Australia

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

Education in Australia is compulsory beginning at the age of six and continuing to fifteen or sixteen (varies between states). It is chiefly the responsibility of the individual states. In each state administration the training and recruiting of teachers are centralized under an education department. More than seventy percent of children are educated in government schools - where tuition at primary and secondary levels is free. State schools provide free and secular education but students may attend religious classes provided by the clergy of various denominations.

There are also private or independent schools (which are sometimes called "public" as in Britain). These private or non-government schools are usually denominational (about 75 per cent are Catholic schools). Non-government schools usually charge tuition fees which vary from school to school. Private schools, which in some states are called "public schools" as in England, normally accept day scholars and boarders.

Schooling is not compulsory in Australia until the age of six (Year I) but most children start earlier. Primary schooling usually lasts six or seven years. During these years, children are involved in a curriculum which is, in large part similar in all Australian primary schools. The lower primary course consists of basic language and literacy skills, simple arithmetic, social and health education and creative activities. In upper years, a course of English, mathematics, social studies, physical education and health are taught.

Secondary schooling begins in Years 7 or 8 and can continue to Year 12. More subjects, such as technical, commercial or foreign language subjects, are introduced.

The most common type of secondary school is the coeducational comprehensive or multipurpose high school which offers al wide range of subjects.

(From "Australia and New Zealand in brief" by V.V. Oshchepkova)