Not Stated (NS). Teenage Life in Australia Australians consider the ages of 12 to 17 as teenagers. After leaving school and turning 18 an Australian is an adult. Australians have a 13-year schooling system with a pre-school year. Students start primary school when they turn six and continue for seven years. High school begins in year 8 and continues through to year 12. The school year begins in January and ends in November or December when summer begins in Australia. Each school decides how many subjects a student can take, somewhere between five and seven. English and Mathematics are com- pulsory. Students choose the subjects that will continue until graduation. Distance education can be arranged. Students living on the islands do all their schooling through distance education. Every school has a school uniform. Most uniforms are similar and differ in colour. Many teens take part-time work at the local supermarket or fast-food res- taurant. Teens under 16 can't work more than 12 hours