Ages

Secondary school includes Years 8 – 12, with children normally entering Year 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.

Curriculum

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 chose 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, and to satisfy personal interests and talents. The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) program which prepares students for university entry is a two year course (years 11-12) and students must complete both years

Study programs

The study programs for nearly all international students must begin with an English language program.

Teaching

Students usually have a structured timetable – normally with 5 subject lessons each day taught by specific, specialist teachers. The class groups may vary from one subject to the next. Students usually move from one class to the next for each subject.

Class Sizes

Classes from Years 8 – 10 have a maximum of 32 students and classes in Years 11 – 12 a maximum of 25 students

Pathways to higher education

At the end of Year 12 students wishing to continue on to university sit WACE examinations. These are set by independent panels and students throughout Western Australia all sit the same examination papers at the same time on the same day. For students wishing to go to university their school marks ( 50%) and their final examination marks (50%) will be used to calculate a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). 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 including Korea, China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Secondary school students are able to study practical, vocational courses at Certificate II and III level while still at school. Many students also choose to study these employment-focused Certificates and Diplomas at TAFE colleges before enrolling at university. Credit is granted by most universities for studies undertaken at TAFE.

Accommodation

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, ETI will advise and assist in arranging the most appropriate homestay accommodation for the student.

Relatives

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 students are required to authorise full carer rights to such relatives.

Homestay

All international secondary students who are not staying with relatives live in homestays which are arranged by Australian Homestay Network on behalf of ETI in advance of their arrival.

Homestay is where the student lives with an approved Australian family who looks after them just as any parent or guardian might. The family provides meals and assists students with their everyday needs such as laundry and cleaning.

Homestay costs – which cover accommodation, food and bills – are A$240 – $270 per week, the specific homestay place and amount is determined in advance of arrival

Support Services

Each school has an Overseas Student Coordinator who will assist international students with any academic and personal matters. Schools also have a Student Services team who can assist.

English Support

Some secondary schools have intensive ESL programs. ESL may be delivered in specific, intensive English language programs or as part of the mainstream classes depending on the needs of the student. Students who require intensive English support will be required to attend a school with such a program before commencing normal studies. They can then transfer to another approved school. The cost for English programs is included in the tuition fees.

Fees

Tuition fees are A$9,500 for Years 8 – 10 . For a second child attending Years 8 -10 they are A$8,900 per year. School fees of A$10,500 per year from Year 11 – 12. For a second child in Years 11 and 12 they are A$10,000 per year. Overseas student health cover is approximately A$348 per year.

Costs

Other costs and expenses involved that are not directly payable to ETI include: Textbooks and study materials (mainly apply in Yr 11 & 12) School and sports uniforms (approximately A$150 – A$200) School excursion and activity charges (e.g. camps, interstate trips) Optional costs for certain sports or activities (e.g. golf, aeronautics, etc)

Students will also need sufficient money for transport costs, entertainment and other personal expenses. This is around A$150 a week.