emwatson

On 23/02/2021 at 05:56, Tilly H said:

@emwatson Oh that is exactly what I want to hear - I have defo fallen out of love with it and it makes me sad because I loved it at one point! 

I teach geography, history, PE and health and social care! What about you? 

Where are abouts do you teach? 

Most schools here prefer their teachers to be able to offer more than one subject so you'd be fine

I teach secondary Sciences at a large College made up of 5 campuses near Adelaide. I also delve into Digital Technologies and Engineering as STEM has become such a focus area for the upper Junior and lower Middle school years. 

I promise, you will find that elusive work-life balance here!

@Rick2021 

On 23/02/2021 at 00:07, Rick2021 said:

SA looks like a migration friendly state for educators. I understand that many aren’t painting a pretty picture when it comes to teacher migration. What are your views considering your experience in the past?

To be honest even when I was applying for state sponsorship, SA looked like the most straightforward. NSW and VIC have plenty of teachers so it wasn't on the skilled list. WA had a weird loophole that meant you could only get state sponsorship if you had a job offer already - a job offer that could only be given if you had registration in Oz but you could only get a rego if you had a visa / already lived here... so virtually impossible. QLD were looking for specific Science subjects (not sure about primary) but SA was like "You can teach??? Science??? Welcome!!!"

Things are different here in that getting a permanent teaching position off the bat is quite rare... which I didn't realise until I actually started working here... but it is easier to obtain in the non-Government sector than the state where you're employed by the Education dept and can be directed where to work each year. Quite unsettling every 12 months.

I work in the largest R-12 school in SA (5 campuses) and we have regular TRT staff who are kept on our repeat list so are effectively treated as staff across the schools.

My experience was as follows: I had been advised (by a colleague from Nottingham that'd emigrated to Brisbane) to apply with my CV and letter of application to every private/independent school in Adelaide (within my criteria) and ask to be put on file. Most job adverts occur about September (for Jan Term 1 starts). I heard back from most with general thanks and 'we'll do that'. But two schools contacted me to give me advance notice of a position they'd got coming up.

The first to get in touch set up an informal Skype chat about a basic teaching position in one of their campuses' Middle Schools. They upgraded their offer during the Skype to the role of a Science Coordinator at that campus. I took it, of course! It was actually a step down in responsibility from the UK but far far better pay and conditions. I have a work life balance! 6 years on... I'm now Head of Science across all the campuses. And I still have that work life balance. 

Teachers from the UK tend to do very well here because of the constant demands, working conditions and expectations set by the state education system, grades, league tables and OFSTED etc. 

Just in case your ducks are all lined up by then... the school I work for will be opening a new R-10 campus in a couple of years and will need primary teachers (and they very much value UK teaching experience!)

Keep with your journey... it is definitely worth it! As @PositivePixie said, Adelaide is an amazing and enviable place to live right now. We are so lucky here and I can't ever imagine going back to teaching (or living) in the UK.

Hi @Tilly H

Firstly... no OFSTED. I love teaching again!

What subject is your specialism?

Hi @Rick2021

I would second what @PositivePixie has said about skipping an agent. I navigated everything back in 2014 for me and my OH. It saved us several grand, despite the 'hoops' we had to jump through.

In regards to registering, I'm fairly sure you must reside in the state you intend to teach in before you can register. That is certainly the case in South Australia. I arrived in the November, undertook compulsory Mandatory Notification training (Child Protection) before registering in December. That came through in a couple of weeks and I was able to teach from the start of Term 1 in January. I'd already accepted a post in September... with the condition I was registered with the Teacher Registration Bureau before term began. Independent and private schools have that flexibility here, but public (state education dept) schools are less so. 

Good luck with your journey

On Wed Apr 27 2016 at 3:46 AM, LynchtheQS said:

Hey guys.

 

My girlfriend is a secondary school English teacher with 16 years classroomteaching experience. She has a three year BA (Hons) degree in English Languageand Literature plus a one year PGCE in Secondary English with Drama.

 

Can anybody give us step by step instructions of how we approach the move to Ozin terms of her job? We will be going to Oz primarily on my career/occupationas a Quantity Surveyor (Contract Administrator) but she will also want topursue her career out there.

Any advice would be massively appreciated!

It depends on the state or territory as each has it's own teacher registration process. Where do you plan on moving to?

16 hours ago, SCITEACH said:

To be honest I'm not sure. 

I can try and explain more clearly though!

The full course title was 'BSc Science with maths with QTS'

It was full time.for 2 years

In the first year he did some teaching practice days but the majority were done in the second year.

Throughout the 2 years he was studying science and maths then doing the teaching practice element. 

I've emailed the uni to ask if it is considered an ITT course. 

Hi,

He will be fine. I did the 3 year BSc(Hons) Science with QTS at Sheffield Hallam Uni. This would satisfy the initial teacher training element as the number of days teaching was well in excess of 45 days. Unfortunately because the course was only 3 years, not 4, it would not qualify me for the number of years at Uni. Luckily I had started a Masters in Education the year before applying for a visa and had completed the first year, gaining a PGCert (not the same as a PGCE). This was enough to satisfy AITSL.

Your hubby has more than 4 years at uni, the teaching element of training will have exceeded 45 days because the UK expect more than that in the ITT courses. He's all good to go ?

On Mon Feb 17 2014 at 1:07 AM, Coolbreeze said:

Seeing as we are on the topic of registering with individual state's teaching boards - any chance someone can help me with the SA TRB?

 

I wanted to get ahead and register before I arrive in Oz. However, it would appear that I would need to attend mandatory, one day child protection course. This course, it would seem, needs to be attended by registered institution, in Oz. Does this mean I have no choice but to wait?

 

OR

 

As most states have a 'mutual agreement' (as stated on SA, ACT,NT,QLD TRB sites) on transferring teaching licenses - could I say, register in QLD, but then just transfer the license over? Or, would this still require the one day mandatory child protection training.

 

Any knowledge welcome please...Thanks in advance

Hi Coolbreeze,

I am a science teacher, having taught 11 years in the UK, including roles as Lead Teacher, KS3 Coordinator, KS4 Coordinator and HOD at various schools. I moved out to Adelaide in Nov 2014 and already had a job offer from an independent school with the condition that I'd get my registration (including the Mandatory Training) before starting. The school year began at the end of January so this gave me plenty of time, even accounting for Christmas and New Year's.  In the public (state) system you need a TRB number before you can even go into a jobs pool. The selection process is very difficult and is unlikely to get you more than a 1 year temporary contract. Many teachers struggle to get a position and permanent positions are VERY rare in the public system in SA. I was advised to go to the following site and filtered for school types I'd prefer then contacted the Principal of each, sending my CV and covering letter and asking if there were any available posts / keep me on file for future.

www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au/adelaide-schools

It worked! I had most schools respond to say there were no vacancies at present but they'd keep me on file and two contacted me about positions - the first one I spoke with offered me a permanent job and then offered a responsibility role (Science Coordinator) once we had discussed my experience. 

You're correct, the one day mandatory training must be done within SA by a registered organisation. If your training is done in another state, I believe you will need to repeat it in SA. Don't worry though, the courses run regularly and are usually in a central, easy to get to location. I booked one before leaving the UK for a week after I arrived. As soon as I sat it I completed the TRB application and went into the city and physically handed it in at the TRB front desk at the start of Dec. I got it back at the start of Jan!

Do you know when you're likely to arrive in Oz? Independent and Catholic schools usually advertise jobs a term (10 weeks) in advance so for a job starting in Term 1 January 2018 most job advertising is between late August and early November. I would advise you going the private route because it's the most similar application process to the UK and many are comparable to a suburban comprehensive secondary school. It's also good to be able to apply without yet having a TRB number - that gave me security before arriving and helped me narrow down where to live. Go to the following site for links to see current vacancies:

http://www.ceasa.asn.au/early-career-teachers-educators/employment-in-sa/

Good luck with your move and let me know if you need any help with SA based queries ☺

Hi emwatson, many congrats on the grant!! I noticed in your previous thread you called another number, please could you share it with us. Last time we called we were told nothing... we don't even know if our medicals have cleared!?

 

Thanks in advance

Hi @pilotg2

Thanks so much! :jiggy:I've been walking round with a massive grin on my face all day! I've tried 2 numbers and both seem to get through to the same place. We used Skype credit and it worked out only a couple of £'s to call even for very long waits. The numbers are: +61 131 881 and +61 1300 364 613. I really hope you hear something soon! :-)

Hi guys,

We called again last night and were told the same young as last week but then this morning.... We got the grant email!!!!

I sat in shock for a few seconds before really comprehending what I was reading! ;-) Anyway, I just want to say thank you to everyone on here that has been so supportive and helpful! @Ss190 & @canberra2014 I really do hope you also get yours soon... I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you :-)

Hi emwatson

 

did u manage to talk to your CO.. Any progress..¿. I called them they said to wait.. M frustrated now.

Hi @Ss190

We just got through to the general admin team again. This was first thing Tuesday morning Adelaide time. Apparently our case is "being finalised" and we should hear within 5-7 working days about the outcome... although we were advised that this could probably take up to two weeks! My boyfriend also called the high commission in London and they gave us an alternative number as the +61 131881 was just a call centre for general enquiries. He's going to try the new number late sunday night (GMT)/morning Adelaide time, just to check.

I feel your frustration... I even had a school contact me from Adelaide last week about a job they are advertising for a science teacher (starting January) but I don't think I can apply since I have no visa yet :-(

I'll let you know if we get any luck after calling tomorrow! Good luck!

Hi @emwatson, you had mentioned that you are planning to call and chat with your CO. I have called DIBP but it looks like the phone is answered by an admin person. How do you get connected to your CO? Do you request the call is routed to your CO?

 

Thanks again

 

Wish you all the best hope you get a quick grant...

Hi @canberra2014

I didn't get through to a CO, probably just an admin person, like you did. I have tried again but after an hour I gave up waiting on hold... really frustrated! Thanks for the good wishes, I hope you hear something soon too!

Hi. I applied for a 190 visa on 17th April 2014. Was allocated a CO on 31.07.2014. The CO asked us for some docs that we had already uploaded into the immi system. Did the same again and no news since then. Its been 4 weeks from the upload date. Sent emails and got no response. First time we called 2 weeks was informed it would take unto 2-3 months from CO allocation. The second time I called was told it could take another 4-5 weeks due to the existing queue.

 

Is there any priority based on ANZCO code and/or Sponsoring territory?

I don't think so @canberra2014. According to the visa tracking sheet I'm one of only two people who have applied with ANZCO code 241411 and SA state has had lots of visas granted recently. I can't understand why it would take so long from CO allocation. I thought that surely they would clear the backlog from the 2013-14 year before clearing the applicants from the 2014-15 year, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. :sad: I'm going to try calling again later when their offices re-open. Good luck!

Congrats @scotsaway!

I'm so chuffed for all of you that are getting your grants through so quickly - I wish we were as lucky! We lodged at the end of April with all docs frontloaded but are still waiting to hear something - there's been no communication at all. I have called and e-mailed but the only thing I've managed to find out is that the application was allocated to Adelaide Team 8 on 31st July. Otherwise... still no update. :sad:

A friend of ours re-sat is test as he didn't get high enough and again got the same result, which he couldn't understand as he is a teacher with good English language skills. He asked for a remark and it went up from 6's to 8's so well worth asking for it to be re-marked!

Just managed to get through. Result... CO was allocated on 31st July, so should hopefully hear soon! :-)

Blimey, this waiting game is hard. We've still had no news... no responses to my e-mail sent 2 weeks ago either, despite the automated response saying that any e-mails regarding cases that HAD been allocated would be responded to within 7 working days. I'm guessing since the CO hasn't been in touch that all the documents are in order, so can't understand why it's taking so long. It's been with Team 8 Adelaide for over 3 weeks now. I've tried e-mailing them again... now just keeping my fingers crossed that some kind person takes pity at Team 8 and gets in touch!

emwatson: The best thing you can do is to call the GSM Adelaide office at +61 131 881 at 8am Adelaide time. This will still take half hour to reach someone. You can always request them to expedite your application quoting your genuine reasons. Chances are high that they will take it up and make a decision as quickly as possible.

 

I emailed gsm.adelaide & received a auto reply just like how you did after a week or so. But after another week some case officer was kind enough to write to me and explain that my application is being processed. After another week I got my grant. But I had to call and check my status twice before I got my grant.

Just managed to get through. Result... CO was allocated on 31st July, so should hopefully hear soon! :-)

emwatson: The best thing you can do is to call the GSM Adelaide office at +61 131 881 at 8am Adelaide time. This will still take half hour to reach someone. You can always request them to expedite your application quoting your genuine reasons. Chances are high that they will take it up and make a decision as quickly as possible.

 

I emailed gsm.adelaide & received a auto reply just like how you did after a week or so. But after another week some case officer was kind enough to write to me and explain that my application is being processed. After another week I got my grant. But I had to call and check my status twice before I got my grant.

Thanks @torrentkid, I really appreciate your advice! :-) I'll give that a try tonight. How are your plans coming on?

Hi all, I guess I'm looking for a bit of piece of mind here. :wacko: Congratulations to all of you that have received your grant by the way, I'm chuffed for you! :wink:

Is anyone else from April still waiting? I'm getting pretty frustrated now. I remained patient when the visa delays meant that a backlog had to be cleared but seeing that May and even June applicants are now getting their visas granted is making me anxious. I still haven't heard anything, be it in my immi account status, via a CO or any e-mail. It's been over 15 weeks now. I'd have thought that if there was a problem, I'd have heard something or been requested to give further docs by now and if they were serious about processing the visas in order of lodgement date, that April frontloaded applicants with no problems would have heard before May and June applicants???

I've tried e-mailing using the contact forms online, but just received an automated response containing a PDF that repeats the same information as the DIBP website and directs me to the published processing times - which is no help now since it's beyond the 3 month guide time. I've tried e-mailing gsm.adelaide@immi.gov.au that someone had posted elsewhere but just received an automated response that told me unless a CO had been allocated I would not receive a reply - not much help when I don't even know if I have been allocated a CO yet.

Yesterday I called the Australia High Commission in London and was told I would have to call the Adelaide Skilled Migration Processing Centre. So, this morning I called at 6.30am (GMT) / 3.30pm (Sydney) and sat in an automated service queue for over an hour. When I gave up and tried re-calling the offices were closed - who knows how long I could have been sat on hold for when there is no one there to even answer the call! I hate to think how much that's going to have cost. :shocked:

My biggest worry is that, as a teacher, the school year starts end of January and the majority of job vacancies are advertised between July and November. If this takes much longer I won't be in a position to apply for jobs for the new school year and my police check expires in March.

Can anyone offer any advice please...besides being patient, that is?! :ssign16:I did everything myself without a migration agent and I'm hoping that this won't have been the reason for the delay!?

Congratulations to all of you that have received the golden grant e-mail! I'm still waiting, haven't heard anything from a CO either - hopefully it won't be much longer. I've seen on the visa tracker that most April gangers have at least received some contact from their CO and even someone from May has got their grant too. Is anyone else on here still waiting?

Hi wrussell, what did you do then? I thought they needed to be certified? I haven't checked the website yet as Seppo suggested, I'm watching the closing ceremony of the commonwealth games and watching the video of the Gold Coast...I can't wait to be there!

Jx

As far as I read when I was doing my application, as long as the documents are colour scanned and not black and white, they can be uploaded to immi without certification. Any black/white copies need to be certified. I colour scanned all of ours and uploaded them which saved us from having to pay someone to certify them. We opted against a migration agent and frontloaded everything as colour scans on 28th April... still playing the waiting game though!

Wow 3 weeks how exciting and busy! How's the packing going?! Have you got jobs, house etc to go to?

 

I'm currently struggling with the IELTS, I will be having my third attempt in 2 weeks, hopefully it will be 3rd time lucky :0)

Hi @jules

I would perhaps ask that the IELTS be remarked. A friend who has now received his visa grant allegedly got too low a score the first time so did it again. He was told it was too low the second time but he requested for it to be remarked (he's a teacher and has very good English language skills). After being remarked it went up two whole points levels!

He's now even thinking that he should have had the first remarked! Worth a try maybe? Good luck though! :-)

Hi Seppo,

 

Thanks. We are applying for either the 189 or 190. I will take a look at the DIBP website.

 

Jules

Hi @jules you should be able to find the document checklist half way down the page under the "Visa applicants" tab on this page:

http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/190.aspx

Do these need to be uploaded to the Immi website, or do they require you to send them original copies in the post?

I colour scanned the certificates and uploaded those.

You will need to log into your Skill Select account where you will find a tab for "document checklist". It's slightly different documents depending on your visa and occupation.

http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/190.aspx

You'll find the document checklist if you select the tab "Visa Applicants" half way down the page

I have received invitation to apply for visa 489. Can I ask you what are the documents you needed to upload??

Thanks

You will need to log into your Skill Select account where you will find a tab for "document checklist". It's slightly different documents depending on your visa and occupation.