A: School in Australia begins during the first week of February after the summer vacation. There is some variation between each of the states but usually only a few days. At the end of the year most schools finish in mid-December. Again there can be some variation between states and schools in some cases up to a week but generally only a few days. To be certain check your intended school’s website. All term dates for the coming academic year will be posted there.
A: Most schools begin lessons at around 9.00am. Secondary students are usually required to attend a form group or pastoral care group before lessons begin. This may start as early as 8.30am depending on the school. The school day will end between 3.20pm and 3.50pm. All schools are slightly different but most will operate between 8.30am and 3.30pm.
A: The lunch break can be up to one hour or 40 to 45 minutes. Most school will have a morning recess break and some schools also have a short afternoon recess break. These breaks are much shorter, usually only 10 to 20 minutes.
A: Students attending school in Australia usually wear a school uniform. In some schools uniform is compulsory but in others it is not. Different uniforms apply for the summer and winter terms. Private schools in Australia require all students to wear a uniform and students are expected to wear the uniform appropriately at all times. Private schools generally have strict rules relating to uniform. State schools also have uniform requirements but they are not always made compulsory.
A: Middle school begins usually in year 6 or 7 and continues to the end of year 9. There may be slight variation from school to school but it is usual for students to enter senior secondary school in year 10. There are three senior years to the end of year 12. Most students would be either 15 or 16 entering year 10 and students beginning middle school would be between 11 and 13.
A: The use of laptop computers varies from school to school. Many schools do not require students to use a laptop computer at school. Computer laboratories are available for all students to use. Some schools run specialised programs which do require laptop computers. Computers are an integral part of student learning and on-campus learning. If you are not sure about the requirements of the school that you are attending ask for more information through either the web-site or the admissions office.
A: There are many simple things that you can do to improve your English skills. Listening to English news broadcasts on radio or television is a good way to improve listening skills. There is however no substitute for simple vocabulary extension. Set yourself a target. Five words a day for five days a week. After three months you have added 300 words to your functional vocabulary!
A: A really good way to learn more about Australian culture and customs is to join a sportingor social club at school. This will provide opportunities to mix with ‘Aussie’ teenagers and you will quickly learn how they think and why they do things.
A: A good place to start is the school library or resource center. Most Australian secondary schools have very well equipped resource centers where you will have access to a wide range of reference materials. There are also local community libraries and each state in Australia has its own reference library. Your school librarian will be able to provide you with more information about these centers.
A: Australian education has a student centered focus. It is expected by all teachers that if something has not been understood then the student will ask for clarification. International students find this difficult because it is not what they are used to. If you do not want to ask for help during a lesson then you should approach your teacher at some other time. They will always be more than willing to help you.
A: International students have different needs that must be met if they are to have academic success. There are many things that affect a student’s capacity for learning. It may be home-sickness, difficulties with food or significant language problems. If these issues are not addressed the student is unlikely to experience academic success. Having specialist support services available is critical to the effectiveness of an International program in any school.
A: Teachers need to be aware that International students will always be reluctant to ask questions or indicate that they are having difficulty in a particular subject area, especially in their first year of study. Being sensitive to this and making opportunities to speak with International students outside of the classroom is a good start towards improving their learning opportunities.
A: Stirling Education offers a range of support services to schools and teachers based on twenty years of experience. It provides information to assist teachers to better understand the social and academic issues that may arise with International students. Learning support materials are also available.
A: There are many things that need to be considered when managing class groups where international students are involved; the most obvious being cultural sensitivity. Simple behaviors that may be perfectly acceptable to us can in fact be quite offensive in other cultures. Awareness and creating an environment of tolerance and understanding should be a prime focus in programming.
A: Information about Australian secondary schools is available from the Australian Government website. Each state presents more detailed information about the system they operate and the education opportunities that are available for International Students in their schools.
A: Being well prepared mentally, physically and emotionally makes a positive education experience more likely. Having a good understanding of the culture and the learning environment minimises culture shock and maximises academic success. Stirling Education Australia specialises in preparing secondary students for their overseas experience through the provision of cultural information and learning support.
A: Most students find the first three months away from home the most difficult. They are home sick and under serious mental pressure. Trying to manage a new language and a new learning environment at the same time is a huge challenge. During this phase it is important that students have regular if not daily voice contact with family.
A: Australia has many advantages as a study destination for secondary students. There are a wide range of schools, both public and private to choose from all of which provide high quality education. Australia is a politically stable country and is generally safer than many other places in the world. Cost of living is lower that the UK and Europe and education standards are equal if not better. Australia is geographically closer to many Asian countries.