New South Wales (NSW) Government Schools offers international students a quality educational experience and a uniquely Australian lifestyle.

Quality Education With A View To the Future

You can confidently enrol your child in a NSW Government School assured that the quality of our education is recognised worldwide. Our schools have modern science, computer technology and language laboratories, multimedia libraries, auditoriums, music, visual arts, and sporting facilities.

NSW has the largest education system in Australia with over 150 years experience. With over 300 schools to choose from in Sydney and country NSW, you will find the best school for your child.

Academic Program

NSW Government Schools offer a well-designed curriculum catering for students with a wide range of abilities. Learning activities integrate computers, e-learning, broadband internet access and multimedia materials.

Students can enrol in either primary school (kindergarten - Year 6) or high school (Years 7 - 12).

Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6)

International students enrolling in primary school (kindergarten to Year 6), must be accompanied by and reside with a parent during their primary school studies.

High School (Years 7 – 12)

There are a range of high schools, including both single sex and coeducational. Some schools have a single campus and others have a junior and senior campus, this provides a wide range of choice to cater for individual student needs and learning styles.

Students may undertake the School Certificate at the end of Year 10, and complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC) at the end of Year 12.

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is a two-year program in Years 11 and 12. English is compulsory. Class sizes range from 10-25 students. Students may select from a variety of subjects including:

• Mathematics with extension courses

• Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics

• Information Technology

• Economics, Geography, History, Business Studies, Legal Studies

• 40 Languages including French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Thai and Vietnamese

• Design and Technology

• Food Technology

• Creative Arts – Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Music

• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

English Language Programs

NSW government high school intensive English programs are offered at Cleveland Street Intensive English High School and Intensive English Centres attached to government high schools. Students may enrol from 12 years of age.

These centres provide intensive English language, orientation and welfare programs to international students. Students study the English for High School Preparation program through the school curriculum for up to 20 weeks before transferring to their government high school.

English for High School Preparation Courses offered at TAFE NSW English Language Centres are designed to introduce students who are 15 years and older to Australian teaching practices. University-trained teachers instruct students in English language for key high school subjects. Students have access to computers, video and library facilities and modern language laboratories.

Excellent Student Support Services

We ensure a safe and enjoyable school environment by carefully supervising the welfare of your child. Our services include:

• Airport pick-up by authorised staff

• Approved quality Homestay accommodation with an Australian family

• An orientation program on arrival at school

• Specialist English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers to support students learning English

• Advisors for subject selection and career planning

• Year coordinators to guide students academic progress

• Confidential counselling support for personal problems

Guardian/Carers and Accommodation

The NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) require all students under 18 years of age to have a guardian/carer. Students not living with their parents must either live with a relative nominated by their parents or in Homestay accommodation approved by DET. Living and sharing with an Australian host family provides international students with a unique opportunity to learn more about Australian life and the English language.

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