australian primary schools
 

HI, can anyone share any help and advise on primary schools, If and its a big if, we decide to migrate to OZ I have a 4 year old son who will be my main priority in getting settled in a school along with employment,

any info gratefully appreciated

Re: australian primary schools
 

Well, yes, Australia has primary schools - they say that they are up there by world standards but they are not UK primary schools and may appear quite different to what you expect.

Lots of variables really - what visa you come on will determine whether you pay for the privilege or not. Where you live will determine when he starts school. Then, do you want a faith based or govt school. If you give more information someone will surely be able to help.

Re: australian primary schools
 

When are you thinking of coming?

They don't really start primary school when they're 4 here. Depending on the birthday it could be just under or over age 5.

My daughter will be 5 this December and she'll be starting Prep (one level under year 1) next January.

Just wanted to warn you in case you arrive and find out it's a bit too early for your son to start school.

Re: australian primary schools
 

My son is 4 and in pre-primary at a primary school that we are very happy with. The standard of education is high and there is a very fun, enjoyable atmosphere there. The school is also very much part of the community. My son loves it there.

Re: australian primary schools
 

Hi
The school system will vary from State to State. If you're intrested in Queensland. Check out the following websites.
www.education.qld.gov.au/parents/
www.aisq.qld.edu.au
http://education.qld.gov.au/etrf/aboutprep.html

Basically, Prep is an early education program, offered in primary schools.
It's a full-time program and children attend from Monday to Friday during normal school hours, generally from 9am to 3pm.
Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they start Prep.
It is available in all Queensland state schools and most non-state schools offering a primary program.
Hope the info helps
Good luck with the 'BIG IF'!

Re: australian primary schools
 

I personally think that kids start school too young in the UK, so have been really pleased that I can just send my daughter (turned 5 a couple of weeks ago) to pre-school for a couple of days a week this year before she starts "proper school", i.e. kindy, this time next year. She could have started this year though if I wanted to send her - from what I can see a lot of ex-pats send their kids to school fairly early as that is what they're used to, the Australians often keep them in a pre-school setting until the statutory school age of 6. There is much more flexibility here which is nice so you can make a decision based on what's best for your child.