Australian School System compared to UK
#1
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Australian School System compared to UK
Hi,
Looking for advice on the main differences to expect from the school system in Australia (SA) when moving between from the UK?
Mary x
Looking for advice on the main differences to expect from the school system in Australia (SA) when moving between from the UK?
Mary x
#2
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Re: Australian School System compared to UK
The main thing would be, at the secondary level, is if your child is a self-starter and can work independently. Australian schools don't really crack the whip, and if your child is a drifter, they will let him or her drift. Kids automatically pass to the next year level - regardless of their results, and regardless of if they have even shown up for a single day all year. The kids know that too. Punishments are light, even for serious and violent infractions. The pass mark - to the extent it matters - is 35%, though many schools lower that to 30%.
The curriculum itself is fine; but there is no reward for doing great and no punishment for doing badly and student behaviour reflects that. There is a real sense of malaise in the government school system. The bureaucrats think it's the fault of the teachers and the teachers think it's the fault of the bureaucrats and the result of that is everyone digs in and refuses to change.
What a lot of families do, is keep their child in the government system for the first years of secondary, and then if he or she is on an academic/university track, put them in a private school for Years 11 and 12 (though that is slowly changing down to Year 9).
The curriculum itself is fine; but there is no reward for doing great and no punishment for doing badly and student behaviour reflects that. There is a real sense of malaise in the government school system. The bureaucrats think it's the fault of the teachers and the teachers think it's the fault of the bureaucrats and the result of that is everyone digs in and refuses to change.
What a lot of families do, is keep their child in the government system for the first years of secondary, and then if he or she is on an academic/university track, put them in a private school for Years 11 and 12 (though that is slowly changing down to Year 9).
#3
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
That doesn’t reflect all schools and not my experience in SA.
#5
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
If you want to dispute me saying schools don't "crack the whip" and the remarks about the relationship between bureaucrats and teachers - OK.
However, my other comments, I am writing about government standards/mandates and not "experiences." Automatic promotion regardless of attendance absolutely happens as a matter of course, not exception; schools are not allowed to exclude kids even for violent offences; and the pass marks are around 35%, sometimes lower.
If you are saying this is not "reflective", especially in WA - you are incorrect and are not familiar with Education Department practices.
However, my other comments, I am writing about government standards/mandates and not "experiences." Automatic promotion regardless of attendance absolutely happens as a matter of course, not exception; schools are not allowed to exclude kids even for violent offences; and the pass marks are around 35%, sometimes lower.
If you are saying this is not "reflective", especially in WA - you are incorrect and are not familiar with Education Department practices.
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/web/...spensions-down
#7
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Re: Australian School System compared to UK
Thank you for quoting a press release.
My comments to OP stand.
I suggest you pay more attention to what is happening in schools.
For OP - if your son or daughter is self-motivating and independent, they will be fine. If they are not, you will have to stay on top of things, and work to ensure that they are engaged in activities and avenues that are motivating for them.
This should not be a reason to avoid Australia and stay in the UK.
Good luck.
My comments to OP stand.
I suggest you pay more attention to what is happening in schools.
For OP - if your son or daughter is self-motivating and independent, they will be fine. If they are not, you will have to stay on top of things, and work to ensure that they are engaged in activities and avenues that are motivating for them.
This should not be a reason to avoid Australia and stay in the UK.
Good luck.
#8
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
The op was looking for differences between the schooling in both countries.
#9
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Re: Australian School System compared to UK
The West Australian, this week:
"WA Teachers threaten strike over classroom violence"
https://thewest.com.au/news/educatio...-ng-b88707446z
595 physical attacks against teachers by students last year - that amount has tripled since 2014. In that press release spouseofscouse cited - there were 8 expulsions last year and 12 the year before.
"Only attacks on students must be reported." So 595 assaults, just against teachers last year - but that's just what has been reported!
“Accounts of all kinds of violence have increased steadily over time but the number and nature of assaults perpetrated by young children has really surged recently."
"But the Education Department has shifted responsibility for protecting teachers to parents, saying that “moderating behaviour begins at home” and “without reinforcing positive messages outside of school grounds, a teacher’s job is very difficult”.'
Of course that just covers assaults on teachers. Not damage to property, bullying, severe classroom disruptions etc. Yeah 8 expulsions, the department is really swinging the hammer.
As I said: I suggest paying more attention to what is happening in schools.
"WA Teachers threaten strike over classroom violence"
https://thewest.com.au/news/educatio...-ng-b88707446z
595 physical attacks against teachers by students last year - that amount has tripled since 2014. In that press release spouseofscouse cited - there were 8 expulsions last year and 12 the year before.
"Only attacks on students must be reported." So 595 assaults, just against teachers last year - but that's just what has been reported!
“Accounts of all kinds of violence have increased steadily over time but the number and nature of assaults perpetrated by young children has really surged recently."
"But the Education Department has shifted responsibility for protecting teachers to parents, saying that “moderating behaviour begins at home” and “without reinforcing positive messages outside of school grounds, a teacher’s job is very difficult”.'
Of course that just covers assaults on teachers. Not damage to property, bullying, severe classroom disruptions etc. Yeah 8 expulsions, the department is really swinging the hammer.
As I said: I suggest paying more attention to what is happening in schools.
#10
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
Personally speaking, having had two children go through the UK government schooling system as well as the Queensland government schooling system (I realise the OP is only looking at SA). I personally believe there is little to choose between them, the set up is much the same, the educational standards are much the same. The only major difference I can come up with off the top of my head is that in Australia there is a continual build up to final exams at the end of Grade 12 rather than a build up to exams at the end of Grade 10 and then again in Grade 12.
As far as I'm aware (personal experience only) more children get held back to do a year again (for whatever reason) than ever happened in the UK. Just as many children get suspended/expelled regardless of country.
#11
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
Some will do well
Some will be average
Some will be poor
There is too much mumbo jumbo written about the differences (real or imagined - mainly the latter)
#12
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Re: Australian School System compared to UK
Oh I really appreciate all your comments, thanks so much.
I understand opinions on schooling varies from person to person.
If my husband is offered the job we'll be moving in June with a view to him starting in July so not much time to research and I think personal experiences speak volumes over what you can find out on the net...
I have four children, three of whom are primary school age.
I like the idea of sending them to a private school for their secondary education but I'm not sure if the costs outweigh the benefits...or if we could afford it once our fourth is at school 🙈
Do they have an equivalent of "Ofsted" in Oz where you can compare schools in an area?
The general consensus is that the systems are similar which has reassured me.
Thanks guys x
I understand opinions on schooling varies from person to person.
If my husband is offered the job we'll be moving in June with a view to him starting in July so not much time to research and I think personal experiences speak volumes over what you can find out on the net...
I have four children, three of whom are primary school age.
I like the idea of sending them to a private school for their secondary education but I'm not sure if the costs outweigh the benefits...or if we could afford it once our fourth is at school 🙈
Do they have an equivalent of "Ofsted" in Oz where you can compare schools in an area?
The general consensus is that the systems are similar which has reassured me.
Thanks guys x
#13
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Re: Australian School System compared to UK
there is a continual build up to final exams at the end of Grade 12 rather than a build up to exams at the end of Grade 10 and then again in Grade 12.
That's quite a big thing, also reinforces that staying in to yr 12 a good idea perhaps.
Govt schools near ciites are often very good..and in the burbs parents sometimes elect to pay for cheapish private education. Im some cases it seems to be case of throw x,000 bucks and then forget. I don't necessarily think you get anything for that money. It all depends on catchment area.
#14
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
There is no shame in making a mistake, such as stating that WA schools are not allowed to exclude students. There is no need to attempt to deflect the error, and issuing patronising statements exhorting other posters to 'pay attention' merely highlights the fact that you, in this instance, did not.
BE's a fabulous forum, a 'we're all this this together' forum. None of us knows it all, but together we come pretty damn close. Something to be both celebrated and respected
#15
Re: Australian School System compared to UK
Oh I really appreciate all your comments, thanks so much.
I understand opinions on schooling varies from person to person.
If my husband is offered the job we'll be moving in June with a view to him starting in July so not much time to research and I think personal experiences speak volumes over what you can find out on the net...
I have four children, three of whom are primary school age.
I like the idea of sending them to a private school for their secondary education but I'm not sure if the costs outweigh the benefits...or if we could afford it once our fourth is at school 🙈
Do they have an equivalent of "Ofsted" in Oz where you can compare schools in an area?
The general consensus is that the systems are similar which has reassured me.
Thanks guys x
I understand opinions on schooling varies from person to person.
If my husband is offered the job we'll be moving in June with a view to him starting in July so not much time to research and I think personal experiences speak volumes over what you can find out on the net...
I have four children, three of whom are primary school age.
I like the idea of sending them to a private school for their secondary education but I'm not sure if the costs outweigh the benefits...or if we could afford it once our fourth is at school 🙈
Do they have an equivalent of "Ofsted" in Oz where you can compare schools in an area?
The general consensus is that the systems are similar which has reassured me.
Thanks guys x
You say your DH is applying for a job - will this mean you will be temporary visa holders? In which case be aware that WA, SA, NSW and ACT all charge fees for school age kids, anywhere between $4k and $12k each. Also, as themporary visa holders you might be faced with a return to U.K. in which case you would notice that your kids will be “behind” their U.K. age peers academically. If, of course, you have permanent visas then the above is irrelevant.
Last edited by quoll; Jan 11th 2018 at 2:04 pm.