Australia - An Introduction

Australia

Australia is a country and continent in Oceania. It is the only country in the world to also be a continent. It comprises seven states and territories, the island of Tasmania and several other little islands. The island of Australia itself is surrounded by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is the sixth largest country in the world at 7,682,300 square kilometers. It is approximately 4,000 km from east to west and 3,200 km from north to south. The capital city of Australia is Canberra. The national language of Australia is English.

Legal System

Australia follows a Westminster system of government and law that has been inherited long ago from the British, when they colonised the country. There are two main political parties and a number of minor parties that make up the Commonwealth Parliament. Each state and territory also has its own government. In Australia there is a Prime Minister (currently Scott Morrison) who governs the country as the leader. But every state and territory has its own leader called a Premier. They speak for that state or territory in national cabinet meetings and any other Federal proceedings. etc.

Places to visit and Landmarks

Australia is one of the most beautiful places on Earth because of its vast climate and vegetation. One of the seven wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef is situated in Queensland. It is the world's largest landmark consisting only of living organisms. Another great place to visit is Sydney where the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House can be found. In Victoria, Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles are two of the many incredible sights to see. Another great place to visit is the Australian bush, more commonly known as ‘the Outback’. But by far, Australia’s most precious possession, Uluru, is the greatest and most beautiful place to visit, it links in largely with our history and our native peoples.

Education

The Australian Education system is broadly structured, it consists of:

Primary School: starting in foundation through to year six. Normally seven years of education

Secondary School: starting in year seven through to year ten. Normally four years of education.

Senior Secondary School: from year eleven to year twelve. Two years of education

Tertiary Education: includes higher education and vocational education and training (VET).

Primary and Secondary schools:

It is compulsory for children to have commenced school by the time they have turned six years of age. Most children start between four-and-a-half and five-and-a-half years. Children generally attend primary school until they are 11 or 12 years of age. Primary schools offer programs from Foundation to Years 6 or 7.

Since 2010, it has been mandatory in all States and Territories for students to complete Year 10 and participate full time in education, training or employment, until they are at least 17 years old.

Primary schools focus on developing essential literacy, numeracy and social skills, and provide foundational knowledge to children about the world around them.

In some jurisdictions middle schools have been introduced. Middle schools offer programs for students in Years 7 to 10 (although this varies from school to school). On leaving middle schools, students often attend high schools or colleges to complete the Years 10, 11 and 12.

In jurisdictions where there are only primary and secondary schools, students between the ages of 13 and 18 years attend high schools or secondary schools. Progressively, as students move from primary into secondary schools, subject matter becomes increasingly specialised.

Students who complete their secondary school program at Year 12 or equivalent are awarded a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. They then leave school to undertake vocational or higher education courses and/or start work.

By: Aashini Rastogi