An increasing number of parents in Australia are choosing to homeschool their children.
This method of education offers more flexibility, customization, individualized learning options, studying in a familiar environment, and various other benefits.
According to statistics, Australia had about 21,437 students enrolled for home education in 2019, which grew nearly 105% in the last few years.
Experts predict rapid growth in Australian home schools and estimate that about 3.2% of the total school population would receive education at home.
Between 2019 to 2021, homeschool registrations in Queensland rose by about 46%, while Western Australia saw an increase of 22% in homeschoolers during the same period. COVID-19 also contributed significantly to the rise in this system of schooling.
But why are so many parents and students opting for an alternative education system? What are the benefits of homeschooling in Australia you should know of, especially if you’re thinking about providing your child with one? Continue reading to find that information below.
Benefits of Homeschooling in Australia
- Opportunities for flexible learning
- Hands-on activities make learning fun
- Individual choices for the student
- Options for completing Grade 11 and 12
Opportunities for flexible learning
The first advantage of homeschooling is the flexible learning opportunities. Schools usually have a rigid schedule that all children must follow, along with a fixed syllabus decided by statutory bodies like the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Most children find it extremely difficult to cope with the rigidity of schedule and syllabus in schools across Australia. Homeschooling offers children the flexibility to learn what they want at a pace they find comfortable.
For example, good homeschool programs create their education curriculums considering students’ hobbies and interests. Some students might enjoy travel, while others might be interested in fine arts, music, and theatre. Many are athletes with rigorous travel schedules.
The curriculum provides them ample flexibility to pursue these interests.
Hands-on activities make learning fun
Learning is complete and valuable only when it combines theory and practicality. Hands-on learning, when combined with online classes, enables children to appreciate its usefulness and relevance.
It also makes studying fun, exciting and engaging and arouses children’s curiosity greatly. Some programs also organize community clubs that allow children to connect with learners with similar interests and form long-lasting friendships.
Interestingly, traditional schools also realize the importance of hands-on learning, as more than 100 schools across Australia between Grades 5 to 10 have a hands-on learning program.
Individual choices for the student
Some students might be unsatisfied with the syllabus and environment in their schools, because of which they switched to home-based education. Many find the academic structure frustrating and disappointing, thereby withholding their progress.
Programs developed for home-based education are adapted for each child’s learning level and style. The syllabus creates a program while considering the learning challenges and passion for a specific subject.
Further, the student has plenty of time to revise and clearly understand a topic before moving on, thus helping them build a solid foundation in the subject. If the learner finds a subject area attractive, they can pursue that area specifically at a full-grade level.
Options for completing Grade 11 and 12
Home learning programs prepare the students for university-level, technical and further education (TAFE), and work skills in Australia. They often collaborate with various universities to develop a Senior Education Program that the child can choose.
Once the students complete these high school programs, they earn a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, whose name varies depending on the state they reside in. For instance, New South Wales calls it a Higher School Certificate, while Queensland calls it the Victorian Certificate of Education.
Australian home schools offer plenty of benefits that traditional ones cannot, including a flexible schedule, hands-on learning experiences, developing at their own pace etc.
You should consider this education system for your child to help them chase their dreams and develop a lifelong interest in learning.