Schools in Australia are divided into three main levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education typically starts at age five and lasts for seven years, while secondary education follows for another six years. Most students attend public schools, which are funded by the government, but there are also private and independent schools that charge fees. The Australian education system emphasizes a broad curriculum, including subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and History. Additionally, many schools offer extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and arts to promote well-rounded development. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen.