Bob1

Cost about $5000 which includes everything. Do not get them done in the UK as has been pointed out, an Oz dentist will want to remove them and put their own on - this happened to us, we moved to an asian country for a year when son was having treatment, saw an orthodontist who had trained in America who shook his head at the standard of Aussie braces and insisted on putting his style. Returned to Oz and original ortho. shook his head of standard of American ortho and put his own stuff back on again. Luckily the company paid! Our normal dentist recommended the orthodontist so that might be the way to go. If you're coming to Perth and can let you know who it is.

France

As others have said - the three months blues are very common, goggle culture shock and there's lots there. What you feel is very normal and it should pass. Why not aim for a holiday back in the UK at Christmas to give you something to look forward to? It's not as drastic as turning round and going back for good.

Any ideas where a graduate geologist should start looking for work? Are there agencies that he should contact? (for a friend of mine moving to Perth).

Also remember Perth is not just North and South, there is also East and West. Perth CBD is actually several K's inland - western suburbs tick all your boxes accept cost - very expensive but delightful with great schools. East is cheaper, near the hills and some nice suburbs dotted among not so nice ones!

I think this sums it up nicely Perth is as expensive as you allow it to be

Have you got kids and are looking at schools?

the purity of British water is the best in the world. One of the research reports I read (UNESCO) gave top spot to Finland and then New Zealand and Canada. May be you've read a different article.

why would you say that because I'm a lecturer at University teaching teachers how to teach so I am familiar with theory, curriculum, research and practice. So far haven't found any academic research to show that we are two years behind the UK, mate.

why did you buy imported water - Woolsworth homebrand water 50c a litre. and sorry, I can't let the education is two years behind comment go, sorry but that is incorrect.

Have you tried the one in Freo next to the fire station - come out of station, turn right and it is down there on the right? That's my fav our of about ten I have tried.

why do you think I've lived here for so long - ex rock star, brothel down the street and pick up my drugs on the local street corner. Bliss.

There is only one International school in Perth and they do IB, not A levels. If he is bright, and sounds like he is from his results, then he should be able to slot in depending on what subjects he wants to do. Things like the sciences/maths should transfer easily and you could get extra tutoring to fill the gaps. Picking up courses midway through Year 11 would be OK if he is motivated and being at school would be the best way for him to make friends and adjust. My only worry would be that he may be too old for Year 11. Year 12's in WA 2013 will all be having their 17th birthday during the year - it's a bit complicated as they changed the school starting age 11 years ago and the year 12's next year will be the last of the younger group to go through.

Great news Ali. My son already had his place at WAAPA but his result opens the doors to everything else if he changes his mind.

Exam results are in and I'm a happy bunny!

the school will have a uniform shop and will probably open a day before the kids go in so you can buy it then. It'll be a polo short with the school logo on. Most kids wear trainers to school.

Is your triangle playing what you'd do on Australia's got talent? Someone once got through blowing a gum leaf. May be post a photo and we can tell you if we think you have model qualities.

Just wondering what your plans are to become a film star/model/rich bum?

I'm really glad that your perception of Australia from reading posts on this site is positive as I think it can come across as very negative by a certain few who dominate the posts and persist in running it down. There are many happy people who don't post any more - because they are happy. Caronandrod is an excellent post - it is all about your own attitude and being determined to make it work. You can come up with negatives - the flies are a pain but they in Perth they come out in November and are gone by Christmas generally, it's hot but everything has a/c, it's expensive but you can also buy things cheaply if you know where to go. I can't think of any negatives, I love it.

and most people are geared up for it - have a/c in houses and cars, fans, pools and some of the best beaches in Oz nearby. Off out on the boat where the sea breezes cools you and a quick dip in the water. Went to the movies last night and was too cold the a/c was so good.

I wrote it because I was sick of all the abuse Perth receives which gives people thinking of coming here a warped impression. There are many of us who love it. Not sure Warwickshire will receive the same attention although I am sure it is lovely as well!

Perth is not London, a city of 8 million compared to one, (I lived in London for 5 years), so it'd be silly to compare them. Melbourne has double the population of Perth too. My point - there are still many places to shop, get out and learn the Australian high street stores, check out Aussie designers and as Ali says you can get most things if you know where to look. Become familiar with what is here. For a small, isolated city it does really well and I try and support local designers and Aussie made goods. Or you can sit and moan and shop online from next and M and S and winge that there's no primark and TK Max.

exactly my thoughts - explain what 'says it all' means? It says nothing when you read the other post by the lady who has just lost three members of her family in a car crash.

So Paul I guess you've gone to Garden City, Karrinyup, Southlands, Midland Gate, Galleria, Harbour town, Claremont Quarter, Whitfords, Lakeside Joondalup, walked around Rokeby Rd in Subiaco and Hay street lookig at the australian designer shops, browsed the Australian designers in Leederville, found them in Fremantle, walked up and down Beaufort Street in Mt Lawley, spent money in King street in the city? And the beauty f Perth - you can drive there, park for free and you're not standing behind 8 people in a queue or wearing a coat and gloves that you have to strip off anf carry becuase the centre is so hot. I love Perth.

Belridge isn't great looking at the Curriculum council results. best Ed Dept schools NOR are Carine and Duncraig but may be too south for you. Kinross and on to Mindarie for Year 11/12 not too bad. Private options - Prendville Catholic, Sacred Heart Lake, Joondalup Baptist, St Stephen's St Marks