FAQ

Primary

When does my child have to be enrolled into primary school?

• You can enrol your child in a Victorian government primary school at any time during the year. Enrolment is made directly with the school.
• Many Victorian government primary schools start taking enrolments as early as May the year before your child is due to start school.
• To start primary school your child will need to turn five years of age by 30 April of the year that they start school.
• Your child must be at school in the year that they turn six years of age – this is the compulsory school starting age.

Can I enrol my child at any primary school or do we have to live near the school?

• In most instances, you will be able to enrol your child into the government primary school nearest to where you live.
• However, some primary schools need to restrict their enrolments – and the number of students they can take – to a particular area or zone around the actual school. This means that certain schools can only take students from a specific neighbourhood area. Where your permanent residential address is will determine whether your child is eligible to enrol in that school.
• These enrolment restrictions are sometimes referred to as residential boundaries, school zones, enrolment ceilings or enrolment caps.
• You should ask the primary school you are interested in whether they have any residential boundaries restricting their enrolments and, if so, the extent of the school’s neighbourhood area.

How do Primary schools cater for gifted students?

• A number of primary and secondary schools in Victoria have sourced external programs or developed their own approaches that suit their particular context, to extend students’ learning within the classroom, school and community environments.
  These programs and approaches may include:o personalising the curriculum to respond to the learner’s needso changing the pace, depth and complexity of the curriculum and the teaching method
  • different models of grouping, such as interest and subject acceleration
  • programs that give students access to specialist expertise and facilities, including facilities in the wider community
  • mentoring programs within or between schools to connect students with ‘like minds’

Secondary

What is the SEAL program?

• Select Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) programs aim to address the learning needs of gifted and talented students who are capable of working at a significantly faster pace and in greater depth than their age-peers.
• SEAL program students usually complete Years 7 to 10 in three years, giving them an extended range of options for their senior years of schooling. This may include choosing to complete additional VCE units, undertake the Higher Education Studies Program or enter tertiary education after only five years of secondary schooling.
• Over 35 secondary schools across Victoria offer SEAL programs. Each school is responsible for determining its own selection criteria. Enquiries about SEAL programs should be made directly to schools early in the year prior to the student’s Year 7 placement. Entrance exams usually begin in May.

What is the difference between a secondary school and a high school?

• There is no difference.

Where can I find the term dates for Victoria?

You will find this information on the Victorian Education site: www.education.vic.gov.au

What is the benefit for my child in completing a year 12 subject in year 11?

• VCE students can include a maximum of six subjects in the calculation of their ATAR score without having to study six subjects in Year 12. VCE students may also qualify for University Extension Study in some subjects if in Year 11 they achieve a study score of around 41 in a relevant VCE Unit 3 and 4 sequence and excellent results in all their other subjects.
• There are potential advantages to be gained by completing a VCE subject in Year 11.
• Exposure to the VCE program in Year 10.
• Completing fewer subjects during Year 12.
• A path of extension and challenge.
• Particularly able students who meet specific selection criteria can achieve this by studying a Unit 1 and 2 subject in Year 10 and the Unit 3 and 4 of that subject in Year 11. In some subjects it is also possible to study a Unit 3 and 4 in Year 11 without having studied the subject at Unit 1 and 2 level.
• Students wishing to apply to study a Unit 1 and 2 when they are in Year 10 are required to submit an application that shows they meet the following criteria:
• Performance at a consistently high level in all subjects, NAPLAN and other testing which may be available. As a guide, students need to achieve results which place them in the top 20% of students in each measure.
• Demonstrated good organisation and motivation to succeed.
• Demonstrated strengths in the subject area of the proposed Unit 1 and 2 subject.
• Although it is possible to accelerate study in the VCE there are a number of reasons why it is not in the best interests of all students to undertake accelerated study. In particular, a student could be disadvantaged if they experience difficulty studying an accelerated unit or concentrate on that subject, thereby undermining their overall program and preparation for study of Unit 3 and 4 subjects in Year 12. In this situation students are advised to consolidate their preparation in all subjects in order to gain an extra mark or two in each of their Unit 3 and 4 studies in Year 12, rather than chasing three or four marks in the form of a 10% score from one Unit 3 and 4 subject.

What is VET & VCAL?

• VET programs provide an education that directly relates to getting a job. You will be assessed on your ability to do the tasks necessary for that particular job. You can do a VET course at a registered training organisation (RTO), such as a TAFE, a university or a private training provider. These courses will suit you if you enjoy learning in a practical and hands-on environment that has a clear purpose.
• VET courses are typically shorter and more practical than higher education courses and have an industry and trade focus.
• Victoria’s training system puts choice in the hands of students. With more than 500 RTOs (including TAFEs, Learn Locals and private providers) offering thousands of VET courses, students can choose the course, delivery mode and provider that best meets their needs.
• The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) is a hands-on option for students in Years 11 and 12. VCAL is an accredited secondary school certificate that focuses on literacy and numeracy skills, industry-specific skills, work-related skills and personal development skills.