The Department of Education's purpose is to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they will need to achieve their individual potential so they can play an active part in civic and economic life.
About Us
- The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that Western Australia has a high-quality public school system dedicated to improving student outcomes.
- Government schools provide a quality, comprehensive primary and secondary education.
- Schools are encouraged and supported to develop innovative solutions and practices to enhance student outcomes.
- The Department of Education recognises that international student programs enrich the educational experiences for both local and international students.
- Visit the Department of Education website - www.det.wa.edu.au - for information about schools, policies and curriculum.
- Visit the Education and Training International website - www.eti.wa.edu.au - for information about overseas student programs.
Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in the Commonwealth of Australia. Perth, the capital, has been rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Perth services major mining, petroleum/ gas and agricultural export industries. It is the home of four public universities: the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University. There is also one private university, the University of Notre Dame.
Perth has a beautiful Mediterranean climate with warm to hot dry summers and mild wet winters. Perth has a rich and diverse population of 1.6 million. Over 32 per cent of the population was born overseas, representing 200 different nationalities. Perth has many cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Turkish, Polish, French and Thai. Perth is also in the same time zone (or for the most part within a range of a few hours) as most of its international school students' home countries.
Primary schools
- Schools cater for students from Year 1 (aged 6 years) to Year 7 (aged 12 years).
- Children are generally taught by one teacher in the same classroom.
- All teachers must have a four-year degree in education and be registered by the WA College of Teaching.
- Schools have specialist teachers for music, drama, art or physical education.
- All students participate in the WA Literacy and Numeracy Assessment program in Years 3, 5 and 7 to ensure standards are maintained.
- The curriculum consists of a general program across eight key learning areas with some optional programs, such as those for gifted and talented children.
- Class sizes range from 24 in Years 1 to 3 and from 30 in Years 4 to 7.
- The student is enrolled in a school close to where the family or the parent chooses to live so the student can become part of the wider school community.
Secondary schools
- Senior high schools cater for students from Year 8 (aged 13 years) to Year 12 (aged 17 years). Senior campuses cater for students from 16 years of age to 18 years of age.
- Lower secondary students (Years 8 to 10) maintain the general comprehensive program in the eight learning areas but with a focus on greater participation in enquiry-based leaning, innovative thinking, problem solving and decision making.
- Senior students (Years 11 and 12) select study programs from a wide range of courses to ensure they are well placed to qualify for secondary graduation, university or TAFE entrance, or employment.
- All schools are well equipped with appropriate technology and recreational facilities.
- All teachers must be fully qualified and registered with the WA College of Teaching.
- All schools provide supplementary specialist programs taught by highly qualified teachers, which provide opportunities for students to develop their special interests and talents in the arts, sports and the environment, as well as academic extension.
Student Services
- All government schools are coeducational.
- Attendance of all students is accurately recorded and monitored.
- School commences at around 9.00am and finishes at around 3.15pm and all children are expected to do homework.
- All schools approved to accept international students have an Overseas Student Coordinator who is responsible for their welfare and academic programs.
- The Overseas Student Coordinator welcomes and supports the students for the whole time they are enrolled at the school and is there to assist with personal issues at any time of the day.
- Secondary school students live with approved homestay families who have undergone strict police record checking and house inspections.
- Secondary students can also live with approved relatives.
- Primary school students must live with a parent or with an approved close family relative.
- Additional support is provided by Education and Training International should it be required.
Courses
English language
Because proficiency in English is the key to successful study, the Department of Education provides quality programs and specially trained teachers to ensure students master English as quickly as possible. Primary international students will receive an English program at their school. Intensive English programs are provided to secondary international students at designated schools or through a private English language academy. Students enrol in one of the special schools and after their program is completed they are able to transfer to the school of their choice.
Primary
Primary school programs integrate knowledge, skills and understanding across eight learning areas: mathematics, science, society and the environment, health and physical education, the arts, technology and enterprise and languages other than English.
Secondary
Lower secondary programs continue the development of skills and understanding across the eight learning areas but with an emphasis on the development and needs of adolescent learners. Senior secondary students choose from 64 accredited subjects according to their aspirations. Students are able to complete the WA Certificate of Education (WACE) as a pathway to university. This involves comprehensive examinations at the end of Year 12. Three other pathways are also available to students: a one-year WA Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP) available at selected schools, a TAFE diploma or advanced diploma, or portfolio entry to Edith Cowan University after Year 12.
Canning Senior College
For over 27 years international students have been enrolled in university preparation courses at Canning College. The preuniversity programs are recognised for entry to universities throughout Australia and internationally. Staff at the college are devoted to helping students achieve their goals in education and beyond.
Locations
Leeming Senior High School
Aulberry Parade, Leeming, Western Australia 6149
Narrogin Senior High School
Gray Street, Narrogin, Western Australia 6312
Carine Senior High School
51 Everingham Street, Carine, Western Australia 6020
Morley Senior High School
19-43 Bramwell Road, Noranda, Western Australia 6062
Kelmscott Senior High School
Third Avenue and Cammillo Road, Kelmscott, Western Australia 6011
John Curtin College of the Arts
90 Ellen Street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Rockingham Senior High School
Read Street, Rockingham, Western Australia 6168
Kent Street Senior High School
89 Kent Street East Victoria Park, Western Australia 6101
Churchlands Senior High School
20 Lucca Street, Churchlands, Western Australia 6018
Woodvale Senior High School
110 Woodvale Drive, Woodvale, Western Australia 6026
Balcatta Senior High School
31 Poincaire Street, Balcatta, Western Australia 6021
Mandurah Senior College
Carleton Place, Mandurah, Western Australia 6210
John Forrest Senior High School
180 Drake Street, Morley, Western Australia 6062
Como Secondary College
20 Bruce Street, Como, Western Australia 6152
Kalamunda Senior High School
12 Cotherstone Road, Kalamunda, Western Australia 6076
Mount Lawley Senior High School
65 Woodsome Street, Mount Lawley, Western Australia 6050
Ellenbrook Secondary College
100 Main Street, Ellenbrook, Western Australia 6069
North Lake Senior Campus
188 Winterfold Road, Kardinya, Western Australia 6163
Melville Senior High School
18 Potts Street, Melville, Western Australia 6156
Manea Senior College
Robertson Drive, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230
Warnbro Community High School
2 Swallowtail Parade, Warnbro, Western Australia 6169
Padbury Senior High School
33 Giles Avenue, Padbury, Western Australia 6025
Cyril Jackson Senior Campus
53 Reid Street, Bassendean, Western Australia 6054
Greenwood Senior High School
Coolibah Drive, Greenwood, Western Asutralia 6024
Applecross Senior High School
Links Road, Adross, Western Australia, 6153
Wanneroo Senior High School
56 Quarkum Street, Wanneroo, Western Australia 6065