Homeschooling in Victoria

Part-time (or partial enrolment in school) is an option for homeschooling in Victoria. However you will need to negotiate this with your individual schools. To begin you need a homeschooling Victoria registration letter when you apply for your part-time school application. Find out more about part-time homeschooling in Victoria.

There are no specific restrictions on travelling and homeschooling in Victoria.

To get registered to homeschool in Victoria it is free. You don’t get a specific government subsidy to homeschool but some families are eligible for the isolated children’s scheme.

Centrelink also gives some exemptions to the educating parent from working when you homeschool.

What will cost you money is curriculum and external lessons like music and other activities such as swimming lessons. In some states there are specific allowances for families that can be claimed by homeschool parents.

Here are some additional tips for single parent homeschooling in Victoria.

You can homeschool on a tight budget, or you can go crazy expensive.  Here are some things to think about when trying to work out the real cost of homeschooling.

No! When homeschooling in Victoria you only need to ensure you teach in all the eight key learning areas.

1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Humanities and Social Science – Includes: history, geography, politics and civics
5. The Arts – Includes: visual arts, dancing and music
6. Health and Physical Education
7. Technologies
8. Languages

The education plan also needs to be age appropriate and demonstrate that lessons are regular and efficient.

However, you have a lot of flexibility and you can apply for exemptions in some subjects – for example languages.

Victorian schools use the Victorian Curriculum which is a version of the Australian Curriculum . The VRQA provides planning templates which recommend the Victorian Curriculum as a useful planning tool.

You do not need to buy a curriculum however many homeschooling in Victoria choose to, especially when they first start. It’s much easier to register and all of the syllabus is planned out for you with all the Key Learning Areas addressed.

Purchased programs also help collect samples for when you submit a report if you get selected for a Victoria homeschool planning reviews.

Homeschooling has flexible hours, and generally is more efficient, so you will still have loads of time to pursue your child’s interests.

Absolutely! If you want to make up your own curriculum you can.

There VRQA have homeschool planning templates to help you DIY your curriculum.

Even if you are unschooling you will need to do an educational plan that covers the first year of registration.

Many parents who are homeschooling in Victoria have children with special needs. Home education allows you to adapt your curriculum to your child’s special needs.

The Victorian Government also has various support services for families with special needs.

Here is some more information on homeschooling children with special needs.

Homeschooling in Victoria for Year 11 and 12 will not provide you with a VCE, however your children can study for a VCE alternative.

However your children can still complete an VCE alternative and get an ATAR to use for university entry if needed, or they can continuing homeschooling up till the age of 17 without seeking a formal qualification. After the age of 17 you can follow your chosen course of study without any government restrictions. You can stop homeschooling altogether if you like.

Year 11 and 12 Qualifications

Year 10 is the last grade we provide at My Homeschool. However, we do offer resources to help you explore possibilities – and there are many – after you complete Year 10.

They include:

• Selecting The Next Best Step – This guide helps you navigate the various pathways available to students who have already completed their Year 10 studies. We look at: university entry without an ATAR, DIY Year 11 & 12, TAFE, apprenticeships, and gaining international qualifications.
• Curating A Senior High School Course – Here you’ll get ideas on how you can prepare your own DIY curriculum for a non-accredited Year 11 and 12 course of study. We have information on: when you can stop homeschooling, how to put your own curriculum together, and what subjects to choose. Our curated subject lists include English, mathematics, science, geography, history, foreign languages, technology, creative arts and PDHPE. You can craft an individualised curriculum from these lists.
• Preparing Academic Transcripts – We teach you how to prepare your own professional transcripts to demonstrate your record of learning. We also provide examples, a template and tips on creating portfolios.

When you finish with My Homeschool Year 10B you’ll have many options. You and your teen can create your own strategy and make informed decisions for the future.

This resource is part of our Year 10B course and is only available to families who have purchased our Year 10B curriculum. It is not sold separately.

Your child can still go to university. In fact they can probably get there earlier than if they went through the normal school system.

All four of my children went to university at 16. One became a medical doctor at 22 years old, and another got his Masters degree at 21.

I can tell you many other university success stories. Read about homeschooling and university here.

• Home Education Australia (HEA)
• Muslim Home Education Network Australia
• Home Education Network (HEN)

• Other Victorian homeschooling regional groups can be found on Facebook groups but there are too many to list. Try also searching a group in your local area.

The My Homeschool Community is also a place that offers support for homeschooling in Australia.

• We provide a virtual home educator’s staff room for all our members which includes:
• newsletter, workshops and special offers
• free courses including our How to Homeschool course
• registration templates and self-paced registration help for members
• community forums for members only

If you need more help please contact us to make an enquiry or book a call.

You will find the  VRQA structured learning template and sample plans here.

You can also use a prepared plan like the ones we have at My Homeschool.

After you send in your form it can take a few weeks. However, it may take a little longer if they need to ask questions about your application or ask for some extra information. In most cases you will be approved for registration and sent a registration certificate. Registration is continuous.

On the rare occasion that you are not approved you can contact HEN and ask for help  (This is a support body for Victorian home educators).

“A small portion (around 10 per cent) of families will be selected each year for a review of their home schooling arrangements. In a review, a parent will be asked to show that the eight key learning areas are being regularly and efficiently addressed and provide some evidence of educational progress. Evidence of progress might include samples of student work or NAPLAN results if available. Parents are still able to change or experiment with different teaching styles, as long as the eight key learning areas continue to be addressed.” VRQA