nikci Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Hi everyone, Have been visiting this site for weeks and found it really helpful. We are currently in the process of migrating to Sydney. My husband and I have lived in the UK 17 years having migrated from South Africa in the 90's. We have 3 children, 15yrs, 12 yrs and 8yrs - obviously we have had to take their needs into account when considering our move which are where my worries start. All the children attend private schol here in the UK but I would like not to have to send them to private schools in Oz - am frankly tired of the "keeing up with the Jones" sydrome that I have to endure on a daily basis. As this is the only system the children are used to I am worried they are going to find it difficult to adjust to a state system particularly as the boys absolutely HATE sport and are happier hacking into computers ( I know - they are geeks at heart !) Is there a really strict policy on sports or would you say there is something to cater for my lovable geeks? My daughter (8 yrs) does not suffer the same dislike. We have loads of family in Oz already so we do have a support network but would love to hear of peoples experiences of living in Erina/Terrigal area as this is where we will be. Won't ask the other questions yet as didn't want to overwhelm everyone - goodness knows I feel overwhelmed by everything. Thanks - for your help - Nikci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maxxangel Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Hi Nikci, Welcome to PIO! Funnily enough, I have been looking at the Australian school system myself. So far, I get the impression that it is fairly different to the state school system here. It seems to me to be more comparable to the private schooling that I had, which in my mind gives it a good mark. However, I guess no matter how much information you can get on them you will never be certain how your children will settle in a school until they get there. My youngest has just started full time school this month and when she gets to Australia she will be Kindergarten age; which seems strange. Apparantly compulsory schooling doesn't start until 6 1/2 over there. Not that I'm complaining, because that was how the school I went to worked (a Rudolf Steiner school) and it has been proven that children who start learning at this age rather than sooner (often before they are ready) not only catch up with, but often excel their peers who have had been in the state education system. Not sure what my OH will think about it though, as he is much more supportive of state schools than I am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikci Posted January 24, 2008 Author Share Posted January 24, 2008 Thanks for your message - glad I am not the only one trying to sort out the Oz school system. Haven't found the Dept Eduation website all that helpful to be honest and alot of the schools dont have websites. Well still have loads of time to research the subject. Thanks again will let you know if I find out anything interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuju Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hi Nikci My daughter (almost 14) is in Terrigal High School Terrigal High School Website Enter my other 2 girls went to UK high schools and i must admit i do find the high school here very much on par with the high school in the UK, with the exception that yes they do do alot more sport at the schools in oz (saying that they have a very wide chocie of sport that the can choose from - even golf surfing ice skating) Here is the site for Erina High School Welcome to the Erina High School website also have a peek at Education - Topics - NSW Government Portal along with NSW Public Schools Home Page Hope this helps a little gizmo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maxxangel Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Thanks again will let you know if I find out anything interesting! Thank you Nikci, that would be very much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikci Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hi Gizmo, Thanks heaps for that info - have had a quick look at the website links you sent while at work today but intend to sit and have a more indepth read tonight. Some of my cousins children attended Terrigal High and all seemed very happy there but of course they have not attended UK schools - how's your daughter finding it ? Where about's are you located as was interested in getting your views on Central Coast? Thanks again much appreciated. Nikci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jogrant3232 Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuju Posted January 25, 2008 Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hi Nikci We live in Terrigal (currently renting) and its a lovely place to be - we have the biggest shopping center only 6 mins car trip from us Erina Fair . There are some lovely areas around here and always lots going on - North Avoca - Forresters Beach - Mc Masters Beach - Copacbana - Wamberal -Bateau Bay- the Entrance - the list goes on. The coast is still very much a holiday area for the Sydney siders and therefore is alot of old properties around that need modernising. There seems to be plenty of work on the coast for builders and tradesmen - but its alot harder for women to get work (i know of a few english that struggle) as most of women do not want to have to commute to Sydney each day often due to having children (which i can undertsand) so here on the coast alot of completion for jobs. My daughter Nikki - enjoys Terrigal High very much although she says its only a bit different from the uk schools. she has made lots of friends and is settled there. I myself think that she has dropped her work standards abit and keep asking the school to give her more homework !!!! Nikci Feel free to ask me any questions or pm me any time Gizmo x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikci Posted January 27, 2008 Author Share Posted January 27, 2008 Hi Gizmo, Thanks for all the info in particular Nikki's view on school (good name by the way). Have had a chat with my son about the sport issue which he is concerned about but says he will just see what happens ! Am so pleased that there are some older properties that can be renovated as this is a favourite past time for me; have dabbled in property development. HAve checked out some of the agents websites and prorperty seems lovely - just hope can afford it when we do finally get there. My sponsor lives in Palm Beach and cousins in Copacabana which is why we are settling in the Erina/Terrigal area - hence our decision to relocate on the Central Coast. Not sure about work for me to be honest - could do I suppose but would prefer not to have to see what the house prices are like etc when we get there. Did you have to pay school fees or is it just a question on uniform and books etc? Thanks for you help really appreciate it. Nikci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuju Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 Hi Gizmo, Thanks for all the info in particular Nikki's view on school (good name by the way). Have had a chat with my son about the sport issue which he is concerned about but says he will just see what happens ! Am so pleased that there are some older properties that can be renovated as this is a favourite past time for me; have dabbled in property development. HAve checked out some of the agents websites and prorperty seems lovely - just hope can afford it when we do finally get there. My sponsor lives in Palm Beach and cousins in Copacabana which is why we are settling in the Erina/Terrigal area - hence our decision to relocate on the Central Coast. Not sure about work for me to be honest - could do I suppose but would prefer not to have to see what the house prices are like etc when we get there. Did you have to pay school fees or is it just a question on uniform and books etc? Thanks for you help really appreciate it. Nikci Hi Nikci No school fees a such although we do have to make a contribution of around $80 a year - along with book sets - uniform - fees for sports (some sports are free) and options which pupils choose studying towards exams. Im sure your son will find a sport on the school curriculum that suits him just find - nikki has lots of friends here that arent keen on sport. When are you aiming to get here in Oz ?? and what sort of line of work are you in ? All the best Gizmo :smile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nikci Posted January 28, 2008 Author Share Posted January 28, 2008 Hi Gizmo, Thanks for the reassurance re: the boys. We are hoping to get out of the UK this year really at the mercy of immigration as I am sure you know. My agent is working very hard and I do speak to her fairly often but suppose that doesn't count for much ! Trying to be optimistic. I am a non practising barrister currently working for the CAB as an employment specialist. I am hoping not to have to work as tired of trying to be a supermom - mom will be just fine for awhile at least. Think the children will need me to be around at first anyway to help them settle. Its a little different for my OH and I as we have already moved from South Africa to the UK but the children have only ever known the UK. Did have a little peak to see what sort of jobs were out there for me as have a choice between law and travel (used to be a travel agent) seems to be a few bits and bobs out there but like I said not too stressed about work - famous last words I know but fingers crossed. Just wanted to say thanks for your help and info it really has helped settle my nerves as I do have days when I think I must be crazy doing this all over again but looking at the weather today I know I am doing the right thing. Nikci xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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