68-616: The NRL Schoolboy Cup is the premier secondary schools rugby league competition in Australia , held annually since 1975. Formerly known under such names as the Amco Shield , Commonwealth Bank Cup , Arrive Alive Cup and GIO Schoolboy Cup nearly 450 schools from throughout Australia compete in the knock-out competition. The player of the tournament is awarded the Peter Sterling Medal , renamed in 1996 after Peter Sterling , who won
136-503: A bishop . In practice, the bishop assigns a Catholic Education Office (CEO), Catholic Education Commission, Catholic Schools Offices, or a similar body with daily operational responsibility for the leadership, efficient operation, and management of the Catholic systemic schools which educate in parish primary and regional secondary schools in Australia. These diocesan bodies are charged with
204-486: A western suburb of Sydney , New South Wales , Australia. Established in 1963, the school caters for approximately 1,660 students in 2018, from Year 7 to Year 12 , of whom three percent identified as Indigenous Australians and 66 percent were from a language background other than English . The school is operated by the NSW Department of Education ; the principal is Andrew Rogers. Westfields Sports High School
272-423: A co-payment for their child's education. As of 2019 across primary and secondary education, approximately two-thirds of all school students attended government schools; with the remaining one-third of students educated in non-government schools. A small portion of students are legally home-schooled , particularly in rural areas. According to the 2022 PISA evaluations, Australian 15-year-olds ranked ninth in
340-452: A contribution fee and a materials and services charge for stationery, textbooks, sports, uniforms, school camps and other schooling costs that are not covered under government funding. In 2010 the additional cost for schooling was estimated to be on average $ 316 per year per child. Government schools may be further categorised into open or comprehensive schools, selective , special , and specialist schools; all defined below. In 2009
408-559: A large margin, with 812,000 international students enrolled in the nation's universities and vocational institutions in 2019. However, Australian students placed 16th in the world in reading, 29th in maths and 17th in science in the 2018 PISA study by the OCED . This continues a sharp decline in educational standards. The Education Index , published with the UN 's Human Development Index in 2018, based on data from 2017, listed Australia as 0.929,
476-421: A massive fire at the school that affected mainly the science block and the technical arts block, rendering many of the classrooms unusable. Classrooms were temporarily offered at the local primary school, Fairfield West Public School on Hamilton Road, until the burnt out classrooms could be restored. Each day for close to a year, around 100 or so new Year 7 students would attend assembly at Westfields, then march up
544-517: A national Australian Curriculum has been progressively developed and implemented since 2010. Australia is a leading global provider of education to international students, and in 2012 was ranked as the third-largest provider of international education after the United States and the United Kingdom. Australia has the highest ratio of international students per head of population in the world by
612-490: A national student loan scheme , and regulates vocational education providers. 96.3% of gross income for government schools was government funds in 2022, as was 76.4% for Catholic schools and 48.7% for independent schools. Post-compulsory education is regulated within the Australian Qualifications Framework , a unified system of national qualifications in schools, vocational education and training, and
680-419: A physical disability. Class sizes at specialist schools are smaller than at mainstream schools, and there is a much lower ratio of teaching and support staff to students. Some specialist schools also have therapists on staff. Specialist schools generally already have an accessible environment and curriculum for their student population; this may mean that there are limited subjects on offer. A selective school
748-421: A preschool or kindergarten that delivers quality early childhood education and care. Federal and state legislation now requires preschool services to implement and deliver programming based on the nationally approved Early Years Learning Framework The first exposure many Australian children have to learn with others outside of traditional parenting is daycare or a parent-run playgroup . This sort of activity
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#1733084848613816-399: A row. In 2016, Westfields Sports High School won the competition for the first time. In 2017, Keebra Park State High School became first Queensland school to win the competition three times, becoming the most successful school in the state. A year later, Palm Beach Currumbin won their third title, drawing level with Keebra Park. In 2019, Kirwan State High School won the competition for
884-757: A rural area that provides both primary and lower secondary education to students, usually concluding at Year 10 . As of 2019 there were 62 Australian central schools, and all except one were located in rural New South Wales. In Western Australia, the term district high school is synonymous with central school. Schools are broadly categorised into government and non-government schools. The non-government schools are further categorised into Catholic schools and private schools. As of 2018 , 65.7% of students were enrolled in government schools, 19.7% in catholic schools and 14.6% in private schools. Also called state schools or public schools, government schools educate approximately two-thirds of all school students in Australia. If
952-632: A school is government or non-government, it is regulated by the same curriculum standards framework. The framework is administered by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority . Most schools require students to wear prescribed school uniforms . A school year in Australia starts in January and finishes in December. School education in Australia is compulsory between certain ages as specified by state or territory legislation. Depending on
1020-441: A student elects to attend a government school, they are required to attend a school within their local school district unless the student has dispensation to attend another school, usually approved based on academic merit, specialisation, or other reasons, such as a student disability. Government schools are run by the respective state government agency. They offer free education; however, many government schools ask parents to pay
1088-858: A system such as those coordinated by the Catholic Education Commission in each state and territory. All non-government schools in Australia receive funding from the Commonwealth government. The education system delivered by the Roman Catholic Church in Australia has grown from 18th-century foundations to be the second-biggest provider of school-based education in Australia. As of 2018 , one in five Australian students attended Catholic schools. There are over 1,700 Catholic schools in Australia with more than 750,000 students enrolled, employing almost 60,000 teachers. Administrative oversight of Catholic education providers varies depending on
1156-564: A year) for each enrolled child in the year before they commence formal schooling In 2023, 4,086,998 students were enrolled in 9,629 primary, secondary and special schools in Australia. As of 2023, government schools educated 64% of all students, while Catholic schools (19.7%) and independent schools (16.3%) educated the rest. In 2023, there were just under 311,655 full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching staff in Australian primary and secondary schools. The major part of government-run schools' costs
1224-483: Is 5 years old. However, most children commence the preliminary year of formal schooling, in Pre-Year 1 , between four and a half and five and a half years of age, variously called kindergarten (sometimes called Year K), reception, preparation (also abbreviated as "prep"), transition, or foundation. As of 2010 , the national apparent retention rate (ARR), a measure of student engagement that provides an indicator of
1292-429: Is a government school that enrols students based on some sort of selection criteria, usually academic. The term may have different connotations in different systems and is the opposite of an open or comprehensive school, which accepts all students, regardless of aptitude. In New South Wales, student placement in fully and partially selective high schools is highly competitive, with approximately 3,600 places offered to
1360-500: Is a member of the NSW Sports High Schools Association. The school sits on a total area of approximately seven hectares (seventeen acres). The school was established in 1963 and opened by Edward Gough Whitlam , later Australian Prime Minister. The school's first Principal was J. P. Quinlan and its first year enrolment had 300 students. Principal Quinlan had originally wanted the school's motto to be ANZAC, but that
1428-639: Is a school catering for students who have special educational needs due to learning difficulties , physical disabilities , developmental disabilities or social/emotional disturbance, or who are in custody, on remand or in hospital. Special schools may be specifically designed, staffed and resourced to provide appropriate special education for children with additional needs. Students attending special schools generally do not attend any classes in mainstream schools. The schools cater for students with mild, moderate and profound intellectual disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing students, students with Autism and students with
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#17330848486131496-765: Is awarded to the most outstanding player in the competition. Sterling, one of rugby league's most decorated players, won the award in 1978 while attending Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield . In 1996, the medal was renamed in his honour. Education in Australia#Secondary schools Education in Australia encompasses the sectors of early childhood education (preschool) and primary education (primary schools), followed by secondary education (high schools), and finally tertiary education , which includes higher education ( universities and other higher education providers) and vocational education ( registered training organisations ). Regulation and funding of education
1564-482: Is made up of the following eight learning areas: English; Mathematics; Science; Humanities and Social Sciences; The Arts; Technologies; Health and Physical Education as well as Languages. In the senior secondary Australian Curriculum, for Year 10 , Year 11 and Year 12 , fifteen senior secondary subjects across English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography were endorsed between 2012 and 2013. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority has mandated
1632-498: Is met by the relevant state or territory government. The Australian Government provides the majority of public funding for non-government schools, which is supplemented by states and territories. Non-government schools, both religious or secular typically charge compulsory tuition and other fees. Government schools provide education without compulsory tuition fees, although many government schools ask for payment of 'voluntary' fees to defray particular expenses. Regardless of whether
1700-484: Is not generally considered schooling, as preschool education is separate from primary school in all states and territories except Western Australia—where pre-school education is taught as part of the primary school system —and Victoria, where the state framework, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) covers children from birth to eight years old, is used by some schools over
1768-465: Is offered for children ages three to five; attendance numbers vary widely between the states, but 85.7% of children attended preschool the year before school. The year before a child is due to attend primary school is the main year for preschool education. This year is far more commonly attended and may take the form of a few hours of activity during weekdays. Most states of Australia now fund government preschools to offer 15 hours per week (600 hours over
1836-594: Is primarily the responsibility of the States and territories ; however, the Australian Government also plays a funding role. Education in Australia is compulsory between the ages of four, five, or six and fifteen, sixteen or seventeen, depending on the state or territory and the date of birth. For primary and secondary education, government schools educate approximately 64 per cent of Australian students, with approximately 36 per cent in non-government schools. At
1904-513: Is provided to the relevant state Catholic Education Commission for needs-based distribution. Sixty-one Australian Catholic schools are non-systemically funded ( independent schools) and receive government grants directly. Private schools are non-government schools that are not operated by government authority and have a system of governance that ensures their independent operation. Such schools are typically operated by an independently elected school council or board of governors and range broadly in
1972-485: Is tasked with maintaining liaison with the federal government and other key national education bodies and complements and supports the work of the state and territory Catholic education commissions. While some Catholic schools operate independently via religious institutes, the majority of Catholic schools, called systemic schools , operate under the Canon Law jurisdiction of an ecclesiastical public juridic person, such as
2040-740: The Northern Territory Government introduced a three-tier system featuring middle schools for Year 7 to Year 9 (approximate age 12–15) and high school for Year 10 to Year 12 (approximate age 15–18). In Australia, combined schools are schools that have classes from both primary and secondary year levels. These schools may be located in an urban, regional or rural area and can be government or non-government schools. As of 2019 there were approximately 500 Australian combined government schools and approximately 850 Australian combined non-government schools. Central schools are predominantly, but not exclusively, government schools located in
2108-529: The 15,000 students who sit the Selective High School Test. As of 2019 there were 47 fully or partially selective government high schools, including 17 fully selective high schools (some of which are co-educational and others provide a single-sex educational environment); 25 partially selective high schools (high schools with both selective and comprehensive classes); four selective agricultural high schools ; and one virtual selective high school. Of
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2176-474: The 47 schools, 34 are located in greater metropolitan Sydney . Of the government selective high schools in New South Wales, James Ruse Agricultural High School is renowned for its academic achievements and competitiveness, as well as a near-perfect record of all students gaining university admission, especially in medicine, law and science. The school has outperformed every high school in New South Wales in
2244-415: The 9,477 schools in Australia 1,140 schools (12 per cent) are in the private sector. In the same year, private schools enrolled over 617,000 students or 16 per cent of the Australian student population. Private school fees can vary from under $ 100 per month to $ 3,200, depending on the student's year level, the school's size, and the socioeconomics of the school community. In late 2018 it was reported that
2312-563: The Arts Secondary School , John Monash Science School and Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences which cater to students opting for focused education in arts and science respectively. Westfields Sports High School Westfields Sports High School (abbreviated as WSHS ) is a government-funded co-educational comprehensive and specialist secondary day school , with speciality in sports , located in Fairfield West ,
2380-810: The OECD for reading and science and tenth for maths. However, less than 60% of Australian students achieved the National Proficiency Standard – 51% in maths, 58% in science and 57% in reading. Also sometimes called infants schools, Australia adopts the UNESCO term of primary school that generally covers a child's education from pre– Year 1 and finishes with Year 6 . The duration of primary school years varies across each Australian state and territory, with most adopting seven years; except in South Australia, where, until 2022, students finish with Year 7 , making
2448-756: The Schoolboy Cup has gone under many different names since first being held in 1975. Originally known as the Amco Shield , it has been known as the NRL Schoolboy Cup since 2018. The competition is divided into two conferences. The Northern Conference, comprising schools from Queensland , is further divided into smaller competitions: the Aaron Payne Cup, the Allan Langer Trophy, and the Dolphin Cup. The winners of these cups compete against each other, with
2516-527: The Western Australia government introduced Independent Public Schools to describe a government school that, while a part of the state education system, was granted a higher degree of decision-making authority than a regular government school. A similar reform was introduced in Queensland and, as of December 2018, 250 government schools commenced as independent public schools in Queensland. In February 2014
2584-593: The achievement standards that describe the quality of learning (including the depth of understanding, the extent of knowledge, and the sophistication of skill) expected of students who have studied the content for each subject. The types of schools in Australia fall broadly into two categories: government schools , being those schools operated by state or territory departments or agencies ; and non-government schools, being those schools that are not operated by government departments or agencies. Non-government schools can be further classified, based on self-identification of
2652-927: The duration of primary school eight years; until they are 11, 12 or 13 years of age. Primary schools focus on developing essential literacy, numeracy and social skills, and provide foundational knowledge to children about the world around them. Secondary schools in Australia are also called high schools and colleges (or junior, intermediate, or senior colleges). Secondary schools vary across each Australian state and territory, but they generally cover Year 7 to Year 9 (compulsory period of education) and senior secondary schools continue to Year 12 . Progressively, as students move from primary into secondary schools, subject matters becomes increasingly specialised, offering opportunities to students that show preferences in STEM , or in Humanities and Social Sciences, among other interests. In
2720-465: The establishment of the Australian Curriculum that sets the expectations for what all young Australians should be taught, regardless of where they live in Australia or their background. The development of the Australian Curriculum is based on the principles of improving the quality, equity and transparency of Australia's education system. The Australian Curriculum, for pre-Year 1 to Year 9 ,
2788-534: The final. They lost 19–3 to Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield . In 1980, St Gregory's College, Campbelltown became the first school to win back-to-back titles. They later became the first school to win three titles in a row from 1989 to 1991. In 1982 Holy Cross College, Ryde became the first school to play in four consecutive finals from 1979. They lost three of their four finals, with their only victory coming against Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield in 1981. In 1996, Erindale College, Canberra became
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2856-559: The first school from the Australian Capital Territory to reach the final. A year later they became the first school from outside of New South Wales to win the competition. They won the competition again in 1998, beating Parramatta Marist High School in both years. In 2001, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School became the first Queensland school to win the competition. Brisbane's Wavell State High School became
2924-399: The hill to classrooms at Fairfield West PS. The cause of the fire was never stated, but it was strongly suspected that the expulsion of several students earlier in the year had led to a grudge arson attack, since the words "N R gang" had been painted in large letters across the girls' and boys' toilet blocks. From the 1960s to the 1980s the school achieved moderate success in sports and was on
2992-413: The implementation and management of the policies of the diocese and the allocation and administration of the funds provided by the government and private sources to Catholic systemic schools, as well as the financial responsibilities for the administration of salaries for staff members. Most Catholic schools (96 per cent) are systemically funded, meaning that the government funding they nominally attract
3060-524: The inter-term holidays and TAFE colleges, and from late February until mid-November for universities with seasonal holidays and breaks for each educational institute. Historically, preschool and pre-prep programs in Australia were relatively unregulated and not compulsory. While still not mandatory for children to attend, the Federal Government has had a focus since 2009 on encouraging families to enrol their children (from around 4 years of age) in
3128-465: The majority of Australian states and territories, middle schools are relatively uncommon. Students progress from primary school to secondary school. As an alternative to the middle school model, some secondary schools divided their grades into "junior high school" (Years 7, 8 and 9) and "senior high school" (Years 10, 11 and 12). Some have three levels, "junior" (Years 7 and 8), "intermediate" (Years 9 and 10), and "senior" (Years 11 and 12). In June 2006
3196-414: The medal in 1978, for Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield . The competition is televised on Fox Sports and The Daily Telegraph . The most successful school is St Gregory's College, Campbelltown , with nine titles, followed by Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield with six. The most recent champions are Palm Beach Currumbin State High School , who won their fourth title in 2024. The competition
3264-482: The midweek competitions died out, the televised matches were played prior to Friday Night Football and were shown on Channel 9 in the weeks leading up to the NRL Grand Final . The games are currently played and recorded midweek and shown on Fox Sports , with commentary by Andrew Voss . In 1978, Padua College, Brisbane were the first Queensland school and first school from outside of New South Wales to make
3332-857: The most expensive private schools (such as the APS Schools , the AGSV Schools in Melbourne , the GPS Schools , QGSSSA Schools in Brisbane and the NSW GPS Schools , Combined Associated Schools and the ISA Schools in Sydney and New South Wales) charge fees of up to $ 500,000 for the thirteen years of private school education. Australian private schools broadly fall into the following categories: A special school
3400-531: The national framework. In Queensland, preschool programs are often called Kindergarten or Pre-Prep and are usually privately run but attract state government funding if run for at least 600 hours a year and delivered by a registered teacher. Preschools are usually run by the state and territory governments, except in Victoria , South Australia and New South Wales where they are more often run by local councils, community groups or private organisations. Preschool
3468-552: The origins, ethos, and purpose of each education provider. Oversight of Catholic systemic schools may rest with a Catholic parish , diocese, or archdiocese ; while religious institutes have oversight of Catholic independent schools. The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC), established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference through the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education,
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#17330848486133536-478: The overall national policy and direction for education in Australia. The following state and territory government departments are responsible for the administration of education within their respective jurisdictions: Schools from the non-government sector operate under the authority of state or territory governments but are not operated by government education departments. Schools from the non-government sector may operate as individual schools, in small groups or as
3604-413: The past 20 years in public university entrance examinations. In Victoria, selective government high schools select all of their students based on an entrance examination. As of 2011, there were four selective schools: Melbourne High School , Mac.Robertson Girls' High School , Nossal High School and Suzanne Cory High School . In addition, there are three special schools namely Victorian College of
3672-467: The rise during the late 1980s. The then principal, Philip Tucker, had wanted to establish Westfields as a school that could provide any sports person who attended, a pathway to the Australian Institute of Sport , and extend their possibilities beyond high school level sporting competition. The school was eventually officially declared a sports school on 24 April 1991. Notable teachers who taught at
3740-490: The school in the early years of their careers include the artist Mary Shackman and the international concert pianist Michael Leslie. Since 1997, there has been an annual student and teacher exchange scheme with Kasukabe High School , from Kasukabe, Saitama , Japan . In 2008, the International Olympic Committee recognised Westfields Sports for their involvement in producing many Australian Olympians with
3808-504: The school's affiliation. Non-government schools are grouped for reporting as Catholic schools (including Catholic-affiliated private schools) or private (other non-government schools). Government schools receive funding from the relevant state or territory government. Non-government schools receive funding from the Australian Government and relevant state or territory government; and in most cases, parents are required to make
3876-415: The second a year later in 2002. Endeavour Sports High School won the competition three years in a row from 2004 to 2006, becoming the first school to do so since 1991. In 2015, Townsville's Kirwan State High School became the first school from North Queensland to win the competition, defeating Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown , who were in their fourth straight final, losing the last three in
3944-456: The second time, making it three straight years a Queensland school has won. In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic , no national finals were held for the first time in the competition's history. In 2022, after a three year absence, the national final returned, with Ipswich State High School defeating Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield to win their first title. Due to sponsorship,
4012-413: The second-highest in the world. The regulation, operation, and funding of education is the responsibility of the states and territories , because the Australian Government does not have a specific constitutional power to pass laws with concerning education. However, the federal government helps to fund non-government schools, helps to fund public universities and subsidises tertiary education through
4080-520: The state or territory, and date of birth of the child, school is compulsory from the age of five to six to the age of fifteen to seventeen. In the ACT, NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia, children are legally required to attend school from the age of six years old, until the minimum leaving age. In Tasmania, the compulsory school starting age
4148-578: The success of education systems in keeping students in school beyond the minimum leaving age, was 78 per cent for all full-time students in Year 12 . While state and territory governments are responsible for the regulation and delivery of school-based education within their jurisdiction, through the Council of Australian Governments , the Commonwealth Government has, since 2014, played an increasing role in
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#17330848486134216-505: The tertiary education sector. The Australian Government's involvement in education has been the responsibility of several departments over the years, with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment being formed in 2020. The academic year in Australia varies between States and institutions; however, it generally runs from late January/early February until early/mid-December for primary and secondary schools, with slight variations in
4284-501: The tertiary level, the majority of Australia's universities are public, and student fees are subsidised through a student loan program where payment becomes due when debtors reach a certain income level, known as HECS. Underpinned by the Australian Qualifications Framework , implemented in 1995, Australia has adopted a national system of qualifications, encompassing higher education, vocational education and training (VET), and school-based education. For primary and secondary schools,
4352-478: The then Federal Education Minister , Christopher Pyne , announced a $ 70 million Independent Public Schools Initiative to support 1,500 Australian government schools to become more autonomous . Government hospital schools are located at some major hospitals and provide access to tuition for students who have extended stays in hospitals. Across Australia, the Federal Department of Education sets
4420-453: The type of school education provided and the socio-economics of the school community served. Some private schools are run by religious institutes ; others have no religious affiliation and are driven by a national philosophy (such as international schools ), pedagogical philosophy (such as Waldorf-Steiner schools ), or specific needs (such as special schools ). As of 2018 , including private schools run by Catholic religious institutes, of
4488-838: The victor being crowned the Queensland Schoolboy Cup Champion. The Southern Conference, known as the Peter Mulholland Cup, includes schools from New South Wales , the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria . The winners of the Queensland Schoolboy Trophy and the Peter Mulholland Cup then face off in the National Schoolboy Final, with the winner being crowned the National Schoolboy Champion. The Peter Sterling Medal
4556-492: Was founded in 1975 as the Amco Shield. The inaugural winners were Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield who defeated Blacktown High School in the final, 16–8. The match was played at Leichhardt Oval as a curtain raiser to the 1975 Amco Cup final between Eastern Suburbs and Parramatta . Originally, the televised matches of the competition were played and recorded as the curtain raisers to mid week Amco Cup games. After
4624-541: Was not allowed, so he then chose the Latin : Fortitudo , translated as "courage and valour", that remains the school's motto today. The school originally had four sporting houses: Prospect (team colours black and gold); Kanangra (red); Werriwa (blue) and Lansdowne (green). In 1964 the new student intake was even larger than the previous year, with close to a thousand new students enrolled. Classes were listed alphabetically from A down to J to include them all. That year also saw
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