NSW Public School

NSW Public School is a reputable educational institution in New South Wales, Australia. It offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment for international students. With experienced and dedicated teachers, state-of-the-art facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum, students at NSW Public School receive a high-quality education. The school prioritizes academic excellence, fostering critical thinking skills, and promoting cultural exchange. Students have access to various extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education. The supportive community and multicultural atmosphere create an enriching experience for international students, helping them thrive academically and personally.

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1. Key Reasons to Choose NSW Public Schools

Explore the table for NSW government schools' key strengths, offering a comprehensive overview of their notable advantages and distinctive features.

Features	Description
​Academic Excellence	Our schools offer academic excellence in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment. Students acquire high-level English language skills, study a wide range of subjects and develop futurefocused capabilities. Programs for gifted and talented students and extension subjects in senior high school ensure students are challenged and achieve their best. Each year, over 25% of our Year 12 international students appear on the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Honour Roll.
Exceptional Teaching	Highly qualified, university–trained teachers are accredited through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Dynamic engaging instruction inspires students to achieve their best in academic subjects, sports, the arts and many other areas of study. Small class sizes provide more one-on-one guidance from teachers who cater for individual student needs and ensure each student achieves their maximum potential.
Student Wellbeing	Individual care is provided for every student in a safe and secure learning environment. Every school offers an orientation program. Buddy systems pair new international students with other students to help them settle in and make new friends. School-based student support personnel include an international student coordinator, year adviser, counsellor, careers advisor and English language support staff. Students may also access our dedicated team of DE International advisors who provide additional support. According to the 2019 Safe Cities Index, Sydney is the safest city in Australia and in the top five safest cities in the world.
Learning Facilities	Digital technology is integrated through the school curriculum and facilitated through Wi-Fi connectivity, tablets, laptops, interactive whiteboards, computers and video conferencing. Modern facilities, including science and language labs; libraries; auditoriums; arts, sport and recreational facilities designed to maximise student engagement, participation and learning. A range of technologies is provided for specialised subjects including 3D printers and robotics labs. Increased engagement in learning is achieved through programming tools, virtual learning environments, game-based learning and multimedia creation tools and simulations.
Academic Pathways	The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the highest educational qualification awarded in secondary education in NSW and is nationally and internationally recognised. It is awarded to students who have satisfactorily completed Years 11 and 12 at secondary school. International students successfully progress to universities and colleges in Australia and overseas. Past international students are now enjoying success at university and in professions both in Australia and overseas.
Language Support	Intensive English Centres provide specialised support to high school students who require English language improvement. Our Intensive English Centres provide intensive English language tuition, orientation and welfare support, helping students adjust to their studies and new environment quickly. Primary school students may receive language support through school-based English language support teachers.
Accommodation Options	Students perform better in school when they live in a supportive family environment. Homestay accommodation is a unique opportunity for international students in Years 9 to 12 to stay in an Australian family home and to learn about Australian culture. Homestay accommodation standards are regulated by DE International. International students under 18 years of age must live with a parent or approved carer.
Global Opportunities	Students learn other languages and connect with students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds in the multicultural environment of our schools. Living and studying in NSW develops students as global citizens, enabling them to live and work anywhere in the world. Sydney is a culturally diverse city and New South Wales is the most popular state or territory in Australia for people born overseas to live (ABS 2016).

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2. Entry Requirements for NSW Public Schools

Discover the essential entry requirements for NSW Public Schools in this informative table. Gain valuable insights into the necessary criteria and documentation needed for enrollment, ensuring a smooth transition into the NSW public education system.

Requirement	Description
Academic	Students entering the preliminary course (Year 11) must have completed Year 10 or its equivalent in Australia and overseas. They must also have good passing grades in school reports in the main academic subjects and English. Students enrolling in Years 7 to 10 must provide evidence that they have good passing grades in the main academic courses including English. Students must demonstrate a continued pattern of study in a mainstream school.
English	​Enrolment in a NSW government school Intensive English Centre OR Secondary studies conducted in English for a minimum of two years OR Minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System, General or Academic) score of 5.5 (Year 11) or 5.0 (Years 7 to 10) or equivalent results in another approved English language test (including TOEFL, AEAS and Eiken). There are no English language entry requirements for primary school children in Kindergarten to Year 6. Students 12 years of age or over may need to enrol at an Intensive English Centre before they enrol in Year 7.

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3. School Term Dates for NSW Public Schools

Here are the essential terms for NSW public schools. You can use this information to plan your study abroad journey in Australia.

​School enrolment dates

Primary school students can enrol from Term 1 to Term 4. High school students in Years 7-10 can enrol from Term 1 to Term 4. High school students in Year 11 must enrol in Term 1 or a the beginning of Term 2. Students in the Temporary Residents Program can enrol at anytime during the school year.

Term	Period
Term 1	January - April
Term 2	April - July
Term 3	July - September
Term 4	October - December

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4. Academic Pathways in NSW Public Schools

The diagram illustrates the NSW school system and academic pathway, highlighting the progression from primary to Senior Secondary.

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NSW government schools offer intensive English programs for students entering high school from 12 years of age. The Intensive English Centre (IEC) helps students to understand our school system and provides English language tuition and welfare support.

Intensive English Centre (IEC)	Description
Locations	​Bankstown Beverly Hills Cabramatta Central Sydney Intensive English High School Chester Hill Evans Fairfield Holroyd Kogarah Lurnea Marrickville Marsden Miller Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre Warrawong (Wollongong).
​Duration	​Intensive English programs are conducted throughout the school term. Students typically require two terms to transition to their mainstream course.
Advantages	​Study in a small class (maximum 18 students) with students of a similar age and English proficiency Learn intensive English within the school and through the school curriculum Students receive assistance so they can settle quickly and are provided support through our transition program to high school Participate in school activities with partner high schools Access to school counsellors and other support staff Use of all school facilities. University-trained and qualified English as a second language teachers provide lessons in English through core high school subjects.

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5. Academic Pathway to Further Study

The HSC results determine the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) used by universities for admissions. Choosing the right subjects at school is crucial for university entry. Schools provide Careers Advisors to guide students in making decisions about their future and subject choices. It is important to consult with International Student Coordinators or Careers Advisors for suitable subject choices for university entry as universities have their own prerequisites and entry requirements.

​Career	​Accounting Banking and Finance Business International Relations Law	Health and Medical Sciences Medicine Nutrition and Dietetics Optometry Physiotherapy	Aeronautical Engineering Architecture Engineering Information Technology
Subjects	Accounting/Business Studies/ Economics/Legal Studies Chemistry/Physics Mathematics Society and Culture/History	Biology Chemistry English as a Second Language Mathematics Physical Development Health and Physical Education Physics	Engineering Studies English as a Second Language Industrial Technology Information Processes and Technology Physics Software Design and Development

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6. NSW Public School Curriculum by Grade Levels

Explore the NSW Public School curriculum, tailored to different grade levels, to understand the comprehensive education provided. This table showcases the curriculum highlights for each grade, fostering a well-rounded learning experience for students.

Primary School	​Primary school education in NSW begins in Kindergarten (5 years of age) and ends in Year 6 (12 years of age).
​Intakes	​Term 1 (January) Term 2 (April) Term 3 (July) Term 4 (October)
Curriculum	​Learning in Kindergarten to Year 6 focuses on six key learning areas (KLAs): English Creative Arts Human Society and Its Environment (including Languages) Mathematics Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Science and Technology

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Junior Secondary School	​The junior secondary school program covers Years 7 to 10. Students may commence anytime up to the beginning of Term 4 (October) of the academic year.
​Intakes	Term 1 (January) Term 2 (April) Term 3 (July) Term 4 (October)
​Curriculum	​Learning in Years 7 to 10 focuses on eight key learning areas (KLAs): Creative Arts (Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts) English Human Society and Its Environment Languages Mathematics Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Science Technologies. Students who are talented in performing arts (dance, drama, visual arts or music), technology, languages or sport may apply to high schools which offer specialist facilities.

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​Senior Secondary School	​The HSC is a two-year program with assessment tasks in each subject, practical work for some subjects and a final external written examination, in each course, at the end of Year 12.
​Intakes	​Year 11 Only Term 1 (January) Term 2 (April)
Curriculum	​Students must complete at least 12 units of study in Year 11 and 10 units of study in Year 12, including English. Most HSC subjects are worth 2 units each. Students typically study a minimum of six subjects in Year 11 and continue with at least five of these subjects in Year 12.
​Compulsory Subject	​English (Standard or Advanced) or English as a Second Language (ESL)
​Choice of Subjects	​A wide range of subjects are available in the NSW curriculum, including: Ancient or Modern History Business Studies Creative Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts) Economics Engineering Studies Food Technology Geography Legal Studies Mathematics (with extension subjects available) Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Science (Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics) Software Design and Development A wide choice of languages A selection of vocational subjects that also provide a Certificate-level qualification upon completion.

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7. School Life at NSW Public Schools

Discover the vibrant school life at NSW Public Schools through this comprehensive table summary.

​FEATURES	DESCRIPTION
School Hours	Students typically attend school from 8.45am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday. The school day consists of multiple lessons with designated break times.
Uniform	NSW government schools adhere to a uniform policy, promoting a sense of identity and belonging. Costs range from A$250 to A$300.
School Assessment	School assessments, homework, and exams play a crucial role in evaluating students' academic progress, contributing to their final grades.
Excursions	Students engage in subject-specific field trips, such as visits to art galleries and museums, which enhance their learning experiences.
Sports	Physical education and sports activities are integrated into the curriculum, promoting teamwork, physical fitness, and good sportsmanship.
Extracurricular	Students have access to a diverse range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, performances, clubs, and public speaking.
Community Engagement	Volunteering opportunities foster social responsibility, exposing students to diversity, real-world issues, and the importance of giving back.

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​Before school	Optional extension classes Performing arts rehearsals Sport training
8:40 – 8:45	Roll Call
8:45 – 9:45	Class 1
9:45 – 10:45	Class 2
10:45 – 11:00	Recess
11:00 – 12:00	Class 3
12:00 – 1:00	Class 4
1:00 – 2:00	Lunch
2:00 – 3:00	Class 5
After school	Optional extension classes Homework centres supported by teachers Optional extracurricular activities e.g. sport, chess club, music, debating, Tournament of the Minds, Mock Trials

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8. International Student Fees for NSW Public Schools (2024)

Explore the comprehensive table summarizing the annual fees and additional costs for international students studying at NSW Public Schools in 2024.