benj1980

I know of people on teacher forums who have been successful!

On 05/03/2024 at 12:22, Blue Manna said:

They did have a bad fly year this year and the end of last. Made the papers. Something about it not raining early enough for the dung beetles.

Normally two weeks in November they're really bad and calms down again a bit...

I live south Mandurah and feel very lucky to do so. Yes, there are some rougher areas of Mandurah but that's every city. If I were to move, I would go further south towards maybe Dunsborough, Busselton or Margeret River but you won't get anything in that price range. Instead, we like to pop down for long weekends and it is only a couple of hours away. My area has a community feel, many of us know each other but we are 20 minutes away from the train that takes you to Perth as well. I feel we have a good balance.

On 26/02/2024 at 17:00, KarenC said:

Morning all.

Sorry to jump in to add to this older thread. I'm a 32 year old Biology/Science teacher currently working and living in Scotland with 5 years experience but feeling like it's time for a change.
Having searched through various countries and then states, I was thinkin WA seems like possibly the best fit for me. I'd be doing this totally on my own and I was wondering if anyone else here had done the same and what my chances of being successful and getting permanent work or just generally jobs was like in my subject. Obviously being a scientist I tend to overthink everything and I don't want to talk myself out of it before I really get started. Thanks in advance!

You would obtain work when registered no problem. There's a shortage of teachers. You would have to decide on type of visa that you wish to acquire. 189 permanent visa has the most paperwork but arguably the best visa. However if it is just you, you could come over on a 482 temporary visa which the education department are sponsoring there's a pathway to permanency. 

UK, Ireland, Canada and South Africa qualified teachers - Department of Education

The religious private schools you don't necessarily have to be 'Catholic' to obtain a place or any other denomination for the others, just respect the values of the school. In terms of the price as it is Primary, sometimes these private schools are cheaper than the Government schools they can choose to waiver additional fees and I have known this to be the case on a few occasions. 

15 hours ago, Dancha85 said:

That’s to have my skills assessed isn’t it? 

Yes. If you had gone through a SCITT it may have been easier to gain a 482 visa. SCITTs are hit and miss whether they get accepted - not enough academic rigour (which I think is bull I might add!)

12 hours ago, Dancha85 said:

It was at a Uni, I just went on placement to schools so not a SCITT

That is easier to be accepted through AITSL.

1 hour ago, Dancha85 said:

I haven't always been a teacher, but being Maths in the UK has its advantages. However I am also not too young so want to get it started before its too late. I am 38 at the moment and I think that gives me 25 points for age. 

I did a 3 year degree followed by a PGCE so presume that is ok?

Was it at Uni or through a SCITT?

On 16/02/2024 at 01:18, Haydn Drake said:

I'm not 100% sure why I needed a notary signature, it was suggested by my migration agent to support my application, essentially just said these are the modules I did at university, these are the ones that were accredited by the university and how they met the standards, screenshots of the module handbook etc. Basically, proving my SCITT was the same level as a straight PGCE approach. 

Interesting, I haven't heard of that being acceptable before. I wonder if there is a softening of stance from AITSL?

On 04/02/2024 at 22:30, Rosie P said:

Awesome, thanks for the reply. Is there still a desperate need for teachers in WA?

Yes still a shortage, that won't change any time soon!

1 hour ago, Rosie P said:

Hey there.

This thread is pretty old but I'm hoping you can help me out a little bit.

Is there still a struggle to obtain teachers in schools in WA? My husband is an Indian citizen but is completing his PGCE in the UK. We wanna apply for the skilled migrant visa on completion of his course.

Do you know if it's necessary for teachers to have 'work experience' in order to get the visa, or can he apply as a 'fresher' so to speak. Even though he will have been in a school setting for the 4 year duration of his course, I guess it doesn't count as work. 

Id appreciate your help so much as I'm unable to find an answer anywhere. Cheers!

 

Experience can help with points in your designated occupation but in terms of being registered to teach in WA, no problem.

On 17/10/2023 at 14:39, Haydn Drake said:

Finally today received my positive skills assessment! It took 6 months as opposed to 6 weeks and I had to to back and forth with AITSL about my qualification and get a statutory declaration, (which cost me an extra £200 for a notary to sign, I'm in the wrong business!), but it all worked out in the end! At one point it seemed dead in the water as they requested documents I couldn't provide but my migration agent was brilliant, if you're a SCITT and unsure of how to proceed I'd highly suggest getting a Migration agent as they know how to word letters etc. I'm using TrueBlue, can't fault them tbh. Onto the English test now!  

Just re-reading this. Impressive to get a successful AITSL assessment. What did you need to notary signature for? And yes we are both in the wrong business!

2 hours ago, ramot said:

Husband and I are planning a visit to south of Perth, obviously the Margaret River and perhaps further south or only a little way inland, for approximately 2 weeks from15th February - 29th February. We have booked the last 4 nights in Bunker Bay, catching up with friends, and will drive around the local area. We have visited Perth several times so don’t need to spend time there, any suggestions please for the first week, preferably in the south of Perth, unless there is somewhere fairly interesting just to the north. Monkey Mia is far too far., and we have been to Broome, and the Bungle Bungles, seen the rock art. Really want to concentrate on south of Perth, so welcome any suggestions. Thank you

Busselton and Dunsborough. Mandurah and Rockingham Foreshore. Rottnest and Penguin Island...

Hi @Malisa any updates?

2 minutes ago, InnerVoice said:

I think it's worse at my current school but based on conversations with colleagues at other state high schools, it's a general trend across the state. The QLD teacher crisis has been well-documented in the media. They estimate over 7% of the entire workforce have quit in the last 18 months alone, with the workload being cited as the main reason.

Policing is like that over here! There's a teacher shortage here as well, particularly Maths and DT. I don't really think workload has gone up but our teachers have gone into more lucrative professions such as mining. Even at entry level they seem to be earning more than as a qualified teacher. The demographic of our workforce has always been fairly old and quite rightly they are keen to retire, we also have hundreds of vacancies in university courses. So we have plenty more years of pain ahead...

22 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

That was true 10 years ago in QLD but not any more. We do far more admin now than I ever did in the UK, although admittedly I only taught there for a year after qualifying. In my subject area I used to have a lot of flexibility in what and how I could teach, particular for junior classes, but at my current school that's gone out of the window in favour of following the Australian Curriculum verbatim (which would be okay if it was any good). Just one of the many factors that has sucked all the joy out of the job in my opinion. Moan over!

Well that's a shame for you. Do you think that is all schools or simply the school you are working at?

4 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

We've had a couple of pay rises in the last two years and there's another one due in July, but we're still about $4-5k behind you guys, if you compare like for like.

I have to admit I wasn't confident that I had a future in teaching in the UK. I was looking at options in the medium to long term. I don't have those thoughts or plans after 8 years working in WA. There's a bit more freedom in the way you teach and less admin for teachers. I have moved into an Exec role now, so my admin load is huge on a whole school level, but we are mindful to not overburden teachers as I had previously experienced in the UK. Other schools could be different of course! 

Basically I can't complain and the reality is the move has worked out really well for me. We seemed to time the move with a strong pound and a supply of housing options. This allowed us to build and the value of the house is around 75% up on what we built it for. We've of course have completed lots of modifications in that time including a pool. As a family we go on regular overseas holidays and children love the lifestyle near the beach. WA has been good to us.

On 18/01/2024 at 16:35, InnerVoice said:

 

I'd be really interest to hear your views about why you think WA offers better opportunities? A couple of recent migrants I know have chosen Perth over the East Coast because the cost of living is lower and they believe salary and working conditions are better.

I'm only comparing with the UK, I haven't lived in Queensland. I think it's rather subjective to suggest WA schools provide better working condition as I believe a school can mould the working conditions. Salary has traditionally been higher in WA, but WA is waiting on a new pay agreement. Housing is generally a bit cheaper so this could work in your advantage but again depends where you want to live... I think moving over initially from the UK Perth could be a little less daunting?

2 hours ago, InnerVoice said:

The OP stated in an earlier post that they are likely to be moving to Queensland, which is why I provided the information about QLD salary scales.

 

Ah ok fair enough. Queensland will be different to WA, so hard for me to comment.

On 31/12/2023 at 00:27, The Gees said:

I have a 491 and am planning to arrive in Australia by May 24. Just looking at teaching jobs on Seek and various agencies. Can anyone offer me insight into what is a respectable wage? I have been teaching 20 years (secondary) with management / subject leadership and also act as subject lead tutor for a university accredited teacher training provider. Current salary is roughly £49k here in the UK and obviously I’d be very happy to improve on that in terms of disposable income in Australia !

I’ve seen a post advertised at 130k AUD - any feedback on that salary?  

Also interested in thoughts on teaching in public vs private sector as we currently have a child in private so would like to maintain that for them.. . (though open minded - will go with what is best fit for them). Do teachers get reduction on fees or places for children? 
 I understand the school year starts in January and I may therefore have to do supply / relief for a while if we are arriving mid- year. 

You won't get an accurate answer unless you're able to suggest where you are planning to live. Every state is different, I have to say I struggled to understand this to begin with but every state has different pay scales and costs of living. I'm in WA and far more comfortable in terms of financially and job contentment.

On 01/01/2024 at 21:02, Haydn Drake said:

Tell me about it, the weather in Bristol is awful too! 

We discussed where to live and decided SoR and would prefer anywhere from Rockingham to the Greater Mandurah area, so that sounds pretty promising. 

Easter is too early for me, this may sound odd considering we're leaving the country but I made promises to my year 10 students last year (Now Year 11 students) that I would stay until they finished their GCSEs. I would like to keep this promise and exams usually finish around May/June. I figured this might be how long it takes to get the invite, go through the visa process and be accepted anyway, although I have certainly heard of it happening quicker. 

I will definitely send a CV over when we're ready, and would appreciate any feedback you would have for me. 

I have a different question regarding my wife, she has recently qualified as a Primary School teacher, but due to our move will not be able to finish her ECT 2 year period (previously NQT 1 year), would she be able to work as a teacher or would her not finishing her ECT period be a problem? 

No problem she would be a grad teacher. There's nothing wrong in looking after your students and their grades, just potentially an aodd time for teacher movement, but I am sure in maths there would be roles available. Potentially with us!

Yes the weather was rubbish, I had a train terminated at Temple Meads not ideal when going to London. Anyway that's another story and I am back in the sun!

19 hours ago, Haydn Drake said:

We also have 2 daughters aged 12 and 7, so I think more than a month would be sensible as we have to find schools too! Thanks for the advice

Hi All

I'm currently in the UK and just so happened to open up my laptop. Lots of rain in Cornwall and Plymouth! In terms of finding a job role there certainly is more flexibility in terms of gaining a position from the UK. This wouldn't have happened a couple of years ago. That said, schools will want to know that you are ready to go and able to work as soon as possible. For example, we will have a Maths role to start after Easter, I am sure we would provide a contract for an overseas teacher in the current climate. (I am thinking this is too early for you!) But trying to plan any longer than a term would be unrealistic. Schools don't want to be burnt by a teacher who changes their mind but likewise want to show commitment to them as there is a shortage. 

Location is a big factor of course. Perth area and NoR don't have the same shortage issues as SoR. I work and live in Mandurah and we have all been jostling for the same teachers who have chosen to make the area their home. If and when you're ready to make the move I'm happy to send out your resume to schools within your preferred area, we are pretty well networked over in WA. Likewise, if you would like me to look over it I am happy to do so. It is a bit of a minefield and I was grateful for some friendly advice so feel free to ask any other questions.

33 minutes ago, DrDougster said:

In WA a C-A licence is for automatic vehicles. A manual car licence is a C licence.

https://www.wa.gov.au/service/transport/road-transport/upgrade-or-add-drivers-licence-category#:~:text=Car licence&text=You can upgrade from the,practical driving test in advance.

The waits for vehicle licensing etc are nothing like as bad as I have experienced in UK or Brisbane.

Plenty of reasons to get a manual licence and plenty not to bother. My wife only has an automatic - it's better that way. I shipped my Lotus. It's a lot of fun.

What other states in their right mind would allow you to simply drive a manual whilst only completing an automatic test. Sounds crazy and dangerous. The skill of driving is very different!

9 hours ago, rammygirl said:

In SA at least there is no difference if you pass your test in an automatic you can still drive a manual, though many never do. Unlike in the UK where a manual test allows you to drive automatic but not the other way around. 
I used to hate automatics but new ones are much better and now I wouldn’t go back. 

SA allows that?!

You applied for a visa with the minimum requirement. If there are people with 70 points they will be selected first, therefore 65 will be slower to be pulled out of the EOI pool and invited to apply for a visa. Have a look at the below:

Invitation rounds (homeaffairs.gov.au)