Salutations from (not so sunny) Swindon

[Guest claireamor]

Hi all,

 

It's so nice to come across this friendly, informative website. I recently plucked up the courage to bring up the subject of moving to Australia with my boyfriend as I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of years, but wanted to make sure that as a teacher I had enough experience to move out and work in Oz. Then I met Chris and when I finally coughed up the plan, he seemed very much up for it, which is fantastic!

 

Now we’ve started doing some online research into moving somewhere near to Perth, probably not for at least 2/3 years yet as we want to settle a few things at home first, but the plan is there and it would be really useful if people could give us some tips on where to start – we’re right at the beginning of the process. When should we think about applying for Visas if we want to go Dec 2010? I need to make sure I can move during their summer so I can prepare for their new school year.

 

I’ve looked up both our jobs on the “wanted” list and we’re both on 60 points each. I am a primary school teacher, in my 4th year of teaching and Chris has been an IT manager for a year, and was ICT consultant before that for 3 years.

 

The plan is to sell my house at home to settle our debts and leave us with enough to cover the expenses of moving. We’d ideally like to rent for at least 6 months before we buy anywhere out there. Then we can get on with really living life, rather than simply existing in this dull, depressing hovel, which no longer has any family values or respect for itself let alone anyone else. Sorry to be so severe, but I look forward to the day when I can teach a class of well rounded children who have the parental support and desire to really make something of themselves. I feel so sorry for the children who have to grow up in England today, and I want to get out of here so that when we choose to have our own children they have every opportunity life can give them to succeed and be valued in society.

 

If anyone has any advice or words of wisdom, they'd be very much appreciated.

 

Claire and Chris

[Guest mutikonka]

I wish you luck but don't assume that Aussie schools are full of well-rounded kids with family values. Google Corey Worthington and find out what you might be letting yourself in for. Or go on to youtube and search for "Summer Heights High School".

[Guest claireamor]

Thanks for the tip Michael, it was very amusing! Seeing Corey makes me wonder what on earth his parents were thinking leaving him at home on his own while they went off on holiday in the first place.

I take your point, but in England the alternative is a whole nation living in fear of its youth. I can’t look a group of 15 year olds in the face – they’re too intimidating. I don’t want to live in a country where I’m constantly in fear of being attacked every time I take the dog for a walk or go out shopping.

I teach in primary rather than high school, but even the children in primary here have no respect for adults and don’t really care whether they end up with little education or a decent future.

 

 

[Guest KP Nuts]

Hi Claire, and

 

Sorry can't help with your questions, but just wanted to say hi.

 

Good luck.

 

KP Nuts

[Guest Pingpongpom]

Hi Claire & Chris and Welcome to the site!..all the best with your plans to move to Aus..i truly appreciate your concerns for the children and schools in the UK, but i have to agree with Mutikonka in that if you feel the school systems and social behaviour may be some of the reason you are going i would research more for your own peace of mind..we have lived in Perth, with our children attending both Primary and Secondary schools, and i have to say even though there are problems in Aus too, our children loved the schools and never were affected by these..from your post i just feel you may have much higher expectations and may be disappointed that there isn't a whole world of difference..my children had great friends here and in Aus and i have seen troubled children here and in Aus..i love Aus and have no doubt it is a great way of life for children, otherwise i would never have taken our children there and be going back..just be aware they too have their social problems as we do..

Pingpong:cute:or Tess

[Guest mutikonka]

Having said that some schools in Oz are not what you might expect, I have to say that we are really happy with the primary and secondary schools our boys have attended in Sydney.

It really does depend where you are and which school you choose. From a teacher's point of view, be aware that many young teachers in NSW are not happy with the job allocation system for permanent teaching places. It sounds like it boils down to "take a number" and when your turn comes, go wherever they send you.

[Guest claireamor]

That's interesting. It sounds a bit like the pool system that they already use in London boroughs. I have no doubt that Aussie also has its problems, I appreciate your concerns but please don't think that I'm unrealistic in my expectations. I just feel that, from what I’ve seen so far, when Chris and I decide to start our own family, they’ll be more opportunities for our children and for us all as a family in Australia.

 

Thanks for the welcome everyone – it’s so lovely to know there are people out there who care and who are willing to help others in the same situation.

[Guest Pingpongpom]

 

Hi Claire:smile:..i wish you all the best in your plans and keep us up to date...Australia is truly a beautiful country, with so much to experience..my passion for it comes from growing up there as a child and i loved it!..and just think what opportunities we are giving our future generations, just by making the move ourselves..my Mum and Dad were ten pound poms in the early 60's, and even though they are back in England now, the ripple effect their move had, has spread right through our family..

Pingpong:cute:or Tess