Homeschooling Down Under

 

In Australia there are six states and two territories, home education is legal in all Australian states and territories, each has it’s own independent legal requirements.

Home schooling is a popular and viable alternative to mainstream education. There is no one size fits all approach, when researching home schooling you will discover that the home schooling community is a diverse and interesting group of people.

Where do you start ?

This answer depends on your reason for home educating, the ages and stages of your child/ren as well as your beliefs and values as a family.

It is important to find out as much as you can about the legal requirements in your particular state or territory as it is not a choice to be lightly taken. It comes at a cost to you and your family and there are many responsibilities accompanying your choice. Along with the cost (no second income for most) there are many benefits.

In Australia you do not need a specific curriculum or qualification to home educate. When starting out on this exciting journey a curriculum can give you a sense of direction and provide you with some resources until you find your own personal style. It can also help you reach your objectives for your child.

The most important thing to remember is that a curriculum is your servant and not your master.  Do not let it dictate your journey or daily rhythm.

Support Networks

It is immensely important to find support and meet other like minded families who can support and encourage you. In many cases you can find a homeschool mom who is able to help you navigate your particular state/territories requirements and answer your questions concerning your new en devour over a cup of tea.

If you do not have anyone close by there are a few home school forums where you can access a wealth of information and ‘speak’ to Australian home schoolers.

1. Aussie Home School
2. Rockpool Homeschool
3. Home Education Association

Legal information

1. Queensland
2. Northern Territories
3. Western Australia
4. South Australia
5. Victoria
6. Australian Capital Territory
7. New South Wales
8. Tasmania

Tertiary Education 

Yes it is possible for your student to attend a tertiary institution after completing their education at home.  Each institution has a different requirement and it is interesting to note that 62% of university entrances in Australia are gained on the basis of an interview or mature age entry.

If you would like your student to matriculate this can be done through your local TAFE or distance education program.

Subscribing to Australian home school publications (HEA – Higher Education, Stepping Stones for Home Educators, Otherways Magazine ) are an excellent source of information as they regularly contain articles from families who have successfully home schooled and have students in university.

On the www

• Home Education Association Inc.
• Aussie Homeschool
• Home Education Tasmania
• Aussie Educator 
• Homeschool Australia by Beverly Paine
• Australian Homeschool Network by Jenni Domansky
• Homeschooling Downunder by Michelle

This is a very brief overview of home schooling in Australia.  If you would like more information please email me at everybedofroses (at) hotmail (dot) com.

 

Chareen is a South African born, Kiwi living in beautiful Victoria Australia with her Zoo Keeper husband Paul and their three Children Mr T19, Miss J 17 and Sir N who is 7. She has home educated her first two children for 15 years and just embarked afresh on the home school journey with her youngest son. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging homeschool Mom’s on their journey,  is an avid lover of good books and great read alouds and enjoys scrapbooking, card making and the Word of the Lord. She blogs about her journey over at Every Bed of Roses.