Homeschooling is a growing trend in Australia, but the myths surrounding it are widespread. This article unpacks a few of the most common myths, including the cost of homeschooling, whether there is a pathway to tertiary education for homeschooled kids, and whether homeschooling is secular.
Unleash the truth behind the most common homeschooling myths
Homeschoolers are a diverse group and there are a variety of reasons why parents choose to homeschool their children. One of the most common reasons is a lack of trust in the public education system. Another reason is the desire to spend more time with their child during these critical years.
Homeschooling is a legitimate option. The numbers of children in Australia who attend home schools is increasing steadily. Home education is recognized as a legal alternative to traditional schooling, and has been popularised in Australian media. In addition, Australia has a long history of distance learning. For example, Schools of the Air began operations in 1951 and correspondence schools have been around for over a century. Many parents view the traditional school system as inadequate and feel that it fails to meet the primary goals of education and socialisation. Homeschoolers are required to report their progress to their state education department, although requirements vary across states and territories.
Pathways to tertiary education for homeschoolers
If your child is homeschooled, there are some great options available for getting a tertiary education. Many Australian universities offer courses to homeschoolers, and there are many ways to pursue your degree. One great option is TAFE. This institution offers blue-collar courses and is one of the largest providers of job training in Australia. You can enter most TAFE courses with a Year 10 certificate. Your child will also need this certificate if he or she decides to pursue a trade. These options are great for teenagers who don’t like sitting still and prefer hands-on learning.
In addition to TAFE colleges, many universities offer online courses and diplomas. These programs will help homeschoolers complete the required courses and can lead to full degrees. Some universities even offer online degrees if you’re unable to attend an on-campus university. However, be aware that the administrative staff at these institutions may not always know the answers to your questions. It is essential to ask a lot of questions and share your learning with them to find out what options are available to you.
Cost of homeschooling
The cost of homeschooling in Australia varies. The set-up costs can be minimal. Most homes already have a computer, printer, and internet connection. In addition, you will need a few essential learning resources, including dictionaries, readers, and English texts. You will also need to purchase some stationery and art supplies. These costs can add up to $200-$300 per year.
While the price of homeschooling in Australia is not as high as in many other countries, it can be costly compared to sending a child to a mainstream school. Some parents choose to homeschool because they do not believe that mainstream education is the best fit for their child. While mainstream schools are a great choice for many children, homeschooling can give parents the freedom to have more control over their child’s education.
Is homeschooling a requirement?
Homeschooling is a legal option in Australia, but it’s not as straightforward as a traditional educational path. While most states require homeschoolers to follow a portion of the national Australian Curriculum, parents often have their own ideas of what their children should learn. Homeschooling groups can help you navigate the process and provide support. You should keep in mind, though, that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to homeschool your child.
The ACT government’s website doesn’t contain much information about homeschooling, but it does provide a simple application process. You’ll need to submit your ID documents, complete a short questionnaire via email, and complete an application form. Once your application is approved, you have three months to provide your educational plan. You must submit a full registration application at least 20 business days before the end of this period, and include a Parent Report. Make sure you mention that you’ll be homeschooling your children.