Tricia Pfluger's Page

Hi :)
Once children finish year 6, they move on to high school, so in my system its not really a transition because its completely different schooling, In other states, they have a 5 - 8 school, I think its called middle school. That would be more of s transition.
In years 7 and 8, schools make one or two languages compulsory, Japanese is usually one of them. Then when they get to year 9 and onwards its an elective subject. So once they get to year 9, maths, english, science, geog, history and PE are compulsory, then they choose other subjects as elective, like art or cooking or woodwork, languages, commerce etc. Most will carry their electives through to years 11 and 12.
In the last 2 years, English is the only compulsory subject and most choose other subjects that will help them get a job or get into university, or like you said, that are just areas of interest.They also can choose the level of a subject they want. Eg, my son finished last year and for 11 and 12, took music, Japanese, biology, advanced maths and advanced English. He is just about to start university doing a double degree in education and arts, majoring in Japanese.
So yeah I guess 11 and 12 can go two ways, the academic students who know where they're going will choose subjects strategically, others who are just hanging around and don't know where they're going will choose out of interest or talent.
The government has just made it compulsory for students to stay at school through years 11 and 12, previously, year 10 was a point at which some left. It will be interesting to see how they cater for those who have few academic smarts.
Hope that helps.
Kim.