The first year of primary school is when children are introduced to school life. The name for this varies from state to state. This first year of school is where children learn basic reading and writing, and get a better understanding of what behaviour is acceptable and how to relate to other children and adults. This introductory year is not separate from Primary school. It is at Primary school that children first learn about Australian society and culture.
Primary school is often a child's first experience of people from other cultures than their own.
Children are taught that tolerance towards each other and people of all different colours, races and background is very important. At the end of primary school, children can read and write, perform basic sums, and should have a good knowledge of where Australia fits into the world around them. During the first four years of secondary study, core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science are compulsory. Students are advised to discuss their subject choices with careers advisers as some tertiary study courses require certain secondary courses as a prerequisite. Students satisfying the requirements for their final year of school are issued with an overall grade.