An educational phase is a stage in a child's education which is normally defined by legislation or regulation and is characterised by the age of students, school type and curriculum and assessment arrangements. The curriculum and assessment framework in this Archive is related to these phases.
General/national
Generally, four 'bands' correspond to levels of schooling as follows:
Consequently, in most States there are 13 years of full education with Year 0 corresponding to the first full year of Preparatory or Kindergarten education prior to Year 1.70
General/national
The extent of provision or pre-compulsory education varies by State/Territory, but generally early years provision is not part of the primary system and caters for children from birth to age 5/6, when compulsory education begins.54 In general, the term 'pre-school' is used to refer to any educational programme offered in the two years before compulsory education begins. The first of these two years is often known as 'Kindergarten Year'; it is followed by the pre-compulsory 'Preparatory Year'. The Preparatory Year (the year before Year 1/compulsory education begins) is known by different names depending on the State or Territory. Preparatory, Kindergarten, Transition, Reception or Preprimary are all used to refer to this year before compulsory education.151
Pre-school provision may be offered in public and/or private institutions. Although attendance is optional, parents are generally encouraged to enrol their children. 151
Queensland
Part-time, publicly-funded pre-school education (which is non-compulsory for children) is offered for up to two years before compulsory education begins (at around age 6). That is, pre-compulsory schooling is offered free from the beginning of the year after which children become 4. The second year of this provision - the year before Year 1, compulsory education - is known as the 'Preparatory Year'. 151
Prior to January 2007, although many state/government-funded schools in Queensland did offer a full year of full-time education for children prior to Year 1, Queensland was the only state in Australia in which all government-funded schools did not offer this full-time year of education - that is, for a full five days each week - before Year 1. This changed in January 2007, following a trial/pilot of full-time pre-Year 1 education in publicly-funded schools in the State which began in 2003. Some non-state schools (Catholic and independent schools) also took part in the trials. 179 The trial aimed to enable the Government to consider:
In December 2004, following completion of the second year of the trial, the Queensland Government announced that a year of full-time pre-year 1 education would be available to all children throughout the State from 2007. 235 Further information is available online at: http://www.education.qld.gov.au/prep
Alternatives such as special education, distance education, non-state provision including private 'crèches' and kindergartens, community kindergartens, and childcare centres are also available. 151
Tasmania
The early childhood years in Tasmania are usually taken to incorporate the years from birth to eight years of age. The Department of Education is involved in the provision of education and library services to children in this age group, and is also responsible for the regulation of childcare services. Formal early childhood education in Tasmania is provided within a four-year framework:
Until January 2004, the compulsory age for starting school in Tasmania was 6 years, 0 months and provision below the age of 6 was not compulsory. In addition to the core Kindergarten/Pre-school programme for 4- to 5-year-olds, some schools offered some timetable sessions and special programmes for pre-Kindergarten age children. These included sessions for parents or carers and their children, usually once per week for approximately one to two hours; early start, early school or early intervention programmes specially designed for children identified as 'at risk', usually for one session per week; and home-based programmes in which teachers visit homes to report, plan further progress, or to provide special assistance to children and their parents. 64
Before commencing Year 1 (compulsory primary education, age 6), most children attended (pre-compulsory) Kindergarten/Pre-school part-time for one year, followed by one full-time pre-compulsory Preparatory Year. The objective was for them to acquire learning skills and to be inducted into the culture of the classroom and school. 65
At the start of the 2004 school year, the compulsory school starting age was lowered so that every child who is at least 5 years old on 1 January must be enrolled in the Preparatory Year in a school or be provided with home education. The change was implemented to address high absentee rates in the Preparatory Year and to enable children to benefit from early learning, which it is believed can have a profound effect on their later ability to learn and succeed. The Kindergarten Year (prior to Preparatory) remains not compulsory. Children begin Kindergarten if they are 4 years old on 1 January. 180
Victoria
Pre-compulsory education in Victoria usually comprises:
The Preparatory Year - although not compulsory for children - is commonly regarded as Year 0 of compulsory education and is almost universally undertaken. This is followed by Year/Grade 1.151
Queensland
Part-time pre-compulsory schooling is free from the beginning of the year after which children turn four. 13
Tasmania
In Tasmania, children who are aged at least 4 on 1 January are eligible for admission to the core Kindergarten/Pre-school programme (for children aged 4-5). (The school year begins in January/February.) Flexibility to enrol children of pre-Kindergarten age in the core Kindergarten/Pre-school programme is only permitted in the case of children from families who have moved to Tasmania and who have already been enrolled in a government school in another State or Territory. 64
The minimum age of entry to the Preparatory year (for students aged 5-6 years) is 5 years on 1 January. (The school year begins in January/February.) 64 The Preparatory Year, which was previously not compulsory, became compulsory for all 5-year-olds (unless they are being educated at home) with effect from 1 January 2004.180
General/national
3- and 4-year-old children who attend Kindergarten or other pre-school centres usually only do so part-time. 42 Some children are in private (pre-school/nursery) daycare for the full working week, 129 and most States offer full-time provision for children in the final (Preparatory) year before compulsory education begins. In Queensland, for example, since January 2007, children in the final year before compulsory education (5- to 6-year-olds) have been offered a full year of full-time Preparatory education (five full days each week). In Tasmania, Kindergarten children (aged 4-5) are generally offered provision of 20 hours per week. In Victoria, children in pre-school provision (aged between 3-and-a-half and 5) usually attend for four half-day sessions each week.
General/national
Primary education in Australia lasts for either six or seven years, depending on the State. Education is compulsory from the age of 6 (to 15, 16 in Tasmania), although most children start primary school at 5. 42
Although primary education is generally provided in primary level schools, there are some combined primary/secondary schools catering for the complete age range (5 to 17+ years). These combined schools account for around 11 per cent of all schools (Australian Bureau of Statistics - http://www.abs.gov.au). All government primary schools (state primary schools) are co-educational. Roman Catholic and private sector schools may be single sex, but almost all are co-educational. 88
Education in government schools is secular, but schools normally make some provision for religious education on a voluntary attendance basis. Most non-government schools are run or sponsored by religious organisations, the majority of these being Catholic schools.31
Queensland
Primary education in Queensland covers Years 1-7 (ages 6-13).60, 13
Tasmania
In Tasmania, early childhood education is provided within a four-year framework, see 3.2.1 and, until 1 January 2004, the compulsory age for starting school was 6 years, 0 months. Provision below the age of 6 was not compulsory.135 Primary schools cover Kindergarten/Pre-school (age 4+) to Year 6 (age 11-12). In rural areas, there are schools catering for the full age range (Kindergarten, age 4+ to Year 12, age 17-18). These are known as 'district high schools'. Primary education is also provided in special schools in addition.60,13
At the beginning of the 2004 school year (January), the compulsory school starting age was lowered so that every child who is at least 5 years old on 1 January must be enrolled in the Preparatory Year in a school or be provided with home education. The change was implemented to address high absentee rates in the Preparatory Year and to enable children to benefit from early learning, which it is believed can have a profound effect on their later ability to learn and succeed. The Kindergarten Year (prior to Preparatory) remains not compulsory. Children begin Kindergarten if they are 4 years old on 1 January. 180
Victoria
In Victoria, six-year primary education (Years 1 to 6) commences at around age 6 and ends at age 12. 83 However, most children start primary school at around age 5 in the non-compulsory Preparatory Year, or Year 0. 151
General/national
Minimum ages for admission to primary schools differ across the various States and Territories, ranging from 4.5 to 6 years. 54 However, government policy in relation to the selection of schools is that parents have the freedom of choice to send their children to any government school or college. This choice, however is subject to two provisions:
As a result, most primary school children normally attend a school located in their immediate neighbourhood. 54
Tasmania
The minimum age of entry into Year 1 of compulsory education in primary school is 6 years 0 months on or by 31 December in the year prior to entry. The school year commences in January/February.146 In addition, on 1 January 2004, the Preparatory Year became compulsory. As a result, all children who are 5 years old on 1 January must now attend the Preparatory Year (Year 0) in a school (or be provided with education at home). Previously, this Preparatory Year was not compulsory for children. 180
Victoria
Children can attend government schools if they reach the age of 5 by 30 April in the year they wish to enrol. The school year commences in January/February. All children between the age of 5 and 15/16 must attend school or be receiving approved alternative education. When a child enrols in a government school in Victoria, the parent or guardian must complete and sign an admissions form, and provide evidence of the child's date of birth. Only Australian citizens or children with specified visas are eligible for admission. 78 A child who becomes 5 after 30 April cannot be admitted to a government school without the prior approval of the regional General Manager (for Schools). Only in exceptional circumstances will approval be given for early age entry. 78
General/national
The primary school day normally contains about five hours of tuition, five days per week (Monday to Friday). These hours of tuition are usually organised in a school day starting at around 9:00 am and finishing around 3 pm, and the school year comprises around 200 days. 42 The duration of teaching periods can vary widely. 33
The school year in Australia is generally organised around four terms, usually divided along the following lines (although these will vary according to the specific State/Territory):
Tasmania
Exceptionally, in Tasmania, there are three main terms in school education. Term one runs from mid February to late May/early June, with a 10-day break for Easter in the middle, and is followed by a 10-day holiday; term two runs from mid June to early/mid September, followed by a 10-day holiday; and term three commences in late September and ends just before Christmas. The long, summer holiday lasts from Christmas until mid February. 63
General/national
Secondary education is available for either five or six years (depending on the length of primary education in the State concerned) and students normally commence lower secondary school at around age 12. Secondary education is usually compulsory until the age of 15 or 16, except in Queensland and Tasmania (see below). 42
Although secondary education is generally provided in secondary level schools, there are some combined primary/ secondary schools catering for the complete age range (5 to 17+ years). These combined schools account for around 11 per cent of all schools (Australian Bureau of Statistics - http://www.abs.gov.au). Government (state) secondary schools are normally co-educational. Roman Catholic and private-sector schools may be single sex. Indeed, the majority of private secondary schools are single-sex. 42
Education in government schools is secular, but normally makes some provision for religious education on a voluntary attendance basis. Some non-government schools are run or sponsored by religious organisations, the majority of these being Catholic schools. 31
Secondary education throughout Australia is also provided in special schools.
Queensland
In Queensland, the compulsory lower secondary phase covers Years 8-10 (ages 13-14 to 15-16). See section 3.2.4 for further information.
Tasmania
Secondary education in Tasmania covers Years 7-12 (students aged 12-13 to 16-18) in 'high schools' or, in country areas, in schools catering for the full age range and called 'district high schools'. See section 3.2.4 for further information.
Victoria
Secondary schools in Victoria are generally called 'secondary colleges' and cater for students in Years 7-12 (aged 12-13 to 17-18). In rural areas, there may also be schools which cater for the full 13-year range (Preparatory, aged 4/5+ to Year 12, aged 17-18). The vast majority of secondary schools (secondary colleges) are comprehensive, with no criteria for entry on ability, and they all offer a full range of courses for students of different ability levels, aptitudes and interests. Victoria also has three or four specialist schools (e.g. school of languages; correspondence school); some government schools which are selective on the basis of a student's academic ability; some which cater specifically for students with special musical ability; a single-sex school; and a specialist school for the arts. However, the majority of its secondary schools are comprehensive, non-selective and mixed sex. 60, 13, 70
Some secondary colleges offer school-based apprenticeships or traineeships at this level.
General/national
Government policy in relation to the selection of schools is that parents have the freedom of choice to send their children to any government school or college. This choice, however is subject to two provisions:General/national
The secondary school year operates for approximately 200 days, with about 5.5 hours of tuition per day, five days per week (Monday to Friday). These hours of tuition are usually organised in a school day starting at around 9:00 am and finishing around 3 pm. 42
The duration of teaching periods varies widely in Australia. At one extreme, some secondary schools operate teaching periods of approximately 40 minutes, whilst others, especially at senior levels, can operate teaching periods of 90 minutes or longer. 32
The school year in Australia is generally organised around four terms, usually divided along the following lines (although these vary according to the specific State/Territory):
Tasmania
Exceptionally, in Tasmania, there are three main terms in school education. Term one runs from mid February to late May/early June, with a 10-day break for Easter, and is followed by a 10-day holiday; term two runs from mid June to early/mid September, followed by a 10-day holiday; and term three commences in late September and ends just before Christmas. The long, summer holiday lasts from Christmas until mid February. 63
General/national
Secondary education (compulsory lower and post-compulsory upper secondary education) is available for either five or six years (depending on the length of primary education in the State concerned), and students normally commence lower secondary school at around age 12+. Secondary education is generally compulsory until the age of 15 or 16, with the exception of Queensland and Tasmania (see below). 42
Although secondary education is generally provided in secondary level schools, there are some combined primary/ secondary schools catering for the complete age range (5 to 17+ years). These combined schools account for around 11 per cent of all schools (Australian Bureau of Statistics - http://www.abs.gov.au).
Government (state) upper secondary schools are normally co-educational. Roman Catholic and private sector schools may be single-sex. 42
Education in government schools is secular, but normally makes some provision for religious education on a voluntary attendance basis. Some non-government schools are run or sponsored by religious organisations, the majority of these being Catholic schools. 31
Queensland
Youth Participation in Education and Training Act 2003 and Education (General Provisions) Act 2006
In 2000, the Queensland Government published its ten year education strategy, Queensland State Education: 2010, which made retention a key priority for the State's education system. A target was set to raise the number of students completing Year 12 (ages 17-18) to 88 per cent by 2010.228 Subsequently, in 2003 and 2006, the Queensland Government passed legislation requiring young people to be 'learning or earning' until the age of 17.227Since 2006, it has been compulsory for young people to remain at school until they finish Year 10 (ages 15-16) or reach their 16th birthday, whichever comes first. Unless they are in full-time work, young people who have finished Year 10 or reached the age of 16 are then required to participate in education and training for:
Further information regarding the legislation is available from the Queensland Government website: http://education.qld.gov.au/etrf/legis.html
Tasmania
In Tasmania, legislation introduced in January 2008 introduced requirements which mean that, after leaving Year 10 (at around age 16), young people must continue in education or training for two years or until they turn 17. Further information is available online.
Post-compulsory upper secondary education is usually provided in secondary schools catering for Years 7-12 (students aged 12-18) which are known as 'high schools'. There are also a few separate colleges catering for Years 11-12 (students aged 16-18); these are known as 'senior secondary colleges'. In rural areas, some schools cater for the full (13-year) age range (Years 0-12, ages 4/5+ to 18). Such schools are termed 'district high schools' in Tasmania. Post-compulsory upper secondary education is also provided in special schools.60, 13, 83, 70
Victoria
In Victoria, 'secondary colleges' provide secondary education for Years 7-12 (incorporating both the compulsory lower and post-compulsory upper secondary phases). There are also a few separate colleges catering for Years 11-12 (students aged 16-18); these are known as 'senior secondary colleges'. In some multi-campus schools in Victoria, school buildings for Years 7-10 (students aged 12-16) and Years 11-12 (students aged 16-18 years) may be on different sites. In rural areas, some schools cater for the full (13-year) age range (Years 0-12, ages 4/5+ to 18). Victoria also has three or four specialist schools (e.g. school of languages; correspondence school); some government schools which are selective on the basis of a student's academic ability; some which cater specifically for students with special musical ability; a single-sex school; and a specialist school for the arts. However, the majority of its secondary schools are comprehensive, non-selective and mixed sex. Some secondary colleges offer school-based apprenticeships or traineeships at this level. 60, 13
General/national
Government policy in relation to the selection of schools is that parents have the freedom of choice to send their children to any government school or college. This choice, however is subject to two provisions:
General/national
The secondary school year operates for approximately 200 days, with about 5.5 hours of tuition per day, five days per week (Monday to Friday). These hours of tuition are usually organised in a school day starting at around 9:00 am and finishing around 3 pm. 42
The duration of teaching periods varies widely in Australia. At one extreme, some secondary schools operate teaching periods of approximately 40 minutes, whilst others, especially at senior levels, can operate teaching periods of 90 minutes or longer. 33
The school year in Australia is generally organised around four terms, usually divided along the following lines (although these vary according to the specific State/Territory):
Tasmania
Exceptionally, in Tasmania, there are three main terms in school education. Term one runs from mid February to late May/early June, with a 10-day break for Easter, and is followed by a 10-day holiday; term two runs from mid June to early/mid September, followed by a 10-day holiday; and term three commences in late September and ends just before Christmas. The long, summer holiday lasts from Christmas until mid February. 63