We are a family of 4, moving to Melbourne, from the UK for my husbands work. We plan to arrive in August 2024, my son will have just finished his GCSE's, aged 16 (born March 2008), and my daughter will be 13 (born September 2011) and will have just completed her 1st year of high school, here in the UK. In January 2025 we are preparing for our 16 year old son to enter year 11 and our 13 year old daughter to enter year 7 in an undecided state School in Oz. I'm not particularly worried about my daughter as she will have a good length of time at high school but I have concerns about my son as he will only have 2 years at school. I don't want to set him up for failure, he is extremely bright and his predicted GCSE' s are great but I'm nervous about him being faced with exams in year 12. I have some questions;
1. are the exams in year 12 based on knowledge gained throughout high school in Australia or are they based on just the studies in year 11 & 12?
2. Are there similarities with the Australian and English curriculum? focused on core subjects of Maths, English & Science
3. Would it be better for them to join in the October term so that they have a little time before they start their school year in 2025?
4. would the 16 year old boy be better with TAFE? I love the thought of both kids attending the same school and really want him to make some friends in 11&12 but i know there are alternative options.