If your child is experiencing ongoing refusal and stress related to school attendance, you may be considering homeschooling.
We understand this can feel overwhelming as there is a lot to consider, such as how to meet the same standards of qualified teachers with fewer resources, and the potential loss of income.
However, homeschooling can also provide many benefits as it doesn’t need to mirror traditional schools. While the WA curriculum is required, homeschooling offers flexibility and creativity, enabling parents and carers to build lessons around their child’s interests in a familiar, comfortable environment.
If you’re considering alternative education options, this guide will provide a clearer perspective on homeschooling and help you determine if it could be the right fit for your child.
What is homeschooling and how do I start?
Homeschooling is an alternative form of education where parents or carers take on the role of primary educators, teaching their children at home rather than sending them to a traditional school. This approach allows for a flexible learning environment, tailored to the child’s individual pace, interests, and learning style.
In Western Australia, homeschooled children still follow the WA curriculum, and parents and carers work with a Department of Education moderator who provides guidance and ensures that educational requirements are met.
To become a home educator, you must register by contacting your local education regional office. The office will provide you with a form that you can complete and lodge in person. You need to produce a copy of your child’s birth certificate or extract, and any court orders. If your registration is approved, you will be given a certificate of registration.
Homeschooling and the WA curriculum
As a home educator, you will need to develop a curriculum program that meets the requirements of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority Act 1997.
For students from Kindergarten to Year 10, the topics below can be taught in a hands-on, practical way without relying heavily on theory:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Humanities and social sciences (including history, geography, civics and citizenship and economics and business)
- The arts
- Languages
- Health and physical education
- Technologies
There are many opportunities across WA that offer low-demand activities that align with the WA curriculum. Each of these activities can support key learning areas while encouraging your child’s curiosity. Here’s how homeschooling can come to life in the Perth metropolitan area:
Perth Zoo
A visit to the Perth Zoo provides a chance to dive into environmental science, observe habitats, and even practice time management by reading maps, checking event times, and using parking meters.
Curriculum links: Biology, Environment, English, Geography, History
Scitech
Scitech is a powerhouse of STEM learning with hands-on exhibits. From space to robotics, there are opportunities to engage with scientific concepts, strengthen math skills, and improve social interaction.
Curriculum links: Science, Technology, English, Maths, History
Urban bushlands and nature reserves
Exploring bushlands teaches children about local flora and fauna, Noongar seasons, and ecosystems. Signposts along trails can help with reading and understanding the region’s unique biodiversity, while walks keep children active and engaged with health education. Various urban bushlands and nature reserves can be found across the Perth metropolitan area, including those in the City of Stirling, the City of South Perth, and the City of Gosnells.
Curriculum links: Science, Environment, English, Health and Physical Education
Coastal walks and beachcombing
A walk along the beach can be a lesson in marine biology and environmental science. Learn about migratory species like humpback whales or identify beach finds with resources like the West Coast Beachcombing Field Guide.
Curriculum links: Environment, Health and Physical Education
Citizen Science projects
There are various Citizen Science projects available that teach children how to gather data, complete forms, and analyse different scientific explorations. Projects such as those offered by Scitech, the Conservation Council of WA, and National Geographic provide activities that help promote social skills and civic responsibility while allowing participants to explore geology and environmental science.
Curriculum links: Science, Maths, Civics and Citizenship
Containers for Change
Collect cans and bottles to recycle, then take them to Containers for Change refund points to redeem for cash. This teaches children about recycling, basic maths, and how waste impacts the environment.
Curriculum links: Maths, Environment, Civics and Citizenship
Gardening and growing vegetables
Gardening is a great way to learn about science, math, and environmental awareness while also promoting healthy eating habits. Whether your child chooses to garden at home or join a community garden nearby, they can engage in activities such as measuring plant growth and understanding the food cycle.
Curriculum links: Maths, Science, Health
Jandakot Airport’s public viewing area
Count take-offs and landings at Jandakot Airport and use the FlightAware app to track aircraft data. This is a great way to incorporate real-life maths skills and explore aviation history.
Curriculum links: History, Maths, Science
Online learning – YouTube
YouTube channels like NASA, and National Geographic offer curriculum-aligned content in science, history, and more. Videos can be a great option for visual learners and bring complex concepts to life.
Curriculum links: All areas
Cooking together
Cooking is a great way to teach important concepts like measurement, chemistry, and food production, all while enjoying delicious meals together. You can download the Foodbank’s free cookbook, Best of Healthy Recipes for All, or check out their other recipes and resources.
Curriculum links: Maths, Science
Art Gallery of WA
The Art Gallery of WA offers a cultural education on art history and visual storytelling, inspiring creativity and discussion about technique and cultural significance.
Curriculum links: Art, History, Languages
Museums and parks
Museums provide immersive learning experiences across a range of subjects. Each destination offers unique exhibits that support history, science, and art.
- Museum of Natural History, Guildford: Biology, History
- WA Shipwrecks Museum, Fremantle: History, Science, English
- Railway Museum, Bayswater: History, Science, Arts, English
- Kings Park and Botanic Garden: Environment, Physical Education, History
- Whiteman Park: History, Social Interaction, Physical Education
- Mundaring Weir Dam: Environmental Science, History
Parents and carers can also find various remote learning resources on the Department of Education website, covering education levels from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Tips for keeping records of homeschool activities
To document your efforts and provide evidence of a well-rounded education, take photos, collect pamphlets, save maps, and track these experiences. Keeping records of these activities will demonstrate to the Department of Education your efforts to provide varied and engaging environments with conscious awareness of education potential. What moderators will be seeking is evidence of a rich learning environment and progress across the curriculum.
The Department of Education will provide a more comprehensive list of activities and ways to gather evidence once your application to register for homeschooling is approved. They will also provide you with a ‘Welcome to Home Education” document with tips and information to get you started.
Financial assistance for parents and carers who homeschool
In Australia, registering to homeschool is free. However, home educators generally do not receive specific government subsidies for homeschooling. Some families may qualify for the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) payment if their child meets certain conditions. Eligibility for the AIC payment requires that the child meets at least one of these criteria:
- Lives in a geographically isolated area
- Has special education needs
- Has no reasonable access to a government school
Additionally, Centrelink may grant exemptions from work requirements for parents and carers who homeschool. If you’re already receiving other Centrelink benefits, like the Carers Allowance, you may also receive the AIC payment.
To help you navigate these options, we’ve compiled a list of financial supports available for parents and carers.
Click here to explore our list of financial supports.
Homeschooling can be a suitable option for children with disability, allowing them to learn at their own pace, explore personal interests, and discover their unique needs. You might like to contact Home Education WA for more information about homeschooling.
For additional support, you’re welcome to book a free Pathway Planning session with our team. In these sessions, our Peer Navigators will guide you towards the information you need and provide personalised support.
Click here to book a Pathway Planning session.
If you’re interested in learning about other early schooling options, click here to find out more.
To find out more about our services and supports, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team.
We hope this information supports you in finding the best schooling options to help your child thrive in their learning journey.
