Abstract
This research article studies what are differences between Japanese schools and Australian schools. The author used 3 websites and 2 books to research the differences. The author’s analysis shows that Australian schools have more freedom than Japanese schools. For example, Australian schools have more free time and also a snack time. However, students in Japanese secondary schools can’t bring foods to school. Also, Australian students have no decided seat. Therefore, author shows that Australian schools have much freedom than Japanese schools.
Introduction
Australia developed as a multinational nation. In Australia there are many kinds of nationalities. According to School life in Australia (Date. N), the population of Australia is 24,990,000, and 1200000 students are there. In fact, Australia is very global so 25% of students are exchange students. The aim of this research is to understand the differences between Australian schools and Japanese schools.
Literature Review
Australia has 4 semesters in a school year. According to school life in Australia (Date. N), the first semester is for January to April. The second semester is for April to June. The third semester is from July to September. The forth semester is from October to December. Between each 2 semesters, there is some vacation. Japan has 3 semesters so, the number of vacations are different. Author interviewed a student who studied in Australia before. She said in vacation, there is no homework at all. Australian students can have more free time than Japanese students.
Following is Australian junior high school’s time schedule obtained from School life in Australia (Date. N). It showed that Australian junior high school’s time schedule is not as tight as Japan. After school, Australian student do not have club activities. After they get home, they do homework or what they want to do. Japanese students must attend some club activities. After club activity, almost all the students go to cram schools and get home vary late.
Time Content
8:45~9:00 HR
9:00~9:55 Computer
9:55~10:45 Social study
Break time
11:05~12:00 Science
12:00~12:50 Science
Lunch
13:30~14:25 Mathematics
14:25~15:15 Foreign languages
Many countries, of course including Japan, students study English as a second language. But in Australia they speak English as first language. Therefore, Australian students study other languages as a lesson. According to School life (2019), they study Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian. Each school chooses different language. Lessons start by elementary second or third grades. It’s considered better for learning correct pronunciation.
Conclusion.
The different that author most surprised is Australian student don’t have to do homework in long vacations. In many countries, of course including Japan, students study English as a second language. But in Australia they speak English as first language. Australian students don’t have club activities in schools. That is Australian school life style. So, now author has new research question, that is “How Australian kids keep their health?” Author wants to find out next.
Reference
- Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.sts.eu website: https://www.sts.eu/partners/high-school-partner/destinations/oceania/australia-03834ae4/school-life/
- School Life. (2019, April 26). Retrieved from www.study.vic.gov.au website: https://www.study.vic.gov.au/en/living-in-victoria/school-life/Pages/default.aspx
