ACT Public School
- Jul 4, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: May 6, 2024
ACT Public School in Canberra offers quality education, fostering academic excellence and personal growth. With dedicated teachers and modern facilities, it provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The diverse curriculum promotes creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, preparing students for future success. Extracurricular activities enhance the well-rounded educational experience.
1. Key Reasons to Choose ACT Public Schools
Explore the table for ACT government schools' key strengths, offering a comprehensive overview of their notable advantages and distinctive features.
Features | Description |
Quality Education | ACT Education Department provides inclusive and innovative education that embraces cultural diversity, fostering international students' critical thinking, cultural integrity, creativity, inquiry, leadership, and teamwork. |
Academic City Canberra | Canberra, Australia's capital, serves as a thriving hub for politics, culture, and education. With a population where more than half of the residents possess a bachelor's degree or higher, international students have the unique chance to interact with a community of highly educated individuals, including visionary intellectuals, influential leaders, and Nobel laureates. Canberra ensures a secure and supportive atmosphere for international students, boasting excellent public transportation options such as buses and light rail, while also encouraging walking and cycling. |
ACT Senior Secondary Certificate | The final two years (11th and 12th grades) are conducted in a separate college environment, preparing students for Australian tertiary education. ACT's grading system (ATAR) is based solely on internal assessments without final exams, and it considers the three highest scoring subjects (English not mandatory, unlike in other states). |
Homestay Program | International students have the opportunity to experience Australian family life through homestay programs, which also contribute to their rapid improvement in English proficiency. The International Education team offers 24/7 student welfare support and regular information seminars. ACT Education Department ensures the safety and well-being of international students and regularly monitors the homestay program. |
Outstanding Academic Performance | ACT Public Schools have a track record of exceptional academic performance, with a significant number of international students achieving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 90 or above, demonstrating their excellence in studies. |
Support for International Students | Dedicated staff in the International Education Unit and International Private Students (IPS) Coordinators at individual school sites provide comprehensive support and guidance to international students throughout their educational journey. |
2. Entry Requirements for ACT Public Schools
Discover the essential entry requirements for ACT Public Schools in this informative table. Gain valuable insights into the necessary criteria and documentation needed for enrollment, ensuring a smooth transition into the ACT public education system.
| English | Admission Requirements |
Primary School (Years K-6) | - |
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High School (Years 7-10) College (Years 11) | IELTS is not a pre-requisite for admission into the International Fee-paying Students Program. ** The “applicant’s” English language proficiency and skills will be assessed upon commencement at the school. |
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3. School Term Dates for ACT Public Schools
Here are the essential terms for ACT public schools. There are approximately 10 weeks in each term followed by holidays. You can use this information to plan your study abroad journey in Australia.
Term | Application Deadline Month | School Term Dates |
Term 1 | September | Late January - Early April |
Term 2 | November | Late April - Early July |
Term 3 | February | Late July Late September |
Term 4 | May | Mid October - Mid December |
4. Academic Pathways in ACT Public Schools
The diagram illustrates the ACT school system and academic pathway, highlighting the progression from primary to senior secondary.
5. Academic Pathway to Further Study: ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACT SSC)
The ACT Senior Secondary Certificate is an internationally recognised qualification awarded to students who successfully complete Year 11 and Year 12 in a Senior Secondary school.
ACT Senior Secondary Certificate | Description |
Purpose | The ACT Senior Secondary Certificate is a qualification awarded to students who successfully complete their final two years of schooling (11th and 12th grades) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It prepares students for tertiary education and serves as a pathway to further studies or employment. |
Curriculum | The certificate offers a diverse range of subjects and courses that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. It covers various disciplines, including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts, and vocational education and training (VET) programs. |
Assessment | Assessment for the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate is based on continuous evaluation throughout the two-year period. It includes a combination of internal assessments, school-based tasks, projects, exams, and practical demonstrations, depending on the subjects and courses chosen by the students. |
Grading System | The certificate utilizes the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) system to rank and compare students' academic performance. The ATAR is calculated based on a student's best three subjects, with English not being mandatory for ATAR calculation (unlike in some other Australian states). |
Recognition and Pathways | The ACT Senior Secondary Certificate is recognized nationally and internationally. It provides students with opportunities for further studies at universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions, and other tertiary institutions both within Australia and overseas. |
Support and Guidance | Schools in the ACT provide dedicated support and guidance to students pursuing the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate. This includes access to career counseling, subject selection assistance, study support programs, and resources to help students succeed in their academic and career endeavors. |
6. School Life at ACT Public Schools
Please refer to the table below to obtain information about School Hours, Before and After School Care, and Uniforms.
Features | Description |
School Hours | Schools are open Monday to Friday across four terms each year. |
Attendance | All children and young people in the ACT are required to participate in fulltime education from six years of age until they complete Year 10. Young people are then required to participate in fulltime in education, training or employment until they complete Year 12 or they turn 17, whichever happens first. |
Before and After School Care | Before and after school care is available at many ACT public schools, providing a safe, supervised, stimulating environment for students. These sessions focus on providing students with an opportunity to socialise, develop new skills, have fun, do homework and relax. The before and after school care hours can vary from school to school, however, generally run from between 7 and 7.30 am to 9 am and from the final bell to 6 pm. Holiday programs are also offered at many schools. |
Uniforms | Each school determines its own uniforms and dress standards. Most schools have a uniform or a colour code. School uniforms promote a sense of belonging among students, make school clothing more affordable, promote the safety of students through easier identification and help students learn the importance of appropriate presentation. |
7. International Student Fees for ACT Public Schools (2024)
Explore the comprehensive table summarizing the annual fees and additional costs for international students studying at SA Public Schools in 2024.
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