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| Making sense of the independent education system |
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With the end of the year fast approaching, this is the time of year when many parents of older pre-schoolers start mulling over (and stressing about) their child's school for next year.
Choosing your child's school is one of the most important decisions you can make, and there are many varying factors – cost, location, philosophy or specialist learning – that can affect your choice.
Though the local state school is the natural choice for many parents, there are an increasing number of independent schools on offer, with a range of approaches to education:
Catholic schools
The second biggest education sectors after state schools, one in five Australian students attend Catholic schools today. Schools include both primary and high schools and range from elite, high-cost schools to low-fee local schools. The schools all have a philosophy grounded in the Catholic religion, but the extent of how that enters the classroom and how the curriculum is delivered varies from school to school, so it's worth investigating several schools.
Anglican schools
Affiliated with the Anglican Church, Anglican schools are another large sector of independent schools. All attract fees, and range from mid-range to high-cost schools. Again, the extent of religious teaching in the classroom can vary from school to school so investigate schools based on your personal beliefs. Often being at the higher end of the fee-paying schools, many Anglican schools have impressive facilities, and extra-curricular programmes.
Christian Colleges
There are an increasing number of Christian Colleges around the country. Affiliated with the modern-day Christian churches, the schools can range in their religious content, from mainstream Christian teachings to the debate of creationism so check their curriculum meets your beliefs.
Montessori
A non-denominational sector, in a Montessori school children are encouraged not only to do things for themselves, but also think for themselves. The education program is based on the belief that children learn most effectively from their own experiences, with hands-on learning. In early child care, children are placed in groups with ages two and a half and six – in mini societies. The younger children learn from watching the older children; the older children benefit from helping the younger children. Children choose their activities independently, moving from one to the next, always returning things they have used. Children work individually, as a group or with a friend, and work at their own pace. There are no time limits and no fixed timetable; groups instead arise spontaneously.
As children progress into primary years, the curriculum is delivered through sensory and concrete materials, giving children the opportunity to practice skills for everyday life, but also develop concentration and coordination, building skills when they are required, so education is a natural progression.
Steiner
Steiner education is future orientated with a holistic style that is based on the healthy wellbeing of children. The philosophy focuses on practical hands-on activities, creative play that develops artistic expression and social capacities. The overarching goal of Steiner is to develop free, morally responsible individuals who are equipped with a high degree of social competence. Steiner education is based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.
In early child care, Steiner aims to foster a child's imagination, through stories, songs, creative play and interaction with nature. Into primary, cognitive development and skill building is approached through creative writing, visual arts, drama and imaginative presentation. All subjects tend to be taught through an arts-based curriculum. A Steiner class will often have the same teacher throughout primary years.
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