School life in Victoria, Australia offers a pathway to a secure, successful and happy future. Gain the opportunity to learn new skills, develop interests and make new friends in our primary and secondary schools.
New people, new experiences, similar cultures to share
Going to school in Australia is a great experience for a young person from another country. In Victoria, local students respect and celebrate different cultures. We are a multicultural community. Some students may come from cultural backgrounds like your own. This can make it easier when you first arrive.
There are plenty of opportunities to make friends in your class, through extra-curricular activities. Or through your school's buddy program - putting new students in touch with student mentors.
Engaging in the various activities our local and school communities have to offer, opens up even more opportunities to make friends.
Student life in Melbourne, or any of our student cities across Victoria, is vibrant! We really want you to get involved and share your culture with us. There are many multicultural and international celebrations which will give you the chance to show us your traditions and lifestyle, find out more about our
People and culture.
We encourage students to take part in social events at school such as:
Sports
- Hockey
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Australian Rules Football
Academies
- Surfing and surf lifesaving
- Open water swimming
- Outdoor education
- Photography
- Dance
- Forensic science
The Arts
- Drama / theatre
- Dance (classic, hip hop, contemporary, world cultures)
- Visual arts and design
Clubs
- Public speaking / debating
- STEM – Science, technology, engineering and maths
- Student leadership
- Language and culture
Volunteering
- Sport coaching
- Fundraising for charities
- Environment and conservation
- Arts and media
- Social justice and global issues.
Read more >
about people and culture in Victoria
Teachers and friends to welcome you
Our teachers will 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 the confidence to share and discuss your opinions.
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about our teaching methods and learning
A typical school day and week
A student assembly often happens during the week. School leaders (for example, year level coordinators) will update you on school activities and celebrate successes.
|
A Day in Secondary School |
|---|
| 08:30am | Class begins |
| 08:30am - 09.25am | Teaching period 1 |
| 09.25am - 10.15am | Teaching period 2 |
| 10.15am - 10.45am | Recess |
| 10.45am - 11:35am | Teaching period 3 |
| 11.35am - 12:20pm | Teaching period 4 |
| 12:20pm - 13:20pm | Lunch time |
| 13:20pm - 14:10pm | Teaching period 5 |
| 14:10pm - 15:00pm | Teaching period 6 |
| 15:00pm | Study support/ Home time |
|
A Day in Primary School |
|---|
| 08:50am | Class begins |
| 08:50am - 11.00am | Classroom activities |
| 11.00am - 11.30am | Recess (snack time) - under teacher's supervision |
| 11.30am - 13.30pm | Classroom activities |
| 13.30pm - 13.45pm | Lunch in class - under teacher's supervision |
| 13.45pm - 14.30pm | Play time |
| 14.30pm - 15.20pm | Classroom activities |
| 15.20pm | Study support/ Home time |
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.
In Victorian government schools we believe that you can succeed in your studies and still enjoy your life outside of school.
We also have events, activities and competitions helping students from across the state meet each other and build friendships. Ask your international student coordinator about how you can get involved in the activities organised by your school. You can also take part in our state-wide events. To learn more, sign up to our social media, at:
Find out more >
about things to do outside of school
Building schools for the future, not just today
We design our Victorian government schools to include flexible spaces to make learning exciting, 'hands-on', connected, dynamic and creative.
We take students out of the classroom into the wider world and bring the inclusive community back into our schools.
There are areas for:
- learning individually
- learning in groups
- using technology
- being active
- socialising.
Meeting the needs of the future is important to us. We're always thinking ahead, rebuilding, extending or renovating and upgrading.
Find out more >
about our learning spaces
CRICOS Provider Name and Code: Department of Education, 00861K.
CRICOS Course Names and Codes: Primary (Prep to Year 6), 019047G; Secondary (7-12), 019048F; Victorian College of the Arts Secondary Course (7-12), 028651A.
