This is something like my experience with Canada and kids. We came here when my son went into 6th grade, Middle School, and I got in a panic as he had no homework, no pressure and little or no consequences if he did damn all...He’s graduating this year and has done a mixture of courses including Art in this final year!... and a number of IB courses. He has enough academic stress to keep him focused. He applied earlier this year to 5 universities and was accepted by them all, so I’m quite contented. He has enjoyed his school years and is generally happy.

With regard to after school activities I must give a shout out to the Cadet Programme, my son started at age 12 and has had the time of his life in it, whether they decide to go to Air, Sea or Army...the cadet programme delivers fun, education, fitness and a lifetime of memories. My kid was part of the honour guard for Chris Hadfield, has made it five years running to the biathlon finals, so they taught him to ski and shoot, he has been away every summer to camp - 3 of them being six weeks courses in other parts of Canada, he can play various musical instruments...the list of the available avenues, dependent on his interests, that he could have taken are endless and it has cost my family the total sum of zero dollars, other than the fact we volunteer for them tirelessly, as it’s SUCH an amazing programme. He ages out this year as a Warrant Officer First Class and will, with luck, have his Pilots License, self confidence and a gazillion transferable skills …It has just been a Hugh positive aspect of our move to Canada.

Moving to Canada is not easy and it can place a hard mental toll on your family and sense of self, I’d lived in a few countries prior to coming and have found the transition here to be the hardest...it’s odd, as they speak English and eat crumpets, you’d think it might be easier to settle and it’s not always the case. You really need to give yourself time and be super supportive to each other.

As for being Welsh! I am told on a daily basis that I am “Australian, Irish or Scottish” none of which apply...I sound just like the very annoying Shula on the Archers, we are practically interchangable....I am now just ‘foreign’ It’s most frustrating

Very best of luck, I wish you and your family every success