The school year in Australia varies by state, but generally runs from late January or early February through mid December. Students get a long summer break over the Christmas and New Year period. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Most schools start their academic year in late January or early February.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a detailed overview of school terms and holiday dates across all states and territories in Australia. We will cover when the school year starts and finishes, school term lengths, and national public holidays that fall during school breaks.
School Terms in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory
Term 1
The school year in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory is divided into four terms. Term 1 usually starts in late January or early February, depending on the specific school and year level. It typically runs for 10 to 11 weeks, with a two-week break for the Easter holidays.
Term 2
Term 2 begins after the Easter break and generally lasts for around 10 weeks. This term includes various public holidays such as Anzac Day and Queen’s Birthday, which provide students and teachers with additional days off.
Term 3
Term 3 starts in mid-July and continues for approximately 10 weeks. During this term, students engage in a range of learning activities and assessments as they progress through the school year. There may also be additional holidays or long weekends, depending on the specific school’s calendar.
Term 4
The final term of the school year, Term 4, typically begins in early October and runs for about 9 weeks. This term includes various holidays and celebrations, such as Halloween and Christmas, which create an exciting and festive atmosphere in schools.
- It’s important to note that these dates may vary slightly between different schools and regions within New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. It’s always best to check with the specific school or education department for the most accurate information.
- For more detailed information and specific dates for each school year, you can visit the official websites of the New South Wales Department of Education (https://education.nsw.gov.au) and the Australian Capital Territory Education Directorate (https://www.education.act.gov.au).
Understanding the school terms in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory is essential for parents, students, and teachers to plan their schedules and make the most of the educational opportunities available.
By keeping track of these term dates, everyone can ensure a smooth and successful school year.
School Terms in Victoria
Term 1
In Victoria, the school year is divided into four terms. Term 1 usually starts in late January or early February, depending on the school. It is an exciting time for students as they begin a new academic year, meet their new teachers, and reunite with friends.
Term 1 typically lasts for around 11 to 12 weeks, with a two-week break for Easter holidays.
Term 2
Term 2 follows the Easter break and typically begins in late April. This term is usually filled with a range of educational activities and events, including school excursions, sports carnivals, and parent-teacher conferences.
Term 2 lasts for about 10 to 11 weeks, with a two-week break for winter holidays in July.
Term 3
Term 3 starts in mid-July and continues until late September. It is the longest term of the year, lasting for approximately 10 to 11 weeks. During this term, students engage in a variety of learning experiences, including classroom projects, assessments, and extracurricular activities.
The term concludes with a two-week break for spring holidays.
Term 4
The final term of the year, Term 4, begins in early October and ends in mid-December. This term is especially exciting for students as they approach the end of the school year and eagerly anticipate the summer holidays.
Term 4 typically lasts for about 9 to 10 weeks, with a two-month break for summer holidays.
It’s important to note that these dates can vary slightly between schools and regions within Victoria. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on school terms, it is recommended to visit the Department of Education and Training Victoria website or consult with your child’s school directly.
School Terms in Queensland
Term 1
The first term of the school year in Queensland typically starts in late January or early February. This term usually spans around 10 weeks, with a two-week break for the Easter holidays. It is a time when students and teachers settle into their new classes and begin their learning journey for the year ahead.
Term 2
The second term usually starts in mid-April and runs for approximately 10 weeks. It includes a one-week break for the ANZAC Day public holiday. During this term, students engage in various academic and extracurricular activities, including sports events, excursions, and assessments leading up to mid-year exams.
Term 3
The third term begins in early July and lasts for around 10 weeks. It incorporates a two-week break for the mid-year school holidays. This term is often filled with exciting events such as school performances, athletic carnivals, and parent-teacher interviews to discuss students’ progress and goals.
Term 4
The fourth and final term commences in early October and concludes in mid-December. It is the shortest term, lasting for approximately 9 weeks. This term includes a one-week break for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.
During Term 4, students are busy with end-of-year exams, graduations, and various festive celebrations as they wrap up the academic year.
For specific dates and more detailed information about school terms in Queensland, you can refer to the official website of the Queensland Government’s Department of Education. They provide up-to-date information regarding school term dates and any changes or adjustments that might occur.
School Terms in South Australia
Term 1
In South Australia, the first term of the school year typically starts in late January or early February. It is important to note that the exact start and end dates may vary slightly from year to year, so it is advisable to check with the specific school or the Department for Education for the most up-to-date information.
Term 2
The second term usually begins in late April or early May. This term is often marked by a mid-term break, commonly known as the school holidays. During this time, students get a well-deserved break from their studies and have the opportunity to recharge before the next term.
Term 3
Term 3 usually commences in mid-July. This term is typically the longest of the four terms and provides students with ample time to delve into their studies and engage in various extracurricular activities.
It is important for parents and students to plan their schedules accordingly to make the most of this term.
Term 4
The final term of the school year in South Australia typically begins in early October. It is an exciting time for students as they can look forward to end-of-year celebrations and the anticipation of a well-deserved summer break.
This term is often shorter in duration, allowing students to wrap up their studies and prepare for the upcoming summer holidays.
For more detailed information on specific school term dates, it is best to visit the official website of the Department for Education in South Australia at www.education.sa.gov.au.
School Terms in Western Australia
Term 1
The first term of the school year in Western Australia typically starts in late January or early February. Exact dates can vary depending on the school and district, so it’s always best to check with your child’s specific school for the exact start date.
Term 1 usually runs for approximately 10-11 weeks, with a two-week break for the Easter holidays.
Term 2
Term 2 generally begins in late April or early May and runs for approximately 10-11 weeks. This term is often a busy one, as students and teachers work towards completing assessments and preparing for mid-year exams.
During this term, schools may also have a week-long break known as the mid-year break, giving students a chance to rest and recharge before the second half of the year.
Term 3
The third term of the school year usually starts in mid-July and runs for approximately 10-11 weeks. This term is known for its colder weather, but it’s also a time for students to dive deeper into their studies and engage in various extracurricular activities.
Schools may also schedule a one-week break during this term, commonly known as the September holidays.
Term 4
The final term of the school year in Western Australia typically starts in early October and runs for approximately 8-9 weeks. This term is an exciting time for students as they wrap up their studies, complete any remaining assessments, and prepare for end-of-year events such as graduation ceremonies or school concerts.
Term 4 usually concludes in mid-December, signaling the start of the summer holidays.
For more specific information about school term dates in Western Australia, you can visit the official website of the Department of Education. It’s important to note that while these dates provide a general overview, schools may have slight variations in their term start and end dates, so it’s always a good idea to check with your child’s school for the most accurate information.
School Terms in Tasmania
Term 1
In Tasmania, the school year is typically divided into four terms. Term 1 usually starts in late January or early February, depending on the specific school and year level. Students return from their summer break and begin a new academic year filled with excitement and new opportunities.
The exact start date may vary slightly each year, so it’s always a good idea to check with your child’s school or the Department of Education website for the most up-to-date information.
Term 2
Term 2 in Tasmania typically begins in late April or early May. By this time, students have settled into their routines and are fully engaged in their studies. It’s a time when teachers and students continue to build upon the foundation laid in the previous term.
With the cooler weather setting in, this term often sees a focus on indoor activities and classroom learning.
Term 3
Term 3, which usually starts in mid-July, marks the halfway point of the school year in Tasmania. By this stage, students have developed a good understanding of their subjects and are beginning to prepare for assessments and examinations.
The days are noticeably shorter, but the learning continues to flourish. This term provides opportunities for students to reflect on their progress and set goals for the remaining part of the year.
Term 4
Term 4, the final term of the school year in Tasmania, typically begins in mid-October. It’s a time of excitement and anticipation as students prepare for the upcoming summer break. The days are longer, and there is a sense of accomplishment in the air.
This term often includes end-of-year celebrations, graduation ceremonies, and the opportunity for students to showcase their achievements over the past year.
It’s important to note that while these dates provide a general overview of the school terms in Tasmania, there may be slight variations between schools and regions. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check with your child’s school or visit the official website of the Department of Education Tasmania www.education.tas.gov.au.
School Terms in Northern Territory
Term 1
The first term of the school year in the Northern Territory typically begins in late January or early February. This term usually lasts for approximately 10 to 11 weeks, with a two-week break for students in April.
During Term 1, students and teachers dive into their curriculum, setting the foundation for the rest of the academic year. It’s a time of excitement as students reunite with their friends and embark on new learning adventures.
Term 2
Term 2 in the Northern Territory usually commences in late April or early May. It spans approximately 10 to 11 weeks, with a two-week break in July. The weather starts to cool down during this term, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities and excursions.
Students continue to build upon their knowledge and skills, engaging in various subjects and extracurricular activities. It’s a time when students become more independent in their learning and begin to take on new challenges.
Term 3
The third term of the school year in the Northern Territory typically starts in mid-July. It lasts for approximately 10 to 11 weeks, with a two-week break in September. By this point, students have settled into their routines and are fully immersed in their studies.
Term 3 often brings opportunities for students to showcase their talents through events such as sports carnivals, art exhibitions, and musical performances. It’s a time of growth and development as students continue to expand their knowledge and explore their interests.
Term 4
The final term of the school year in the Northern Territory usually begins in early October. It spans approximately 8 to 9 weeks, with a six-week break over the summer holidays. Term 4 is a time of reflection and celebration as students wrap up their year and prepare for the next.
It’s also a time when students may participate in end-of-year exams or assessments, demonstrating their progress and achievements. As the school year comes to a close, students and teachers look forward to a well-deserved break and the start of a new academic journey.
Conclusion
To summarize, the school calendar and term dates in Australia vary by state, but the school year generally runs from late January/early February to mid December, with long summer holidays over Christmas and New Year.
The exact start and end dates, term lengths, and holidays differ across states and territories. This guide has provided an overview of the school calendar nationally and by each state and territory in Australia.
