New to this site. I was just wondering if Libby1971 still posts on here. If so I've watched you on WDU repeats and was wondering if I could ask you some questions about Australian Education?

Thanks Lynn

Not sure but she is a moderator on pomsinadelaide.com. Try there!

Last online in May - you can contact her throiugh her profile here - http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=42809

I know Libby well . She is on hols at the moment - due to return tomorrow. Am meeting her at the beach tomorrow - so will let her know
Nick
x

Thanks for that.
Lynn

Thankyou I'll try her profile.
Lynn

That would be great, thankyou.
Lynn

Just passed the message onto Libby.

Hello! I am back from my hols and Nick indeed tell me...she said someone on BE was looking for me. It scared me to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How can I help?

Hello Libby,

Hope you all enjoyed your holiday?

Lots of concerns at the moment as you can imagine, haven't long started the whole process.We can only apply for a Business owner visa 4 year temp. visa until we start a business and provide 2 years accounts.

I've read lots of comments on education good and bad. I was wondering what your thoughts about Australian education are compared to UK. Oldest finishes GCSE exams 2010 , youngest in year 8. Do schools offer support if needed. Also do you know how I can find out costs of education because we will have to pay towards the cost because of temp visa. What are class sizes?

You are on WDU repeats again tomorrow, have you all settled down to life in
Australia.

Sorry I have so many questions.

Thanks lynn.

WARNING: MEGA HUGE POSTING

Hello Lynn

My holidays were great, just what I needed with nothing to do but sit, walk on the beach, read, spend time with the kids and the dogs, etc. Lovely.

Australian education? Well the focus is different I think. Here instead of focusing on the academic side of things to the detriment of everything else, there is a focus on ensuring that the children are able to socialise and a more holistic approach. There is a real value to non- academic studd especially in primary. I think it works well although the fact there are no league tables or SATs results to go by takes some getting used to. There are some national maths and numeracy tests but results are unpublished which removes the element of competition. I think it makes sure kids are less stressed which I believe is a very good thing. I remember my youngest sobbing her heart out because she believed she would get good marks for her year 2 SATs. At high school, acheivements in sports, and music are well thought of.

Regarding costs for education, I think it will depend on what school you choose to send you children to and where it is. We moved to SA because it had the feel we were looking for and the climate we wanted. Like anywhere, there are expensive schools and the not so expensive and there are varying reputations amongst them. I have found that just because somewhere is expensive in terms of a private des not mean it is any good. The most shocking examples of appalling behaviour came not from a class of year 11 boys where some were on drugs and had all sorts of complicated issues but from a class of year 11 priveleged boys (sp?) at a school with one of the best reputations.

The bills have just arrived for the 2009 academic year and it varies according to what year group your child is on and the subjects they have chosen to do. Our costs are currently about $600.00 a year for a year 11 and a year 7 student. It may be more and I should hope that others who may read this thread may also be able to offer some indication of costs around the country. Private schools are much higher and you will need to buy everything including not only the uniform but also textbooks although there are booksales each year so that you can buy one that might have been used the year before. School trips costs are compulsory and there are charges for photocopying and other admin. I have copied the charges information from my school website to show what the students at my school have to pay.


FEES 2009
Tuition Fees
Year Level Annual Fee
Years 8 and 9 $7,000
Year 10 $7,500
Years 11 and 12 $8,050

Boarding Fee
Boarding Years 7 to 12 $15,160 per year (excl GST on food)

International Students
Tuiton fee $13,100
Boarding fee $21,000 (includes food and accommodation)

Other fees are payable for different year levels, including:

Facility fee
Information and learning technology fee
Capital fee
Discounts
There is a 10% reduction in tuition fees for the second child, 20% reduction in tuition fees for the third child, and a 30% reduction in tuition fees for the forth and subsequent children attending Loreto College at the same time.

In addition, the College offers a comprehensive scholarship program and provides bursaries and other assistance to families during times of hardship.

Payment Options
Three payment options are available:

In full by the end of February;
Three equal instalments due February, May and August;
Ten monthly instalments from February to November, inclusive.
Payment Methods
The College accepts payments via the following methods:




Support is offered although the process varies from the UK and I think it is not as well funded. Again, it varies from school to school regardless of cost and therefore my advice on this is to phone around and ask to see the Special Needs Co-ordinator to have a chat.

Again class sizes vary. It very much depends upon how many people have chosen to take the subject. I had a year 10 class of 16 students in the second semester compared to 29 year 9s which for this private school is huge.

I don't think there is much difference at primary school in terms of the education offered. I also think that at secondary level, it might take a while to get there but in the end it levels out to roughly the same standard. I am not worried about my children's education.

And finally, I would say, don't worry. When you get here, find your feet in terms of housing and areas to live and then start worrying about schools. And go round to as many as you can. We went round to the schools in our areas with the girls on their own. And the questions they wanted to have answers to were asked either by them or us. And then they had their say first when we discussed it at home. Both girls chose well I think. Both go to state schools, the high school has a fantastic reputation and the subjects offered are ones that could have been created for her. None of the private schools anywhere near us offer her the animal studies and marine biology course she is doing next year.

I hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Libby1971;7182145]Hello! I am back from my hols and Nick indeed tell me...she said someone on BE was looking for me. It scared me to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah its all the men you loved and left in the uk - isn't it babes.

Hello Libby

Thanks for all the information, hopefully one less thing to worry about. I'll keep in touch.


Lynn