindergarten
  • Kindergarten / reception / prep / pre-primary National Curriculum this year-level will be renamed: Foundation Year
  • Grade/Year 1: 6- to 7-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 2: 7- to 8-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 3: 8- to 9-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 4: 9- to 10-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 5: 10- to 11-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 6: 11- to 12-year-olds
  • Grade/Year 7: 12- to 13-year-olds (SA)[51]

Secondary

People attending secondary school as a percentage of the local population, as of the 2011 census, geographically subdivided by statistical local area
  • Year 7: 12 and 1/2- to 13-year-olds (ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC, QLD, WA)[51]
  • Year 8: 13- to 14- and 15 year-olds
  • Year 9: 14- to 15-year-olds
  • Year 10: 15- to 16-year-olds
  • Year 11: 16- to 17-year-olds
  • Year 12: 17- to 18-year-olds

Comparison of ages and year levels across states and territories

Students can undertake senior school studies for up to three years. Students who complete year 12 under a reduced workload generally do this in two years, the latter being referred to as "year 13".[53][54][55]

Year(s) in school 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Australian Capital Territory[51] Primary school High school
Kindergarten Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
New South Wales[51] Primary school High school
Kindergarten Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Northern Territory[56] Primary school High school
Transition Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Queensland[51] Primary school High school
Preparatory Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
South Australia[51] Primary school High school
Reception Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Tasmania[51] Primary school High school
Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Victoria[51] Primary school High school
Preparatory Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Western Australia[51] Primary school High school
Kindergarten Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12
Age to be in school

Under the National Curriculum being developed, the first year of schooling will be known as "foundation".[57]

In the Northern Territory, primary schools often include a pre-school. In Western Australia, primary schools often include two pre-school years.[citation needed]

From 2013, South Australia will have one reception intake at the beginning of term 1.[58]

In some states and territories, children that have been formally assessed and identified as gifted may begin school earlier than the stated minimum age. Additionally, gifted students may "skip" a subject or advance to a higher academic year level in schooling.[59]

State or

territory

Age in the year

before year 1

Compulsory age Nomenclature year

before school

Nomenclature year

before year 1

ACT[46] Age 5 on 30 April Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-school Kindergarten
NT[47] Age 5 on 30 June Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-school Transition
NSW[47] Age 5 on 31 July Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-school Kindergarten
QLD[48] Age 5 on 30 June Year in which

child turns 6

Kindergarten Preparatory
SA [49] Age 5 on 1 January Year in which

child turns 6

Kindergarten Reception
TAS[47] Age 5 on 1 January Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-school Kindergarten
VIC[50] Age 5 on 30 April Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-school Preparatory
WA[47] Age 5 on 30 June Year in which

child turns 6

Pre-primary Kindergarten

Tertiary

People attending a tertiary institution as a percentage of the local population, as of the 2011 census, geographically subdivided by statistical local area
The Mitchell Building at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, the third oldest university in the country.
Total employment in tertiary education (thousands of people) since 1984
Main article: Tertiary education in Australia

Tertiary education (or higher education) in Australia is primarily study at university or a technical college[60] in order to receive a qualification or further skills and training.[61] A higher education provider is a body that is established or recognised by or under the law of the Australian Government, a State, the Australian Capital Territory or the Northern Territory.[62] VET providers, both public and private are registered by State and Territory governments.

In 2009, the Australian higher education system consisted of:

  • 41 universities, of which 37 are public institutions, 2 are private, and 2 are Australian branches of overseas universities;
  • 3 other self-accrediting higher education institutions; and
  • non-self-accrediting higher education providers accredited by State and Territory authorities, numbering more than 150 as listed on State and Territory registers. These include several that are registered in more than one State and Territory.

The non-self-accrediting higher education providers form a diverse group of specialised, mainly private, providers that range in size and include theological colleges and other providers that offer courses in business, information technology, natural therapies, hospitality, health, law and accounting.

Federal departments

Education in Australia has been the responsibility of the following departments:

See also

Overview

Qualifications

Tests

Agencies

Lists of schools

References

  1. ^ "Education, Employment and Workplace Relations" (PDF). Australian Government Portfolio Overview. 2010–11. Retrieved 29 June 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d "Australia". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency. 27 May 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
  3. ^ https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2206rank.html
  4. ^ a b Marion McCreadie. "The Evolution of Education in Australia". Internet Family History Association of Australia. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Primary and Secondary Education". Year Book Australia (in English). Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2008. Archived from the original on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  6. ^ "December Key Figures". Australian Demographic Statistics (in English). Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2009. Archived from the original on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  7. ^ "Higher Education". Year Book Australia (in English). Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2008. Archived from the original on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
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  10. ^ "Key findings". Programme for International Student Assessment. Australian Council for Educational Research. Retrieved 2 August 2009.
  11. ^ Shepherd, Jessica (7 December 2010). "World education rankings". The Guardian.
  12. ^ "World education rankings". Pearson.
  13. ^ "Human development indices" (PDF). Human Development Reports. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  14. ^ a b "Education". Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Retrieved 14 January 2012.
  15. ^ "School Term Dates". Department of Education (Western Australia). Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  16. ^ "School Calendar". Department of Education and Training (New South Wales). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  17. ^ "South Australian State Schools Term Dates". Department of Education and Children's Services. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  18. ^ "Term Dates". Department of Education and Training (Northern Territory). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  19. ^ "Term Dates – Key Dates". Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Victoria). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  20. ^ "Term Dates and Public Holidays". Department of Education and Training (Australian Capital Territory). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  21. ^ "State Schools Holidays and Qld Public Holidays". Department of Education and Training (Queensland). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  22. ^ "Term dates for Tasmanian Government school students". Department of Education (Tasmania). Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  23. ^ "Term Dates". TAFE SA. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  24. ^ "TAFE Term Dates". Swinburne University of Technology. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
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  32. ^ Harrington, Marilyn (June 2010). "Enrolments, attendance and providers". Preschool education in Australia. Parliamentary Library. Archived from the original on 3 December 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2010. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 30 December 2011 suggested (help)
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  34. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics. "CHILD CARE". Retrieved 22 September 2012.
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  37. ^ Lam, Miawling (17 January 2010). "Public school costs soar to $90k". The Sunday Telegraph. News Limited. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
  38. ^ Ker, Peter (3 January 2008). "Voluntary school fees under the gun". The Age. Victoria: Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
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  40. ^ "Schools, Australia, 2010". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2012. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help)
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  42. ^ "About CEC". Catholic Education Commission of NSW. Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  43. ^ "About Independent Schools". Independent Schools Council of Australia. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  44. ^ "School Fees". Catholic Education – Diocese of Parramatta. Archived from the original on 31 October 2009. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  45. ^ Reid, Alan (May 1999). "The Redefinition of Public Education". The Australian Education Union. Archived from the original on 15 February 2008. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  46. ^ a b "Starting School". Department of Education and Training. 17 July 2009. Archived from the original on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2010.
  47. ^ a b c d e Doherty, Linda (28 June 2004). "Too old, too young, or just right for kindy". Sydney Morning Herald (in English). Sydney. Retrieved 6 January 2010. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  48. ^ a b c "Enrolling your child". Department of Education and Training. Archived from the original on 14 November 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  49. ^ a b "Starting School". Department of Education and Children's Services. 15 January 2009. Archived from the original on 9 July 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
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  52. ^ "It's off to school for 42,000 Territorians". Department of Education and Training. 29 January 2008. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  53. ^ "NT Certificate of Education". Department of Education and Training. 20 November 2009. Archived from the original on 6 April 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
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  55. ^ "Year 13 (YA)". Guide to Social Security Law. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. 19 October 1998. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  56. ^ "Programs for international students". Department of Education and Training. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  57. ^ "Australia curriculum". Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Archived from the original on 12 February 2011.
  58. ^ "Same first day - starting preschool and school". Government of South Australia. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2012. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 11 March 2012 suggested (help)
  59. ^ "Websites specific to the needs of Gifted and Talented Children". Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented Ltd. Archived from the original on 24 October 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  60. ^ "Overview". Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Archived from the original on 6 September 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  61. ^ "Higher education in Australia". Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Archived from the original on 28 December 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
  62. ^ "Overview". Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Retrieved 13 July 2010.
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