School

Since ancient times education has played a significant role in the development and advancement of civilisation. Education is a gift that has assisted in spreading human knowledge and improving the way we live, interact and learn. It has formed humanity as we know it today. The core purpose and method of schooling has evolved throughout history and the modern school curriculum is extensive, specialised and continually changing.

Attending school from an early age in Australia is compulsory. The Australian education system is easily accessible for all and is one of the leading education systems in the world. While compulsory schooling begins at a primary school level more and more parents are enrolling their children in early learning centres from as early as 6 months of age.

Childcare centres, Kindergartens, Montessori’s and Play Groups all play a significant role in the cognitive, social, academic and physical development of toddlers and pre-school aged children. As a general rule children must be at least 5 years old before they start primary school in Australia. Conventional primary schools run for 7 years, from Prep through to Year 6. At this point children are enrolled into secondary school (high school) for a further 6 years, Year 7 through to Year 12. There are a growing number of k-12 schools across Australia. Some students decided to leave school before completing high school to pursue employment or an apprenticeship. After Year 12 most students pursue further education at a tertiary level, either at TAFE or university.

Existing within the Australian education system are different sectors, religious affiliations and gender specific schools (girls schools, boys schools and co-educational schools). The two main sectors include Private Schools (Independent Schools) and Government Schools (Public Schools). Religious schools extend across a variety of denominations including Catholic schools, Christian schools, Anglican schools, Lutheran schools, Jewish schools, Muslim schools and other religious schools. There are also a wealth of specialised schools that offer tuition and learning for specific curriculum and interest areas. These include but are not limited to music schools, school tutors, dancing schools, drama schools, driving schools, performing arts schools, Bible schools, design schools, art schools and other specialised areas. There is also a wealth of short courses available for personal interest areas.