Schooling
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Schools and You

Kindergarten and pre-primary enrolments 2010
Kindergarten and pre-primary enrolments 2010
Application for enrolment information.

Schools and You

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In this section
Attendance

Schooling


Primary school

WA public primary schools are generally from Years 1 to 7. Students must be six years of age or older by 30 June of the year they start Year 1. 

They must turn seven years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 2
They must turn eight years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 3
They must turn nine years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 4
They must turn 10 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 5
They must turn 11 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 6
They must turn 12 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 7

The curriculum covers the eight learning areas of: English, Mathematics, Science, Society and Environment, Technology and Enterprise, Languages, The Arts, and Health and Physical Education.

In the early years of primary school, the main focus is on literacy and numeracy so students learn to read, write and understand mathematics. Many schools have specialist Getting it Right Literacy and Numeracy teachers to help children develop these skills. Getting it Right has been hailed internationally as a leading program.
Students also develop knowledge and skills in science and technology through programs which build on their natural curiosity and foster inquiring minds.

Values are a key component of the curriculum. Through civics and citizenship education, students learn about the history and traditions at the heart of Australia’s democratic society.

There is also an emphasis on supporting children’s social and emotional development, and ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century and make a positive contribution to their community.

WA public primary schools offer two unique programs:

  • PEAC extension program for able students wishing to be challenged
  • instrumental music tuition offering free or subsidised tuition for students with musical ability.

 

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Secondary school

WA public secondary schools are generally from Years 8 to 12 and most children begin Year 8 during the year they turn 13. There are some middle schools where students start in Year 7 during the year they turn 12 and two selective schools - Perth Modern School (academically selective) and John Curtin College of the Arts

The curriculum covers the eight learning areas of: English, Mathematics, Science, Society and Environment, Technology and Enterprise, Languages, The Arts, and Health and Physical Education.

English and mathematics are essential subjects in Years 8, 9 and 10. Courses and programs also emphasise the development of literacy and numeracy skills across all areas of the curriculum. Students have opportunities to develop inquiry skills specific to the disciplines of physical and social sciences as well as to deepen their knowledge and understanding of these disciplines.

Students continue to focus on the development of values. Civics and citizenship education enables them to prepare for active involvement in Australia’s democratic society.

WA secondary schools offer a range of outstanding programs:

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Choosing a school

Children usually attend the school closest to where they live. Your child has automatic entry to your local school in Years 1 to 12. 

If you are not sure of your local school, contact your regional or local education office. You can also find out information by visiting Schools Online and searching by suburb or map location under the advanced search button.

Schools Online is a valuable source of information about each public school. It includes a school report as well as details about student outcomes, school priorities, programs and staff.

You are encouraged to visit the school and have a look at the programs and facilities available and to meet the teachers.

Some matters you may like to discuss with the principal include:

  • special programs
  • extra curricular activities
  • after school care
  • uniforms
  • homework policy
  • pastoral care
  • canteen facilities
  • parent involvement.

You may also apply to enrol at a school other than your local school if this suits your individual circumstances. You will need to meet the enrolment criteria set by that school. Entry to schools outside your local area is not guaranteed.
 

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Talking with my school

Do you want to speak with someone at your school about a particular enquiry or concern?

As a parent or carer you play a vital role in your child’s learning. Building a positive relationship between home and school plays an important part in the education of your child. Effective communication is the key to the success of this relationship.

Download Talking with my school (pdf)

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Regional education offices

Contact the regional educational office for information about which schools are in your local area.

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Enrolling at school

STEP 1 Find out where your child can go to school in your area by contacting the regional education office or visit Schools Online.
 
STEP 2 Download an application for enrolment form or visit your local school.
 
STEP 3

Submit your application for enrolment form at your local school. You must provide your child’s:

STEP 4

You will receive a letter from the school confirming your child’s application. You will need to visit the school to complete the enrolment process.

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New to WA

Kindergarten and pre primary are not compulsory but most Western Australian children attend because it helps give them the best start to school.

To start kindergarten, children must turn four years old by 30 June of the year they attend.

To start pre-primary, children must turn five years old by 30 June of the year they attend.

Use this easy calculator to find out when you can enrol your child in kindergarten or pre-primary school.

WA public primary schools are generally from Years 1 to 7.

Students must turn six years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 1.
They must turn seven years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 2
They must turn eight years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 3
They must turn nine years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 4
They must turn 10 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 5
They must turn 11 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 6
They must turn 12 years of age by 30 June of the year they start Year 7

WA public secondary schooling is generally from Years 8 to 12 and most children begin Year 8 during the year they turn 13 and begin Year 12 during the year they turn 17.

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Options for young people aged 16 or 17

All young people in Western Australia in their 16th and 17th year must be in education, training or employment or a combination of these options. 

If your child doesn’t want to stay in school full-time there are lots of options including:

  • full-time home based schooling
  • full-time enrolment in a training institution
  • an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • an approved course with a community based provider
  • part-time school/training and part-time work
  • full-time employment.

You must complete the appropriate form to have your child’s option approved if not in full time school.
Contact your school or one of the Managers Participation at your regional education office. There is also help available from TAFE counsellors, local employment agencies and staff at Employment Directions Networks and Youth Pathways.

If your child doesn't seem interested in any of the options, Participation Coordinators can help plan a personalised program. They can be contacted through the Manager Participation at your regional education office.

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Training in school

Students in Year 11 and 12 can start an apprenticeship or traineeship while still at school. They combine studying for the Western Australian Certificate of Education with training and work. They generally spend three days a week at school, one day training and one day at work. 

There are three options.

School Apprenticeship Link allows students to try out different jobs in the industry they are interested in or to undertake an industry specific pre-apprenticeship. They then progress to an apprenticeship.

School based apprenticeships allow students to start their apprenticeship on a part-time basis at school and continue full-time or part-time after leaving school. You cannot complete an apprenticeship at school.

School based traineeships allow students to start a traineeship. They often complete a qualification while at school.

For more information contact your school or ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54 or go to their website.
 

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Aboriginal School Based Training

Aboriginal School Based Training helps young Aboriginal people start an apprenticeship or traineeship in school.

Students can start in Year 10 with a course that gets them ready to start in Year 11 or Year 12 as an apprentice or trainee. This is when they get paid but only for the days they work.

A school based traineeship is usually four days in school and one day in the workplace. There may also be some training at places like TAFE. A school-based apprenticeship is usually three days a week in school, one day training and one day at work.

Students who gain a full-time apprenticeship or traineeship leave school to train and are employed by a group training organisation.

Talk to teachers at your child’s school. They will help find out if your child is ready for work. If not, they choose a course to give them the skills.

They work with a group training organisation to help choose the best apprenticeship or traineeship for your child. Then they arrange for your child to leave normal classes to go to training and work.

To find out more talk with your school VET coordinator, your AIEO, call ApprentiCentre on 13 19 54 or go to their website.
 

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Career planning

Planning a career is a daunting task and your children will need and appreciate some guidance along the way.

The Parents as Career Partners seminars are useful. They will help you understand the current work and training environment and help you to assist your children with career planning. They are run by the Employment Directions Network which can also help with career guidance, developing an employment plan and finding out the skills your son or daughter needs to gain employment. To find out when seminars are run contact 13 64 64.

The Career Centre is a good place to start for information about training and further education, particularly TAFE, and how to go about looking for work.

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