The terms used here in Australia for school are different than what I'm used to (in the US) I'm hoping someone can provide me general information such as:

- what is first - kinder or prep? at what age can children start kinder (or prep). Are either of these optional (I'm not asking about home schooling, only when are children required by law to start school)

- what is the first year of school called? at what age do children start this first year?

- when someone says "junior school" - what school years/ages are they talking about?

- What's Form 1, Form 2, etc. and when does "Form..." end and become Year 7, Year 8, etc.?

- What years are considered "high school"?

- What years focus on VCE preparation?

- What is the last year of school?

- DS was born on 12 Dec 2010 - what year will he be expected to start school?

Thanks!