More Information on Education in Perth - Topic 3

Information for migrants to Perth Western Australia on schools and colleges

Many parents worry about their children starting mid term at the new school however we have found that this is not a problem in Western Australia probably because the schools are used to the large number of immigrants doing this.

WHEN WILL THEY GO TO SCHOOL?

Kindergarten- Children who have or will turn 4 by 30th June. Kindergarten programs run for the equivalent of four half days. Kindergarten programs are structured differently within individual government schools. They may therefore also be offered as two full days, or one full day and two half days. Some programs are offered off site close to the school

Pre- Primary - Children who have or will turn 5 by 30th June Pre-Primary programs run for five full days. It is unusual for pre-primary not to be on site. Some schools choose to use the first 1-4 weeks of the new school year to phase in the children so they only start "full time" by week 5. However parents can request that their children attend from the first day on a "full time" basis.

Year one - From the beginning of the school year in which they turn 6years and 6 months In accordance with the Education Act all children are required by law to begin full time education in the year they turn 6years and 6 months.

  • PRIMARY SCHOOL Year K-7
  • HIGH SCHOOL Year 8-10
  • SENIOR HIGH Year 11-12

Most children from the UK will find because of this they often "go back" a year this is especially relevant if they have started Year 7 (High school in UK) because Year 7 in WA is actually the final year at primary school. Pupils who are moving on to TAFE (college) or who have a job are allowed to leave school at the age of 16 this will be extended to 17 in the near future.

Uniform

In most government schools it is not compulsory to wear uniform although most schools will issue guidelines on colour and preferred clothing and shoes. Often the uniform consists of a polo shirt or t shirt and shorts or jeans. The Independent schools and Private schools are far stricter on the rules and pupils are required to wear uniform which is more formal.

Curriculum

The curriculum framework is based around eight learning areas details may be found on the following site:

Voluntary Contributions and Charges

A voluntary contribution towards the cost of educating your child is requested in government schools the maximum contribution limits are at present $60.00 in Years K-7 and $235.00 in Years 8-10. However if parents choose not to pay this contribution students are not treated differently, most people would pay this small contribution the charges are laid out in a statement sent to you at the beginning of the school year or when your child begins their education in Australia.

In years 11-12 all course charges are compulsory. At the present time the government is making a contribution to these fees in Year 8-10 and 11-12 of $100 this will be shown as "government subsidy" on your sheet. If your child elects to do extra lessons such as music these charges are shown extra to the basic charges. Independent and Private schools have different charges and you should contact the particular school to check on the cost of sending your child there.

Book List

Each year you will be sent a book list which tells you what items you are required to supply for your children in Primary school you usually supply one ream of copy paper, one box of tissues, pencils, texta's (felt tip pen), crayons, ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener etc. Secondary school lists are more comprehensive and in Years 11-12, TAFE and University you have to supply books too. A list dependant on the courses taken will be supplied to you and there are various educational book shops in each area.

The government site about education in WA is on the following link:

TAFE (College)

On leaving school there are plenty of courses offered by the various TAFE's here in WA here is the web site which will guide you to them. Fees are payable on all part and full time courses. As I understand it some UK qualifications are recognized here but not all you would need to email to confirm this.

UNIVERSITIES IN WA

Fees are payable for all University courses I understand that UK A levels are recognized here and that you can enter University using those qualifications but you would need to contact the University to confirm this.

Well I hope this helps some of you with the research email if you have any specific questions on either education or migrating to Perth in general.

Eve


Copyright Emi-great! Port Kennedy Western Australia 6172 All Rights Reserved. 2003-08.