School Life

​​School life in Victoria, Australia means new skills, new friends and new interests. Studying in Victoria also opens up windows of opportunities and pathways to a secure and successful future.

New people, new experiences

Going to school in Australia is a great experience for a young person from another country. In Victoria, local students have a huge amount of respect for different cultures. In fact, some students may come from cultural backgrounds like your own. This can make it easier when you first arrive.

But you’ll also have many new experiences. Variety is everywhere! You won’t always be with the same class or group of friends. We encourage you to mix with teachers and students who are doing different subjects or activities. They could also be from different year levels and cultures.

A typical school day and week

In Year 11 or 12, you’ll have:

• three to six classes of between 40 to 90 minutes each per day
• a short break in the morning
• a longer lunch break.

Students usually spend lunchtime:

• visiting teachers for extra help
• doing extra study
• playing sport
• socialising.

You may also have lunchtime or after-school activities, such as:

• sports, music or other interests
• homework club
• tutorial sessions
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) sessions.

Schools also support students to:

• find out about different careers
• plan tertiary study
• improve student health and wellbeing.

A student assembly often happens during the week. School leaders (for example, year level coordinators) will update you on school activities and celebrate successes.

Dedicated time for study and homework

Senior students normally have several ‘free periods’. These are study sessions on their timetable that aren’t linked to specific classes. In this time, you’re expected to do private study in places such as:

• a dedicated study room
• the library
• a computer pod.

Your homestay family will provide a quiet and comfortable place for regular homework and study. Homework on a weeknight is usually around one to three hours and six hours on a weekend.

Schools that look and feel good

We know that students learn in different ways. So we design our schools with flexible spaces that can work in different ways. It makes learning exciting, creative and ‘hands-on’.

There are areas for:

• learning individually
• learning in groups
• using technology
• being active
• socialising.

Designing for the future, not just today

We’re always thinking ahead and upgrading. Victorian government schools are regularly being rebuilt, extended or renovated to meet the needs of the future.

Approachable teachers and friends

It’s not hard to make friends when you join up for activities in school and when classes are finished. It might seem scary at first, but make the effort to approach people at school. Australian students and teachers are very friendly.

Our teachers won’t let you stand back and be forgotten. They’ll encourage you to ask questions and give answers. They’re interested in what you think and so are the other students in your class. Our positive and supportive classroom atmosphere will give you confidence to share and discuss your opinions.

Sharing your traditions

Student life in Melbourne is vibrant because we really want you to get involved and share your culture with us. International celebrations give you the chance to show us your traditions and lifestyle.

Students are encouraged to take part in social events at school such as:

• dances
• performances
• excursions
• camps
• bands
• sports clubs
• choirs.

Study and still have fun

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll soon realise that when you’re going to school in Australia, it’s not all about study. In Victorian schools we believe that you can succeed in your studies and still en​joy your life outside of school.