emigrating to australia for a couple of years - advice? Post Reply

[confusedaboutchoices]

We are considering moving to Sydney for two years....hubbies job would start in June...

Does anyone have any advice to give? Love to hear from someone who did this.

The job would only be for 2 years then we'd be back.

My main questions are really about schooling and wether moving from one schooling system to another would cause any problems. Because Australia's school year starts in January and I believe they don't start school till they are a year older than here so I'm not sure how we work out what year they would need to slot in...a friend said if they are in year2 then thats equivalent to year 1 in OZ.

I'm obviously concerned if they have to slot back into a year whether it would mean that they are 'behind' when they get back. I"m not a 'pushy parent' but don't want to do something that will mean that they have a lot to catch up on.

They are currently in state school because I want them to mix with people from all backgrounds and I want them to go to the local school so they are friends with local children. I really like their school, friends and being walking distance to their friends.

Is it a similar thing with state schools in Oz or because housing will be more spread out then are state schools less 'local' anyway? (imagine latter?)

We also need to work out when they start school....eihter June and we all go together so they start second semester of the Australian school year OR hubbie goes in June and we follow at Christmas so that they start the new school in the new school year...this would also mean when we come back they can slot into the new school year in September here....but obviously means being without their dad for nearly 7 months...

Sorry for long post!!! Any thoughts on schooling and how we transition them or any other thoughts very welcome! Thank you!

[Lulumoo]

Hi there, an Aussie teacher here, living in London.
Which part of Australia are you moving to? I can speak for Sydney. Sydney local schools are wonderful. Teachers are very hard-working and aim to cater for all abilities. You are right when saying Year 2 is about the equivalent to Year 1. This does not mean your children will be behind. Our formal schooling begins with Kindergarten, which is a bit like Year 1 in England, therefore Year 1 in Australia is like Year 2 in England. Our reception is pre-school. The content will be of the same standard. In fact, Australia does use some British Curriculum standards.
Children begin school at the end of January but will usually accommodate for late starters at any time of the year. Class sizes are smaller than the UK which allows for more small group and one-on-one learning experiences.
Public schools (this is what you would call a state, local or government school) are very multicultural and vary depending on which area you are living in. Children are very welcoming when new students begin and often argue over who is going to be their new friend. Schools offer LOTE (languages other than English) such as the choice between learning Mandarin or Italian which can continue through to high school. Some schools have a specialist teacher such as an Art teacher, Science, PE, Music or IT or more than one specialist.
I love teaching in Sydney and I am so glad to be taking our 3 year old back soon as I'd prefer her to attend school there. Perhaps I'm a little bias, but in my opinion, schools are fantastic back home!
I hope this helps to reassure you. Good luck and all the best! I bet you'll end up staying longer than 2 years