Differences Between Elementary School in Taiwan and Australia: A Family's Experience
This article summarizes the experiences of a family comparing elementary school in Taiwan and Australia, based on their observations and their children's feedback. The family shares insights into various aspects of the school systems, from the learning environment and curriculum to school schedules and parent-teacher communication.
The Learning Environment and School Size
The speakers found the elementary school environment in Australia to be relatively simple and accepting of children, even those who may not yet be fluent in English. They emphasize that it's not a harsh environment where students are expelled for language barriers. A striking first impression was the size of the Australian schools. Unlike the fixed playgrounds with PU runways (often 200-300 meters) in Taiwan, Australian schools feature large green spaces where children can engage in various outdoor activities on the grass.
School Year Structure and Grading System
A key difference lies in the school year structure. In Australia, the school year aligns with the calendar year (January to December), whereas Taiwan follows a semester system from September to August of the following year. This means children entering Australian schools from Taiwan may find themselves starting the next grade level earlier. Also, Taiwan has two semesters, while Australia has four terms, each lasting about 10 weeks, followed by a two-week break, except for the longer break before Christmas. This frequent break schedule is appreciated, resulting in a less stressful environment, with more regular pauses for rest.
School Day Schedule and After-School Activities
The school day in Australia also differs in timing. School starts later (after 9:15 AM, with the school gate opening at 8:45 AM) and finishes earlier (3:10 PM) compared to Taiwan. This results in a shorter overall study time. However, like in Taiwan, after-school care and talent classes are available for an additional fee, including options such as painting. Security guards monitor students and activities, like sunscreen application and snack time before class.
Language Support and Multiculturalism
Recognizing the challenges faced by students with limited English proficiency, Australian schools provide support. Teachers often pair new students with "buddies" who can assist them. In addition, specialized English reinforcement classes are offered two or three times a week to help students develop their language skills.
The speakers found children adapt quickly, using body language and observation to learn. Teachers often utilize iPads for translation to ensure comprehension, typing English which Google translates into Chinese for students to read. Australia's multicultural environment fosters acceptance. The family feels that the children are exposed to a variety of different people and skin tones. They believe it is easier for children to adapt to new foreign friends since Australia is an immigrant country.
Parent-Teacher Communication and School Policies
Australian elementary schools use an online platform to keep parents informed. Teachers share photos and updates on students' activities, allowing parents to see what their children are doing at school each day. Parents can also use the platform to communicate with teachers. This contrasts with Taiwan, where parents typically wait at the school gate to pick up their children. In Australia, parents are often welcome to enter the school grounds and speak to teachers directly.
Student's Perspective
Classroom Environment: In grades 5 and 6, the children could sit on the floor instead of a specific seat, unlike the fixed seats in Taiwan.
Teachers: Taiwanese schools typically have multiple teachers for different subjects (Chinese, Math, etc.), while Australian schools often have one teacher for all subjects. In their particular class, they have 3 teachers that teach different subjects.
Curriculum: In Taiwan, the student used more textbooks. In Australia, they only have 4 books, and students must write down what the teacher says.
Subjects: The student likes math classes in Australia, and said that the math is harder than in Taiwan. They also participated in a pizza party and science experiments during class. On Fridays, the first class of the day has options for painting, watching movies, reading books, and playing table tennis. Students are able to choose whichever they like most.
High School Week: During High School week, the older elementary students will attend high school classes to see what the classes are like. They have dance and hand-made classes. One student made a star in hand-made class and sewed on their name and hometown.
Letting Go and Encouraging Independence
One of the biggest challenges for the parents was learning to "let go" and allow their children more freedom to explore and play, such as playing in the sand or sitting on the floor. They are also trying to encourage their son to ride a scooter to school, which is a 5-minute ride compared to a 20-minute walk. While car traffic is a concern, they appreciate that drivers are generally considerate of pedestrians, especially children.
Weekly Meeting
Every Monday, the school has a weekly meeting where teachers report school matters and give awards to the kids.