Gunner71

I'm looking to head over to Oz in the near future and am wondering if anyone out there has some real life experience about the good and bad about teaching in Oz - particularly secondary school.

I'm sure that there's lots of good (which I'd love to hear about) but also if theres any major issues for a UK teacher. Cheers.

bra_boy

No major issues for a UK teacher providing you are confident and assertive. That is, the kids may or may not work for you, but that depends on school culture - your nationality will not be an issue.

Babsw

I think some of the terminology is lightly different but I have found it very straightforward in the school I have been in however that is a primary.I couldn't tell you if secondary is different, sorry.

Babsw

oops,meant to type slightly not lightly!

heldownunder

Teaching phonics to 5 year olds with my north west twang has been interesting.
Teachers start early and leave at 3.15 :-)
No air conditioning at work unlike the majority of professionals.

No issue with curriculum or discipline

Gunner71

Thanks for the help! I have started the wheels in motion........

galba

In WA very, very difficult to get a permanent job.

Gunner71

Hmmmm - that is kind of important!

Is that the same for all teaching posts? I was hoping that teaching Maths in secondary school might make me more in demand

KJCherokee

My son-in-law is a teacher in South Australia: he has been teaching high school for over 10 years and only got a permanent post a year ago (and had to change his speciality to get it). Prior to that he was never out of work but was employed on a casual basis i.e not paid during the holidays (his day rate when he was working was higher to compensate for this, so his annual income was about the same as if he had been permanent). The same thing for my wife's nephew (primary school) in NSW. It seems to be the way the state education departments work.

You are likely to find it easier to get a good position if you are prepared to work in a regional town rather than Perth, or any other capital city. If you are prepared to go to, say, Geralton, Albany or Broome for two or three years the education department will probably lay out the red carpet for you.

sarahjayne1812

Hi I was wondering if anyone could help me. I am a secondary school PE teacher and we are looking to move across to Australia in the near future. Could anyone give me some direction or tips on how to go about looking for/applying for jobs. I have read a few threads and jobs seem hard to come by, am I able to apply for them whilst still over here?

Thanks

Gibbo

Maths and science teachers are pretty much in demand everywhere.

Gunner71

Thanks - thats something to bear in mind. I guess I need to get in contact with someone friendly in the education dept next see whether there is any demand for my skills.

seansuperhoop

Teaching good and bad...
I can only comment for Melbourne. It is very difficult to get an on-going position at a state school. Both my wife and I were very fortunate to secure permanent positions but that was after being on contracts. It is not unusual to be a contract teacher for years. I can't really comment for the private sector.
If you are very experienced that can make it more difficult to secure a post as many jobs are for "Graduate" teachers- ie in their first couple of years of teaching.
There is little or no demand for example a "history teacher" or "geography teacher" you must be able to offer English as a specialism as well. It is important that you are fully qualified (in terms of your first degree) to teach whatever subjects you say you are qualified to teach. UK experience would count for nothing- you must have enough units completed as part of your degree in that subject.
In terms of the actual work- teaching- both my wife and I find it easier. The students ( secondary) are far more pleasant and compliant though their work ethic can sometimes be...the older students call it the "Aussie way".
The Australian system seems to follow the teaching and learning trends of the English system so there are no issues there. Best of luck.

Chris N Lora

they claim the education standards are very poor here, placed 27th in the world behind UK USA etc.

They keep claiming the kids will be falling behind with education over here .. alarm bells are ringing as I have a small child who will be educated over here, "Aussie way" yeah great as some of the Australian people I speak to at work do not understand proper English let alone history etc.


When asked do you drive on the same side of the road etc, I asked one who James cook is to Australia day they though he was a Chef, sorry but a lot of Australian' history does leave a lot to be desired!

Also a UK teacher teaching English over here would count for a lot.

Gibbo

Think you are being somewhat harsh. By the way, James Cook has nothing to do with Australia Day. That day celebrates the landing of Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet.