School year in Australia

Why choose Australia?

During your stay in the heart of Australia, you will be dazzled by its majestic landscapes, its unique animals and, above all, by the kind welcome of its people. It is an extraordinary opportunity to perfect your English while immersing yourself in the local culture. Many students who came before us never stopped praising the excellence of our host families and the wealth of extracurricular activities on offer. For example, one of our students chose surfing, another the study of the seabed, while others chose more traditional activities such as dance or drama.

As for the school system, the year is divided into four separate terms, broken up by two-week holidays, not forgetting the summer holidays. School days generally start at 8.30 am and end at around 3 pm. Although the Australian school year, from late January to early December, is out of step with Europe, with Move and Study you have the possibility of aligning your school year with the European calendar.

The Australian education system places great value on independence, preparing pupils from an early age to carry out research and gather information, individually or in groups.

This encourages rewarding interaction not only between pupils, but also between pupils and teachers.

Another important point to note is that every pupil is required to wear a uniform. Far from being a constraint, this creates a sense of belonging and equality among the pupils.

Every school is required to offer a curriculum based on eight main areas: mathematics, English, social sciences, pure sciences, arts, foreign languages, technology and physical education. Secondary schools, in particular, offer a multitude of other rewarding opportunities, with easy access to new technologies and laboratories.

What is more, with Move and Study you have the privilege of choosing from three schools, according to your preferences. Popular destinations include Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, but many other options are open to you.

Queensland's Schools of Excellence: The Ideal Destination for International Students

Brisbane: The Epicentre of City Life and Outdoor Activities

Brisbane, Australia's third largest city, shines through its international and contemporary atmosphere. More than 15 award-winning schools are dotted across this region. Note: the Excellence Programmes offering sports training supervised by professionals for enthusiasts.

Gold Coast: Tourist and Retail Epicentre
Just 70 km from Brisbane, discover the Gold Coast, with its flagship attractions such as the largest shopping centre in Australia.

Cairns: A Natural Gem Near the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns, a lively city of 120 000 inhabitants, is famous for its breathtaking natural wonders. The schools in the region focus on marine studies, music and a variety of sports.

Sunshine Coast: Diving and Marine Biology in the Spotlight
An hour from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast offers a myriad of activities linked to the sea. The schools here favour marine biology lessons and water sports.

AUSTRALIA: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES

Australia, that vast continent in the southern hemisphere, has a rich history stretching back tens of thousands of years.

The era of the first inhabitants: Around 65 000 years ago, the first inhabitants, known today as Aboriginal peoples, arrived in Australia from South-East Asia. These peoples developed diverse cultures, languages and traditions, adapted to the different regions of the continent, from the arid deserts of the interior to the rainforests of the north.

Discovery by the Europeans: Although Indonesian and Chinese navigators may have reached the Australian coasts before them, it is the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon who is generally credited with the first documented European encounter with Australia in 1606. Later, in 1770, Captain James Cook, sailing on behalf of Great Britain, mapped the east coast and claimed the territory for the British crown.

British colonisation: In 1788, the first British fleet arrived in Sydney, establishing the colony of New South Wales. Initially envisaged as a penal colony because of the lack of prisons in Great Britain, Australia quickly became a land of opportunity for migrants.

Towards independence: In the 19th century, as the population grew and resources such as gold were discovered, the idea of a united nation took shape. In 1901, the six colonies of Australia federated to become the Commonwealth of Australia, while remaining a dominion of the British Empire. Australia gradually acquired its legislative independence throughout the 20th century.

Modern Australia: During the 20th century, Australia positioned itself on the world stage, taking part in many wars alongside the Allies and strengthening its ties with other nations, in particular through the creation of ANZUS in 1951 with New Zealand and the United States. The second half of the century was marked by social and economic reforms, and by greater recognition of the rights of Aboriginal peoples.

Today, Australia is recognised for its cultural diversity, its robust economy, its breathtaking landscapes and its active role in international affairs.

AUSTRALIA: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE AGES

Australia, that vast continent in the southern hemisphere, has a rich history stretching back tens of thousands of years.

The era of the first inhabitants: Around 65 000 years ago, the first inhabitants, known today as Aboriginal peoples, arrived in Australia from South-East Asia. These peoples developed diverse cultures, languages and traditions, adapted to the different regions of the continent, from the arid deserts of the interior to the rainforests of the north.

Discovery by the Europeans: Although Indonesian and Chinese navigators may have reached the Australian coasts before them, it is the Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon who is generally credited with the first documented European encounter with Australia in 1606. Later, in 1770, Captain James Cook, sailing on behalf of Great Britain, mapped the east coast and claimed the territory for the British crown.

British colonisation: In 1788, the first British fleet arrived in Sydney, establishing the colony of New South Wales. Initially envisaged as a penal colony because of the lack of prisons in Great Britain, Australia quickly became a land of opportunity for migrants.

Towards independence: In the 19th century, as the population grew and resources such as gold were discovered, the idea of a united nation took shape. In 1901, the six colonies of Australia federated to become the Commonwealth of Australia, while remaining a dominion of the British Empire. Australia gradually acquired its legislative independence throughout the 20th century.

Modern Australia: During the 20th century, Australia positioned itself on the world stage, taking part in many wars alongside the Allies and strengthening its ties with other nations, in particular through the creation of ANZUS in 1951 with New Zealand and the United States. The second half of the century was marked by social and economic reforms, and by greater recognition of the rights of Aboriginal peoples.

Today, Australia is recognised for its cultural diversity, its robust economy, its breathtaking landscapes and its active role in international affairs.