The Education in China and Australia

The education in China and Australia has different kinds of system. They share many similarities in students studying, such as the system structure, the study atmosphere, and the educational policy. However, there are also a few differences between these two countries.
First of all, the structure in China and Australia has some similarities and differences. It is similar that both of these two countries' students have to study for 12 years until they enter the university. However, in Australia, student have study a total of 12 years. Most children start in the primary school with the age of 5 years and the child studies in the primary school until they are around 13 years old. After that, the students go to the secondary school with 12 years old, and they are compulsorily required to stay to year 10. Then, the students receive a junior high school certificate and go to the high school in year 10 to 12. Compared to China, the difference is students start school study in age of 6 or 7. The school study contains 3 parts, primary school for 6 years, middle school for 3 years, and high school for 3 years. Primary school and middle school are compulsory, but high school study is optional.
Another striking difference of the education between China and Australia is the study atmosphere. In China, the classroom atmosphere is formal whereas the Australian classroom atmosphere is informal. For example, Chinese students are not allowed to ask questions in class. All of what they do is listen to the teacher carefully, answer questions exactly and remember every word said by the teacher. On the contrary in Australia, students have more time to discuss and more chances to get answers. Furthermore, whereas Chinese classes don't have a great deal of interaction between students but Australian classes do.
Moreover, the educational policy in China and Australia is also different. In China, it is common to have a teacher standing in front of students, and demonstrate a skill for them. The students then copy it. In Australia, however, teachers usually are not involved in the activity itself. Students learn the knowledge by doing, by interacting with other students, and by their own initiative. The teacher is more of a facilitator than an instructor.
In summary, while China and Australia offer similar information about the education of these two countries, they differ widely in the whole study system. For students wishing to have a better education, or those after an open and relaxing environment, the education in Australia would be an better choice. However, for those seeking an examination-oriented education, China would be perhaps be more suitable.