Our School Programs for International Students
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Primary Schools Brochure. |
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Secondary Schools Brochure |
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Schools Application Form |
In this section, we'll tell you all about the programs, study options, schooling and lifestyle available to international students in our Western Australian (W.A.) Government schools. You'll see why Perth and W.A. are such attractive and popular destinations for educating children in a safe, friendly and successful learning environment; and have all the information you need to make the best choices, apply and enrol.
Feel free to download any brochures by clicking on an icon to the right.
Which Visa Class? What Fees? Apply How?
IMPORTANT: This following information in this section - particularly on fees and processes - applies to our international, full fee paying program (Visa subclass 571), where children move to Australia to study.However, we do have information on the enrolment in our schools of children/dependents of overseas citizens who are in Australia on various other visas (e.g. study, tourist, business, bridging, family relationship). For these dependents, the fees payable and the enrolment process (including conditions) varies depending on their specific visa classification. For example, enrolments for children who aren't classed as international full fee paying (571) are usually made directly through the school.
Further information for these types of enrolments, including a table summarizing the fees and process that applies for each visa category can be found in our School Policies section and in our Guide for Schools When Enrolling Fee Paying Temporary and Bridging Visa Holders.
Why Choose our Schools
Government Owned and Run
Our schools are fully owned, funded and operated by the Western Australian (W.A.) government in line with its high standards of quality and excellence. The educational programs are monitored and the standards are regularly evaluated through testing programs at both state and national levels. Our international programs are also carefully managed by state and national government regulation.Choice and Flexibility
Parents of international students can choose from dozens of unique schools and locations around Perth. International students can be enrolled in any primary schools with spare capacity, depending on the preferences of the parent. There are also 30 approved secondary schools to choose from. Apart from location and size, our schools also offer different specialist programs (e.g. art, music, theatre, sport) which may be preferred. It is also possible to transfer between our approved schools to suit the child's needs once they're here.Contemporary Facilities, Equipment, Technology
All government schools are provided with the full range of facilities and resources needed to deliver first-rate education to our students. This includes up-to-date libraries, fully-equipped laboratories and workshops, modern computer labs and media equipment and a range of recreational and sporting areas. There are also many purpose-built facilities for programs like art, music, theatre, dance and media studies.High Quality of Life
Perth and Western Australia have a very pleasant quality of life - reflected by international surveys that consistently place it in the top tier of cities to live in. Our residents enjoy clean, safe and relaxed lifestyles with abundant space and social activities. Read more about Life in Perth & W.A.Comprehensive Support Services
Our international students benefit from having Overseas Student Coordinators available to assist them in settling in. Services include assistance with accommodation, English language and academic support, insurance and visa issues, and counselling for study or personal problems.Study with Australians & Improve your English
International students make up a small proportion of students in our schools, therefore, they are able to maximise their interaction with Australian students - both inside and outside the classroom. Not only does this help them improve their English more rapidly but also eases their adjustment into living in a different country as they make friends and join in social activities.A Popular, Multicultural Destination
Over 40% of Perth residents were born overseas or are the children of migrants, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Our schools reflect this multicultural diversity, with students of all backgrounds mixing and forming friendships that extend beyond the classroom.Our School Education System
Overview
Our government schools educate the majority of children in Western Australia from ages 4 through 18. After pre-primary, there are 12 years of schooling - Years 1-7 in primary school and Years 8-12 in secondary school.Key Public Schools Characteristics
Our government (public) schools differ from most private schools in a few important ways: they are all co-educational (boys and girls study together); they are non-denominational (do not teach or advocate any religion); and they maintain consistent, government-approved curriculum, standards and teaching practices.Qualified Teachers and Staff
All of our 18,000 teachers are required to complete four year university qualifications and are accredited, registered professional teachers. Our other school staff, including principals, administrators and counsellors are also fully-qualified professionals.School Calendar
For all of our schools, there is a standard calendar of term dates and holidays each year. You can find this calendar here. Essentially, the school year is made up of two semesters (each with two terms) and runs from the beginning of February to the second week of December. The major summer holiday is from December to the end of January and there are three 2 week breaks in between the terms.Typical School Day and Instruction Hours
The school day commences at approximately 9.00 am and finishes at approximately 3.10 pm. The minimum hours of instruction per week are 11 hrs for kindergarten; 25 hrs and 50min for pre-primary and primary; and 26 hrs and 40min for secondary. Students also have recess breaks and a lunch break of up to an hour.Regular Testing and Progress Monitoring
Students are tested in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in numeracy, literacy and one other learning area. The major purpose of the assessment is to provide parents with information about the progress of their children in relation to nationally agreed benchmarks. The results assist schools and parents monitor student progress over time.Pathways
Students in Western Australia commence their compulsory education in Year 1, at 6 and a half years of age, in primary schools. Many have already been enrolled in non-compulsory, kindergarten or preprimary classes. When they have completed Year 7 they commence their secondary education at 13 years of age. Over 80% of students continue their studies into the post compulsory Years 11 and 12. This is sometimes referred to as Upper Secondary. In Yrs 11 & 12, students select their program of study according to their interests and aspirations.At the end of Year 12 students wishing to continue on to university sit the Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE). TEE examinations are set by independent panels and students throughout Western Australia all sit the same examination papers at the same time on the same day. The students are provided with a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) based on their TEE exams and school results for the year. This TER can be compared with results across the country and allows students to apply for studies at any university in Australia or other countries around the world - like Canada, New Zealand, the U.K and U.S.
Instead of going to university, many students choose to do employment-focused Certificates and Diplomas at our TAFE WA Colleges.
Our Primary School Program
Primary School Age and Curriculum
Primary school involves Years 1-7, with children normally entering Year 1 in the year they turn 6 and finishing Year 7 in the year they turn 12. Primary education aims to build on the foundation for learning that is laid down in the pre-compulsory years. The intellectual, moral, social and physical development of students is encouraged in inclusive, safe and stimulating learning environments with activities integrated across eight learning areas: Mathematics; Science; English; The Arts; Technology and Enterprise; Society and Environment; Health and Physical Education; and Language Other Than English.Teaching and Class Size
In primary school, the students are taught by a specific class teacher for most of the day. Schools also have specialist teachers for subjects like music, art, drama and foreign languages. The main class teacher usually changes each year as students progress from one Year to the next. The typical class size in our primary schools is 25-30 students.Choice of Schools
All of our primary schools with spare capacity are able to take international enrolments. It is up to the parent's preference as to where they wish to live and which primary school to enrol their child in.English Support
In whichever school you enrol, English as a Second Language (ESL) support will be provided for your child. A minimum starting level of English is required. If the student's English level isn't sufficient, we can enrol the child in an intensive English studies program before they start school.Primary School Environments and Facilities
Children in the early years of learning have large purpose designed spaces equipped with their own toilets, sinks and sheltered play areas. Older students have activity areas close to their classrooms where they may work individually or together on projects and larger pieces of work without interrupting their classmates.In addition to general teaching classrooms and administrative areas, most schools have a purpose designed Music Room and an Art Studio. A large covered Assembly Area is also provided for schools in which school assemblies and performances are held.
A high priority is given to the landscape and quality of the surroundings to ensure schools are safe and pleasant places in which to learn. Playgrounds are well equipped with apparatus for fun and fitness and each school has a hard court and grassed playing fields to ensure students can play a wide variety of sports and are active and healthy.
Each primary school has Library and very often special areas set aside within these for computing and quiet study. As all schools are networked, students have ready access to the latest learning technologies, software and programs.
Fees
The fees involved for applying and enrolling in our Primary schools (from Yr 1 - 7) include:- School fees of A$8,000 per year (for a second child it is A$7,500 per year)
- Overseas student health cover (approximately A$348 per year)
Living Arrangements
International primary-aged students are required to live with either one or both of their parents or grandparents while studying in Australia. Other immediate family members may be considered on a case-by-case basis.Our Secondary School Program
Age and Grades
Secondary school involves Years 8-12, with children normally entering Grade 8 in the year they turn 13 and finishing Year 12 in the year they turn 17. All students in W.A. must be involved in some form of education or training until the age of 17. In years 8-10 all students study English; The Arts; Mathematics; Science; Languages other than English; Technology and Enterprise; Society and Environment; and Health and Physical Education.In years 11 and 12, students choose combinations of subjects from among the key learning areas in order to qualify for Secondary Graduation, to meet the entrance requirements of universities or TAFE colleges, or to satisfy personal interests and talents. The optional TEE program - which prepares students for university entry - is a two year course and students must complete both years.
Teaching
In secondary school, students usually have a structured timetable - normally with 5 subject lessons each day. These subjects are taught by specific, specialist teachers and the class groups often vary from one subject to the next. Students usually move from one class to the next for each subject.Class Size
Classes from Grades 8-10 have a maximum of 32 students and classes in Grades 11-12 a maximum of 25 students.Assessment and Reporting
Course outlines and assessment guidelines are provided to students at the start of each learning program. Students are assessed continuously through assignments, class work, homework, tests and examinations and these assessments contribute to reports issued each semester.In addition to semester reports, schools issue interim reports during the year. Parents can also request additional reports if they have concerns about their student’s progress. Formal examinations are completed twice a year for all tertiary entrance subjects.
Homework
Although much of the curriculum is covered in class, students are expected to reinforce and supplement this and develop their study skills through completing assignments, revising and studying at home. The homework load in upper school is especially demanding. Schools recommend that students allocate the following times to homework and study out of school hours: Year 8: 9 hours per week; Year 9: 12 hours per week; Year 10: 12-15 hours per week; Year 11: 18 hours per week; Year 12: 18+ hours per week.Flexible Education Choices
Our secondary schools provide children with a broad range of pathways - not just to university but also to our TAFE Colleges that provide employment focused diploma programs.This is possible through the opportunities upper secondary school students have to do pre-university studies, practical, vocational courses (e.g. at Certificate II and III level), or undertake work experience or work-based training while still at school.
Choice of Schools
We have 30 secondary schools in the Perth metropolitan area that are able to enrol overseas fee paying students. It is up to the parent's preference as to where they wish to live and which school to enrol their child.English Support
In whichever school you enrol, some degree of English as a Second Language (ESL) support will be provided for your child. However, some of our secondary schools have permanent, established ESL programs. ESL may be delivered in specific, intensive English language programs or as part of the mainstream classes. Students who require intensive English support will be required to attend a school with such a program before commencing normal studies.Secondary School Environments & Facilities
Each senior high school has, in addition to general teaching classrooms and administrative areas, several fully equipped science laboratories and a large library with an extensive book collection, multi-media resources and study areas.While all schools have facilities for visual and performing arts, those schools specialising in these areas will often have additional art and design, television, dance and drama studios.
Laboratories and fully fitted workshops are provided for technology subjects, including business studies, materials, systems and food technology. In schools where TAFE courses are offered students undertake these studies in enhanced surroundings often with industry standard equipment and services.
All schools are networked to provide students and staff with access to computers and online programs from their classrooms and study areas.
Gymnasiums, tennis courts and spacious grassed playing fields provide for students’ recreational and sporting needs.
Fees
The fees involved for applying and enrolling in our Secondary schools include:- School fees of A$9,500 per year from Years 8-10 (for a second child it is A$8,900 per year)
- School fees of A$10,500 per year from Years 11-12 (for a second child it is A$10,000 per year)
- Overseas student health cover (approximately A$348 per year)
About Our Schools
Where Are Our Schools Located?
Our primary schools are in every part of Perth. You can view an interactive map of our Secondary school locations using the icon on the right. Or, if you have Google Earth, you can take a flying 3D tour: All of our schools can be conveniently accessed via public transport (either bus or train services).
Accommodation and Living
Legal Requirements
The Australian Government requires all students under the age of 18 to stay with an approved family member or guardian. As part of the application process, we advise and assist in arranging the most appropriate accommodation for the student.Staying with Relatives
International primary-aged students are required by law to live with either one or both of their parents or grandparents while studying in Australia. Other immediate family members may be considered on a case-by-case basis. International secondary students may also live with an approved relative who must be over 21 years of age and of good character. The parents of the student are required to authorise full carer rights to such relatives.Homestay
All of our international school-aged students who aren't able to stay with relatives live in homestays which are arranged by the school in advance of their arrival.A homestay is where the student lives with an approved Australian family who looks after them just as any parent or guardian might. These students join in with all family activities and normally improve their English very quickly and become comfortable with the Australian lifestyle. The family provides meals and assists students with their everyday needs such as laundry and cleaning. Homestay host families are selected by our School international coordinators according to strict requirements.
Accommodation and Living Costs
Homestay costs - which cover accommodation, food and bills - are A$240 per week, the specific homestay place and amount is determined in advance of arrival. Students will also need sufficient money for transport costs, entertainment and other personal expenses. This is normally around A$130/week for most students.Other Costs
Other costs and expenses involved that are not directly payable to ETI include:- The Visa fees paid to the Australian Consulate
- Textbooks and study materials (mainly apply in Yr 11 & 12)
- School and sports uniforms (approximately A$150 - A$200)
- School excursion & activity charges (e.g. camps, interstate trips)
- Optional costs for certain sports or activities (e.g. golf, aeronautics, etc)
- Other living costs
Secondary Student Exchange Program
A secondary student exchange program is a reciprocal program whereby Australian students attend high school and enrol in a full-time school program in another country for a period ranging from three months to one year. You will find more information in our School Policies Section.Forms, Documents and Policies
School Forms
All forms & documents relating to studying at our schools, including applications and enrolments can be found in our Forms & Files downloads area.Note: You can also apply online >> How to Apply (Schools)
W.A. Government Policies and Documents
All policies, procedures and guidelines governing international enrolments at W.A. government schools can be found at the government's Our Policies websiteThis includes:
> The Schools Enrolment Policy
In our School Policies section, you'll find important information, policies and guidelines on the Schools Enrolment Policy, Fees applicable to various Visa classes, Info for enrolling Dependents of overseas visitors and graduate students, Student exchange programs and Study Tours.