Iando

My boy will be 4 in July , will he start shool in Oz in Jan 2010 (ie still aged 4) or would it be Jan 2011 when he is 5 1/2

Thanks

The Bloke

Which state? State or private schooling?

Common starting age, nationally to start roughly by 2010, subject to Federal approval and costing. http://www.mceetya.edu.au/mceetya/co...ort,15276.html

Qld - http://www.brisbanecitylife.com.au/bcl/schools.htm

quoll

NSW is the only state with a July cut off date so if you are going there, then yes, he would start school in the Feb before he turns 5 in the July. In SA they have continuous enrolment in the term after they turn 5. All the other states have cut off dates before July so he wouldnt start until the following year anywhere else.

Its about time we had a common starting age because it is a nightmare for kids moving from state to state. We might hope that it is in time for 2010 but who knows which state will sway the cut off debate.

shirlw

If QLD.your child must turn 5 before 30th June of the year he starts Year 1.He can go to prep in 2010 as his birthday is in July which is probably UK'S equivelant anyway of primary 1 ?

Iando

Thanks for the quick response - it will be QLD

quoll

I still think it will be 2011 - he turns 4 in July 2009 and the cut off for Prep for 2010 would be turning 5 before the end of June 2010 so he will just miss it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Australia

brisbanebound

http://education.qld.gov.au/strategi...hood/prep.html


some info for QLD prep and year 1

brisbanebound

other link calculates what year he can start

the link below gives some useful factsheets



Looks like prep year is similar to reception in the uk, although it is non compulsory in Oz. Hopes this helps

brisbanebound

http://education.qld.gov.au/students...rep/index.html

ABCDiamond

QLD
Children born July 2004 - Jun 2005 :
can start prep in Jan 2010
start Year 1 in January 2011

Children born July 2005 - Jun 2006 :
can start prep in Jan 2011
start Year 1 in January 2012

Private schools have some discretion, and may take children earlier depending on their abilities.

Prep School is an early education program, provided in the the school grounds of the majority of primary schools in Queensland.
Children attend from Monday to Friday during normal school hours, which are generally between 9am and 3pm.
Prep School is NOT compulsory, (in Queensland), but 97% of eligible children are enrolled in Prep across Queensland according to the State Premier, in 2008.

Education in Queensland

An actual example of ages in QLD schools:
Current year 8 children. Some have turned 13 by the time they start year 8, others will turn 13 towards the end of year 8.

Iando

Wow thanks to all for putting so much detail into the responses - really appreciated

TillyG

We're in NSW where the cut-off is end-July. DD will be 5y 3m when she starts this week. The principal of the school (State school) strongly recommends that parents of children born in May/June/July seriously consider holding their child back until they are 5.5 (instead of 4.5) before starting school - especially boys.