Q1)   Is School Compulsory and from what age?

Q2)   What is Kindergarten?

Q3)   What is Prep?

Q4)   What Year should my child be in?

Q5)   What is an Independent School, what are the fees?

Q6)   What is a Government/State School what are the fees?

Q7)   Apart from the fees mentioned do I have any other Fees to pay?

Q8)   What are the school term dates for 2008/2009?

Q9)   I was told my son has to go to College but he is only 13years old?

Q10) What is TAFE?
 

Q Is School Compulsory and from what age?

A Yes school is compulsory for children aged 6 yrs – 15yrs.

Q   What is Kindergarten?

A Kindergarten means different things in each state of Australia. In Victoria children attend kindergarten from the age of 4years to give them a year to prepare for school.

Q  What is Prep?

A In Victoria, prep is the first year of school, children can start prep as young as 4years and 8 months.

Q  What Year should my child be in?

A It can vary amongst schools so always check with your school. We have found that it is common in Victoria to hold a child back a year if you do not think they are developing.

Primary
• Kindergarten: 4-5 year olds
• Preparatory / Reception / Kindergarten (QLD, NSW,VIC and ACT): 5-6 year olds
• Year 1: 6-7 year olds
• Year 2: 7-8 year olds
• Year 3: 8-9 year olds
• Year 4: 9-10 year olds
• Year 5: 10-11 year olds
• Year 6: 11-12 year olds
• Year 7: 12-13 year olds (WA, SA, QLD)

Secondary
• Year 7: 12-13 year olds (ACT, NSW, TAS, and VIC,) Middle School NT
• Year 8: 13-14 year olds
• Year 9: 14-15 year olds
• Year 10: 15-16 year olds (high school NT)
• Year 11: 16-17 year olds
• Year 12: 17-18 year olds

Q What is an Independent School, what are the fees?

A An independent school is the UK equivalent to a private school. Fees are payable to send your child there. Fees average around $15,000 for a Yr 10 Student. Catholic schools are also independent and their fees are around $3,000 per year.

Q What is a Government/State School what are the fees?

A Government or state schools are run by the local state or territory government. They do not charge compulsory fees, with the majority of their costs met by the relevant government, and the rest by voluntary levies and fundraising. Schools do charge for books and uniform. There is also a voluntary levy requested at the start of each term which can vary dramatically from $50 - $1000 a year. This fund is to help maintain the school grounds, buildings etc.
 

Q  Apart from the fees mentioned do I have any other Fees to pay?

A The above fees are payable whether you are an Australian Citizen or you are living in Victoria on a visa. However, on a student visa you will have extra charges. Please see “Fees on a Student Visa”
Fees on a Student Visa 570 or 572-575
On a student visa you have to pay full international fees for your children to attend school the fees for 2008 are;
• Level: Primary (Prep - Grade 6)
• Tuition Fees: $6,180
• Level: Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 10)
• Tuition Fees: $8,190
• Level: Senior Secondary (Years 11 -12)
• Tuition Fees: $9,170
 

Q  What are the school term dates for 2008/2009?

A The schools in Victoria have 4 terms for 2009 they are;

Term 1 28 January to 3 April
Term 2 20 April to 26 June
Term 3 13 July to 18 September
Term 4 5 October to 18 December

2008 Term dates
Term 1: 29 January to 20 March
Term 2: 7 April to 27 June
Term 3: 14 July to 19 September
Term 4: 6 October to 19 December

Q  I was told my son has to go to College but he is only 13years old?

A In Victoria a college refers to a secondary school, they call them secondary college.

Q  What is TAFE?

A TAFE is part of Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system and the largest provider of post-secondary education service. It is equivalent to a UK College.