Australian schools are either government or non-government (private), and they aim to focus on the individual learning needs of their students.
The school system aims to meet the learning needs of each individual student. This helps each child reach their full intellectual and educational potential.
Australian schools usually have a number of characteristics:
- Most schools enforce dress codes or have a uniform to promote a sense of equality and to maintain a focus on education instead of fashion.
- These are kept as small as possible, so teachers can regularly interact with students on an individual basis.
- Schools operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Before-school and after-school care is generally available to those students who require it.
- International students often have access to English language support to help them adapt to their new school environment.
Government and Non-government Schools
There are some important differences between these 2 types of schools:
| GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS | NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS |
|---|---|
| – they are operated by a State or Territory government. | – they are not owned or operated by a State or Territory government. |
| – Australian students normally do not pay substantial tuition fees to attend these schools. – international students and the children of international students are required to pay fees. | – international students usually pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. |
| – the marketing and enrolment of students is controlled by the government education department in the particular state or territory. | – they recruit students directly. |
| – they address a variety of social and cultural philosophies. | – they may have a particular religious or cultural philosophy, which is clearly reflected in the student experience. |