What can parents expect when their child starts school in Australia?

Detailed summary

Starting school in Australia can be an emotional milestone for any family. For migrant parents, it can also mean learning a new education system from scratch. While many worry about language barriers, it's often the unfamiliar routines, teaching styles and classroom culture that take the biggest…

Educational and developmental psychologist Rebecca Sneddon says many families are surprised by how different Australian schools can feel, even when they have lived in Australia for some time.

Australian schools often place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, participation, collaboration and independence alongside academic learning.

The first weeks are often focused on helping children feel safe, confident and settled.

Teachers and school leaders featured in the New School, New Rules podcast say schools typically help students:

Helping children feel connected and comfortable at school is often seen as an important foundation for future learning.

Many schools provide support for students learning English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D).

According to Kate Lindner, an EAL/D teacher at Albury North Public School, newly arrived students are often taught practical language they can use every day.

In the early stages, students may focus on language needed to ask for help, communicate with teachers and participate in classroom activities.

Julie Raciti, a classroom teacher and community hub leader at Springvale Rise Primary School, says schools often assess students shortly after they enrol.

Opening of the article, excerpted from SBS News. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.