Re: Home schooling
Asked by FremantleDocker

Question:

Hi there, and good morning. I'm just wondering if you can home school a child who's already going to school? I'm just seriously thinking about home schooling my 5 year old daughter, and she's already started

school. Having a few problems with her that's all.

Thanks in advanced.

My Advice: 

I have home schooled my daughter for  2 years. Before I began, I naturally looked at all the information that was available. I also consulted with friends that home schooled.

The main requirements for approval from the Board of Studies is that the curriculum is covered in each key learning area, a minimum of study time and study plan, a reporting method for progress of each student, a place to study in the home and access to sport, study materials and social opportunities. Registration can be from 6 months to 2 years. First registration is usually 6 months to 1 year.

Key Learning Areas: English, Maths, Science, Human Society and it’s Environments (H.S.I.E), Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). Each subject must be covered at an age appropriate level, however if the student has shown to grasp concepts, then they are free to learn at a higher level. The parent decides this. All requirements must be covered to the Board of Studies satisfaction or registration will be denied. An extensive collection of reference and workbooks will be needed. Many learning programmes are available from a vast collection of material.

Reporting Method: A way to record each days activities is required, as well as a term report to table progress. A sample folder is also recommended. Examples of these can be found on the Board of Studies web site and is included in an information document for persons interested in home schooling a long with registration forms.

Study Plan and Time: A minimum of 5 hours per day is required, mirroring school hours. However, your own individual timetable is up to you. Each subject has an hourly quota of study. Eg, English is 2.5 hours each week.

Place to Study: The area that students are to study each day is required to have sufficient light, air and be comfortable. A designated area is best.

Sport: Your child/children will be required to be in a sports team of their choosing. No restrictions on which type of sport, so long as it is a legitimate sport.

Study Materials: One workbook for each subject is not sufficient. Let me give you an example; for English they may have a book for spelling, grammar and creative writing as well as reading material. They may read a book and use study guides. For registration these should all be displayed.

Social Opportunity: Most areas have home school groups that meet regularly weekly or fortnightly. These groups can be of great value in helping to gain registration and deciding which programmes you wish to use.  Due to the flexibility of home schooling, many activities can be undertaken and social groups can be formed through hobbies and interests.

Please note that each state will have it’s own individual requirements.

Here are a few helpful websites to get started:

australian-home-education.com/

www.homeschooling.com.au/

www.design-your-homeschool.com/ Home-schooling-Australia.html 

www.home-school.com/groups/australia.html