Not all countries where English is the official language share the same education system. If there are plenty of differences between the US and the UK, imagine how large the gap between the US and Australia can be!
Both countries have developed their educational philosophies, reflecting their respective cultural issues and urges, but also different organization needs and funding availability. Our article will dive into the Australian and American school systems to highlight the most noticeable differences for students.
The Structure of the Education System in Australia vs. America
In a step-by-step perspective, we’ll focus on the key differences in the education systems in both countries. We’ll also shed light on emerging features like organization, curriculum, funding resources, teaching requirements, and cultural factors.
School Organization in Australia
In the Land of the Kangaroo, kids attend preschool education, a non-mandatory but commonly attended childhood education program. Schooling starts as children turn five or six years old with Kindergarten. After that, kids continue with primary school from grades 1 to 6. Secondary school extends from grade 7 to 12 at private or public schools.
Universities and Vocational Education and Training (VET) are part of tertiary education, also called TAFE’s. Universities offer bachelor’s and doctoral degrees, while VET provides practical and technical training for specific professions.
School Organization in America
Each State of the US has a specific education system, leading to variations across America. Formal education begins with Kindergarten at the age of five or six, although preschool programs are available and recommended in some states. Elementary education proceeds from grades 1 to 5, middle school from grades 6 to 8, and high school from grades 9 to 12.
After grade 12, American students have a wide range of opportunities to complete their educational journey, from public to private universities, community colleges, technical schools, and online courses and institutions. In particular, the online sector is emerging as the most chosen alternative to traditional land-based schooling. This trend has been expanding rapidly since the pandemic by affecting more fields, such as gaming: online casinos in Australia are gaining considerable popularity on this website through unparalleled benefits that traditional casinos cannot offer. Students, as well as casino players, are discovering the comfort of accessing their favorite services from the comfort of their homes at any time they want.
Curriculum in Australia
Australia offers a nationwide curriculum, the Australian Curriculum, which schedules what students should learn at each education stage, including learning areas like humanities, arts, sciences, and math. In particular, math offers students key skills for their future, like problem-solving, memory, and reckoning skills. The same skills are essential to casino players who love playing poker, blackjack, and roulette games at online casinos in Australia.
Curriculum in America
Depending on the state, you can find a different state-based curriculum that explains the variations in the learning journey of American students. While some states emphasize the study of math for developing problem-solving skills in students, which is a critical skill for accessing some professions or free-time activities like playing brain-teaser tricky games on online casinos in Australia or America, other states incentivize students to study foreign languages.
Teaching Requirements in Australia
All teachers in Australia have to complete a bachelor’s degree in education, including theoretical and practical sections. After the Master of Education, teachers must register within their state or territory authority to find a job at schools or other educational institutions.
Teaching Requirements in America
Again, teaching certifications vary by state in America, with most states requiring teachers to own a bachelor’s degree, complete a teacher training program, and get a licensure exam. Other states may apply different requirements, especially for shortages in certain areas.
Funding in Australia
Australia’s government funds public schools, which allows for free education. Private schools rely on a combination of government funding and private fees, which makes them averagely accessible.
Funding in America
American schools receive a combination of federal, state, and local funding. This situation creates disparities and unequal education and opportunities depending on the specific school. In many states, property taxes fund public schools, another reason for inequalities.
Cultural Factors in Australia
Australian students must wear the school’s uniform, which is considered a tool to promote inclusivity and reduce economic differences among students. Also, Australian schools don’t focus on standardized tests for high-stakes assessments but use them only for periodic monitoring.
Cultural Factors in America
American schools promote a dress code instead of uniforms. The dress code varies by school and allows for individuality and the development of personal preferences. The American education system emphasizes standardized testing and state-mandated tests for college admission.