Australian handwriting styles by state
Each Australian state and territory teaches its own handwriting style. ChalkBee's handwriting generator prints all five, using Google's free Australian school fonts, so letters, words, sentences and name tracing sheets match the alphabet on your classroom wall with nothing to install. Pick your state:
| State or territory | Style | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| NSW, ACT | NSW Foundation Style Edu NSW ACT Foundation | Aa Bb Ff Kk Tt Yy |
| QLD | Queensland Beginners Alphabet Edu QLD Beginner | Aa Bb Ff Kk Tt Yy |
| VIC, WA, NT | Victorian Modern Cursive Edu VIC WA NT Beginner | Aa Bb Ff Kk Tt Yy |
| SA | South Australian Modern Cursive Edu SA Beginner | Aa Bb Ff Kk Tt Yy |
| TAS | Tasmanian Modern Cursive Edu TAS Beginner | Aa Bb Ff Kk Tt Yy |
Why the style matters
Children copy exactly what they see. If a worksheet uses a book font with a two-storey a or g, or a different state's k or f, beginners practise a shape their teacher will then ask them to unlearn. Matching the practice sheet to the school style keeps the model consistent from the alphabet strip to the handwriting book to homework.
The styles differ most in a handful of letters and in how and when joins are introduced. In the samples above, compare the lowercase b, f, k and t: the Victorian f drops below the line, the NSW k has a loop, and the Tasmanian t curves away at the foot. Families who move interstate often notice their child's letters suddenly look "wrong" at the new school, which is why printing in the right style matters for parents too.
New to handwriting fonts? Read the best fonts for teaching handwriting, or go straight to name tracing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do Australian states teach different handwriting?
Handwriting is set by each state and territory, and the styles were developed separately. Australia now has five beginner styles, and most have a print, pre-cursive and cursive stage. Children who move interstate often meet a different style.
Which style should I use?
Use the style your school teaches. If you are a parent or home educator, match the style of the local school, or pick one and stick with it. The letters are similar enough that consistency matters more than the choice.
Do I need to install the fonts?
No. ChalkBee uses Google's free Australian school fonts, which load in the browser, so every sheet prints in the right style on any computer.