Aussie Dreams

Hi we are moving to Palmwoods in August 2007 and despite getting everything else pretty much sorted we still have to sort out what to do with our son. He finished his GCSE exams and his results will be posted over in Sept.

So what are his choices? We think we understand that he has to go to college or TAFE or get an apprenticeship but he has no clue as to what he wants to do.

Can anyone advise? We are really struggling with this issue what are his/our options?

Thanks

devilishdean

We move to Buderim 3 months ago.
My 17 year old son has started year 12 at mountain creek high school. He is making friends and will obtain a op so he can go to uni next year

kiwi_child

Can only suggest he sees a vocational guidance counsellor once he arrives. TAFE's and local high schools should have them. Also there is information on training, job descriptions and tasks, skills and attributes needed, work trends, salary and prospects on this website:

http://jobsearch.gov.au

There are also funding schemes for under 30s into trades etc on another gov website, but I can't think of it offhand. Try checking www.fed.gov.au Also each state government will have its own website and links you can look at.

Smartinis

Hi, we had a 16 YO son when we moved here 20 months ago, he had also just finished his GCSE's, he went back to School and is now completing year 12 and his VCE (we live in Victoria) and will go to uni next year. Australia doesn't have GCSE's,there are NO exams here at 16, most kids stay at school until 18 although not compusory and then go on to uni or TAFE. They don't really know what GCSE's are over here, although they do help getting them into good schools!!

Timber Floor Au

Gday Aussi Dreams

Our eldest son was 14 when we arrived in Australia, he is now just turned 17..
He was in mainstream school in uk, and within 1st yr of GCSE's if my memory serves me correct.

When we got here, we just plonked him in school..

The stigma ( within Uk ) of finishing school at 16 and then getting a job, doesnt really apply in similar fashion in australia.

More emphasis seems to be on, education via continuous assesment.. leading to OP's hopefully.. then TAFE ( or a combination ) and perhaps Uni.

If when you arive he is still 16, then he is I am sure eligible for enrolment into school.. to do 1 or perhaps 2 more years of schooling...

This isnt as daft as it sounds, and im sure he will thank you for it..

1. he automatically is in a social network, contrary to some crap you hear, kids really do adapt very quickly.
2. he will be out from under your feet, and within a controlled environment, giving you and your kin some stability.

Furthermore, for kids .. to decide on what vocation.. at an age of 16 in Australia, its nigh on impossible, whereas Uk it always seemed, so easy to say.. leave at 15.. join Ford, or whatever etc..

Over here, he will need to adapt to the Australian System, and gain confidence, and thats where school has massive benefits..
If he is good academically, he could also enrol into a tafe course, in conjunction with school, simultaneously..

Also he will need to get his subjects in order, based on the aussie system.. I think

Anyways thats my bit on the matter, good luck to you guys

Steve

Aussie Dreams

Thanks everyone for the info very much pointing us in the right direction.

Reassuring information we were very worried about the social aspect for a 16yr old.

And Steve best post by far so you get the booby prize!