Filling out your Home Education Application
When it comes to completing your Home Education application in South Australia, many parents worry that they need to write pages and pages of detailed information. The good news is that this isn’t the case. Opening the link to the online form should be exciting, its another step you have taken towards homeschooling, and you should be proud for getting that far.
Also, remember that the application is not designed to catch you out or test your teaching ability. It is simply an opportunity to explain how you intend to provide a suitable education for your child. The most important thing is to be honest, genuine, and write from your own experiences and goals for your family.
All you need to do is complete the form to the best of your ability, using the knowledge you already have about your child. Remember, no one knows your child better than you do. The online form can also be saved, closed, and continued later on, which is fantastic as us parents are usually time poor or have resorted into becoming night owls just to get some stuff done.
The layout of the application:
The first section of the application covers general information and contact details for the parent or guardian applying for home education. You will also provide details about your child, including their age, interests, strengths, areas where they may need additional support, and any educational goals you have for them.
You will then be asked to outline your proposed educational program. This section gives you the opportunity to explain how your child learns best and how you plan to support their learning journey. You do not need to have every lesson planned in advance. Instead, focus on describing the resources, activities, experiences, and approaches you intend to use.
A significant part of the application involves addressing the eight learning areas of the Australian Curriculum:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
• Health and Physical Education
• The Arts
• Technologies
• Languages
For each learning area, briefly explain how your child will engage with and learn these subjects including the resources. This may include workbooks, online programs, educational games, library visits, excursions, community activities, hands-on projects, everyday life experiences, and child-led learning opportunities. (Have a look at our FREE resources guide form help)
The application will also ask for information about:
• Who will be the primary supervisor of the home education program.
• The resources and learning materials you plan to use.
• Opportunities for social interaction and community involvement.
• How you will assess and monitor your child’s progress.
• How you will review and adapt your educational program as your child grows and their needs change.
When discussing assessment, remember that this doesn’t have to look like formal school testing. Progress can be measured through observations, conversations, completed projects, work samples, photos, journals, portfolios, workbooks, and everyday learning experiences.
Most importantly, don’t overthink the application. The Home Education Unit wants to see families succeed. They understand that every homeschool looks different, and they recognise that learning can happen in many different ways. Take your time, answer each question thoughtfully, and trust yourself. The fact that you are taking the time to carefully consider your child’s education already demonstrates the dedication and commitment needed for a successful homeschooling journey.
So, are you ready to start your homeschooling journey?
If you’re feeling unsure about completing your South Australian Home Education application, I’ve created a practical PDF Planning Guide to help you every step of the way.
Inside you’ll find prompts, planning pages, learning area guides, goal-setting templates, and space to organise your ideas before completing your application.
LEARNING. GROWING. LIVING. LOVING