Fact Sheet - Free Instruction
Why has the Government included ‘free instruction’ in the Education and Training Reform Act 2006?
The new Act states that instruction in the eight Key Learning Areas up to (and including) Year 12 of education, or its equivalent, is to be free for students attending a government school (except overseas students). This applies to students who are under the age of 20 years on 1 January in the year of undertaking instruction.
This is a key element of the Victorian Government’s commitment to deliver quality education to all young people now and well into the future.
What does ‘free instruction’ cover?
The commitment to free instruction covers the eight Key Learning Areas agreed by all States and Territories and the Commonwealth as part of the 1999 Adelaide Declaration of National Goals for Schooling.
The eight Key Learning Areas are the arts, english, health and physical education, technology, languages other than english, mathematics, science and the studies of society and environment.
How will this affect voluntary contributions?
Although schools are able to invite you to make voluntary contributions, the new legislation requires that they apply the following principles:
- School councils must clearly articulate how the funds will be spent.
- A student is not to be refused instruction in the eight Key Learning Areas because the student’s parents do not make a contribution.
- They are to be voluntary and obtained without coercion or harassment.
- Students are not be to approached or harassed for contributions.
- Any record of contributions should be confidential.
What may parents be asked to pay for?
In addition to voluntary contributions, parents may also be asked to pay for textbooks and equipment, individual student requisites and school uniforms (where appropriate and in accordance with school council policy). Many schools sell second-hand books.
Parents may also be asked to pay for materials and services that they have the option of paying for e.g. excursions and materials used in elective subjects, such as food technology, and art and craft subjects.
How can I get more information?
To find out more about the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, see Review of Education and Training Legislation.