Hello,

Hubby has worked in 2 rural schools here in WA.

One school had high percentage of Aborigine. Therefore had extra support staff and more facilities and funds.

The second school, has less support staff but has good results and no problems. Facilities are not fantastic but he has not seen what annie apple describes.

Also regarding PLATWA, I do look in and read. However some of there information is not what we have experienced in rural schools. Im not sure why, maybe overseas 457 teachers are being managed separate.

Eg, one post very negative of country teaching and mentions that its costly if your kids take ill and have to go to Perth. You can not use PATS scheme. Bull, Ive just spent 2wks in Perth Kids hospital using PATS scheme. Anyone living 100km away from Perth can use PATs and use Ronald McDonald House to stay in. (Must have UK/Ireland medicare agreement card)
Also I have used 2 country hospitals and they have been very good.

Also says you will be living in a desert and in a caravan etc. Terrible housing conditions, I have heard this before regarding OZ country teachers.
We have however found the complete opposite and lived in two rural towns so far. First tiny little town, but it was on the coast 9 half hours away from Perth. Our house was a newish 4 bedroom,2 bathroom,double garage, large garden.
Second town is bigger and again on the coast, this time we are on new upmarket estate and we are in new 4 bed,2 bathroom,double garage,large garden, large workshop house. Also other overseas teachers have been put on this estate.
This is not what the OZ teachers say on PLATWA, and I know several teachers on the scheme in various towns. These are Manjimup,Australind (near Bunbury), Northam,Esperance,Carnarvon, Geraldton.
I have heard Karratha has housing shortage, due to miners taking best housing.

PLATWO is very good site, but sometimes they have been negative of overseas teachers. Also some posts have been way over the top regarding country service.
Im not disputing it, but on the 457 scheme we have not had the experiences they mention. However we are not Australian teaching graduates and they may have different experiences and placements.

I agree with lots of stuff on PLATWO regarding teachers need better pay and conditions etc. However feel some of their comments are unfair of the 457 scheme.

The scheme is not for everyone, and I know teachers who went back home. But we must have some balance, hearing the very worst and good on country teaching in WA.

Gems

One of the reasons I applied to WA instead of another state, is that relatives working in QLD had told me of the horrible conditions they were put through on their compulsory rural placement. (I think it is something they make Aussie graduate tecahers do?) Tales of caravans and teaching via CB radio abounded.
I have heard much nicer things about WA and have to say so far, everyone I have dealt with has been nothing but clear and helpful.

That said I am yet to leave, but first impressions count and so far they are positive.

I want to add a comment, as well to the other thread started who called Australia backwards as they don't assess pupils as much and because there is less paperwork - well good on Australia if that's the case.
This doesn't sound backwards to me at all, instead it sounds like teaching!
As has been said many many times, weighing the baby again and again, doesn't make it heavier.

Have a read of some of the posts by LollyNo1
http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=46444

She moved to South Australia and ended up in a very very small community in a rual outback school. Very revealing.

Oh - and Carnarvon and Port Hedland aren't really that big. The are very remote, and you should be sure you know what you're getting yourself into, especialy on the weather front

Port Hedland would not be a good place to be sent to. It has high crime, is full of dust and is miles from anywhere but still not classed as remote.

Read up on the places. Also - you will not get placed in Bunbury. The only way for overseas teachers to get a job here is merit-select, ie not 457. The nearest place to Bunbury that you might get placed is somewhere like Collie.

Info on rural teaching I know it does not strictly apply to you but on the second page is a larger list of rural areas. (including warren- blackwood, which is where i teach, by choice.... love the region)

A lot of West Australian graduates have to "do their time" in the rural areas. I know it isnt the ideal place to work for a lot of people but thats where we need the teachers. Good luck with it all!