Pisces

Hi,

I have a little one who will be 4 in February, do some schools offer foundation classes ? or what age would she start school ?

Thnks

Gibbo

It all depends on what state you're going to.

Pisces

Sydney.

leigh&ivan

Hi Pisces

THis should give you the info you want...
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotosc...sionaccess.php

Leigh

AndyR1976

Schools are pretty mush similar to UK schools in NSW.

ie - they have Kindergarten from the age of about 5 - same as 'foundation' in the uK.

You then have infants and primary (years 1-6 - usually in the same school but not always, sometimes its broken into an INFANTS school and a JUNIORS school).

Year 7 is the start of High School

School Certificate (Australian equivalent of GCSE's) at the end of year 10

years 11 and 12 is called higher chool certificate (like A levels)

Many places also have 'pre-school' sort of like a cross between child care and school - attempts to get kids into the school frame of mind before they start Kindergarten (ie, socialising them, playing games, learning not to kill each other, being away from mum/dad for a few hours etc etc).

hope this helps

NickyC

Your daughter would start school in Jan/Feb 2009 just before she turns five.

Whilst there are supposedly 100 government schools with a pre-school attached (only 75 if you discount the pre-schools in aboriginal areas) this is only a tiny proportion of the (over 2,000) government schools in NSW - so I wouldn't count on there being a pre-school attached to your local school.

There are however zillions of private or council-run pre-schools which is where most people send their kids.

Pisces

Thanks very much, all makes a lot more sense now.

LisaD_uk

Hi there Pisces
Are you in Sydney or are you going to Sydney? We are hoping to go end of August-begSept. We are hoping to find a place in the hills district, how about you?
I have been looking at schools and the above link is a good one.
Hope you find what you are looking for.

Pisces

Hi Lisa,
We are in Dubai at the moment and leave for Sydney end of Sept. How are u feeling about the move. I am excited and terrified all at the same time. Busy organising movers, money and selling things so really chaotic and not getting much sleep.
Where are you staying when you arrive?

BoredinBelfast

Thanks Leigh that link is just what I have been looking for! cheers.

LisaD_uk

Hi there
We have not organised anything yet as we are waiting for our visas but as soon as we get them its all systems go!
I feel lots of different emotions, sometimes i'm so excited then the next i'm so panicky and terrified.
After planning on renting the house out we have just decided to sell with only two months to go that is giving my night mares at the moment, these things are sent to try us.

hitchcock71

hi same question really but alex turns 4 in november but

we are going to perth

also can alex go to school for free if we are on a 457???? if not how much are the fees looked on website but no info

leigh&ivan

Hi

In Perth Alex would be able to start Kindy in Feb '08. This is usually 2 full days a week but the odd school do 4 half day sessions a week.
Have a look here for more info. http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/ece/

You don't pay school fees in Perth on a 457 just the usual contributions everyone else pays.
We paid a total of £120 = £40 contributions, + £40 P&C Levy, + £40 extra for kindy/pre-primary consumables.

Leigh

hitchcock71

thanks for the info

leigh&ivan

No worries