Guest Taylor72 Posted February 7, 2011 Share Posted February 7, 2011 Hi My daughter is finishing her GCSEs this year and was wondering if anyone has actually done the move at this age. What happened with your schooling, was the work similar and what is the academic path like into uni. Unsure as to whether to let her continue with her Alevels in uk or to let her settle into the oz education syetem for when she starts uni. Any one out there done this ??? Advice would be appreciated x Thanks Annette :fish2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 If she is already 16 and isnt going to be in Australia within the next few weeks then her best bet would probably be to finish A levels. The final 2 years of school here are years 11 and 12 and the end of yr 12 assessment is the important factor. If you miss a good part of the 2 year course you are going to be at a disadvantage (a term is probably do-able but you wouldnt want to make it much more than that). If there is any likelihood that you might not want to live in Australia in the longer run then getting her GCSEs and A levels are probably a good move (not to mention that she would be up for international student fees in a UK university and her yr 12 grades would probably mean an extra year at uni with a foundation year required). On balance, I would be letting a kid stay and get A levels then they leave all their options open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taylor72 Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 If she is already 16 and isnt going to be in Australia within the next few weeks then her best bet would probably be to finish A levels. The final 2 years of school here are years 11 and 12 and the end of yr 12 assessment is the important factor. If you miss a good part of the 2 year course you are going to be at a disadvantage (a term is probably do-able but you wouldnt want to make it much more than that). If there is any likelihood that you might not want to live in Australia in the longer run then getting her GCSEs and A levels are probably a good move (not to mention that she would be up for international student fees in a UK university and her yr 12 grades would probably mean an extra year at uni with a foundation year required). On balance, I would be letting a kid stay and get A levels then they leave all their options open. Thanks Quoll for the advice. She is 15 at the moment 16 on the 30th June and we plan to go at the end of July this year. I was thinking she could drop into the end of their year 10 and start year 11 in Jan 2012. Its a really heart renching decision as shes a very bright girl and dont want to mess things up for her. She is quite adaptable and think she will settle in fine, but just a difficult decision. We could leave her with my parents to do A levels but what i dont want is for her to say she cant cope with out us and want to come over half way through. I feel quite guilty that im putting her through this:sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halshaw Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Hi there as a secondary school teacher over here I would say go with your plan to move her over into Year 10. That way she'll get settled into the system before the crucial assessment years over here. Also you will be able to see where- if any there are any gaps and get her extra tuition- or conversely and much more likely the receiving school will be able to assess her and put her into their top academic groupings. The beauty about the system here is that she doesn't have to specialise in 3 or 4 areas. I think she'll do great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taylor72 Posted February 8, 2011 Share Posted February 8, 2011 Hi there as a secondary school teacher over here I would say go with your plan to move her over into Year 10. That way she'll get settled into the system before the crucial assessment years over here. Also you will be able to see where- if any there are any gaps and get her extra tuition- or conversely and much more likely the receiving school will be able to assess her and put her into their top academic groupings. The beauty about the system here is that she doesn't have to specialise in 3 or 4 areas. I think she'll do great. Aww thankyou for your reply, im losing so much sleep over this. She is a very bright girl academically and achieving the very top levels over here and i dont want to risk her education. Would it be possible to PM you for a chat ? its ok if you dont x Annette. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGHJLL Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 I am in exactly the same situation. Very worried about moving my daughter, also 16. She is one of the top students at her grammar school and predicted mostly A*s. I would be interested to hear how comparable the education is for her in Oz. She actually is not keen on moving and wants to stay here for her education. Does anyone have any info that might entice her to Oz education? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 I am in exactly the same situation. Very worried about moving my daughter, also 16. She is one of the top students at her grammar school and predicted mostly A*s.I would be interested to hear how comparable the education is for her in Oz. She actually is not keen on moving and wants to stay here for her education. Does anyone have any info that might entice her to Oz education? Thank you No, I'd be encouraging her to stay for A levels. They will travel well to Australia if she wants to do her uni education here - she will need comparatively lower scores to get into high demand courses. Getting her into selective education in Australia at 16 is not going to be easy - all depends on where you go and, to be honest, tall poppies tend to be sliced off at the knees unless you choose to pay through the nose for private education. It sounds like she has her head screwed on and if she is prepared to stay and finish A levels I'd be really grateful for that. The world will be her oyster thereafter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taylor72 Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 No, I'd be encouraging her to stay for A levels. They will travel well to Australia if she wants to do her uni education here - she will need comparatively lower scores to get into high demand courses. Getting her into selective education in Australia at 16 is not going to be easy - all depends on where you go and, to be honest, tall poppies tend to be sliced off at the knees unless you choose to pay through the nose for private education. It sounds like she has her head screwed on and if she is prepared to stay and finish A levels I'd be really grateful for that. The world will be her oyster thereafter Hi Quoll Thankyou as always :biggrin: Its the emotional part of actually leaving my daughter that makes it hard. I feel a bad parent if i made the decision to leave her, as this should be about all of us as a family . She does want to try oz and to be honest her having a boyfriend is what is making it more worse:arghh: Would it not be better to get her into oz education system, ready to play the game at uni ? Have you been in this situation?? x Annette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 10, 2011 Share Posted February 10, 2011 Hi QuollThankyou as always :biggrin: Its the emotional part of actually leaving my daughter that makes it hard. I feel a bad parent if i made the decision to leave her, as this should be about all of us as a family . She does want to try oz and to be honest her having a boyfriend is what is making it more worse:arghh: Would it not be better to get her into oz education system, ready to play the game at uni ? Have you been in this situation?? x Annette Personally I dont think it would be better unless you are absolutely certain it isnt going to go pear shaped - if you (or she) get here and decide that it is a monster mistake she wont be able to go back very easily and you would be stuck here until she finished uni. She loses nothing by staying (hopefully with rellies) and doing her A levels as long as she has validated her visa. Then she can make a decision about where she wants to go to uni - it might be here, it might be there. I wouldnt worry about the boyfriend, they tend to come and go at that age. I wouldnt worry about the family thing either, chances are that she would be off as soon as she finished her education here anyway, that seems to be the way of it. I think you leave it up to her - she can come (in which case you should get her here when she is 16 or about to turn 16 - you might be a tad late, she might need to be here right now) or she can stay and do A levels - it's her life. I wasnt in this situation precisely but we were prepared to leave our kids behind when we were offered the prospect of an overseas posting. Unfortunately it all fell through but we would have been happy to leave kids at 16 to finish their education - in our case it would have been boarding school because we had no one here for them to stay with but they could have boarded at their private school anyway and were happy to do that (one was 16 and the other was 13 at the time) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halshaw Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hi Its a tough call for you- not helped by the fact that there is precious little comparison info about both systems. Perhaps someone could come on who has had personal experience of actually trying to transfer back into the British Uni system after finishing Year 12 here? I do know that she may be classified as an international student back in the UK if a certain period has expired- I think 3 years and you would have to pay international rates? Gladly stand to be corrected if that piece of bad news is wrong. Emigrating with 16/17 year olds is tough. I know. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeM Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Also depends on what she's set on doing a bit. A levels are generally regarded above other qualifications including Australian qualifications when applying to Uni' here... go figure? :unsure: I don't know why... really. I find they're full of as much **** as GCSEs. The content in most cases you're never going to need in later life... doing A Levels felt like an exaggerated version of GCSEs to me but I'm glad that I did them because I got lucky (with shoddy grades in my opinion) and got an early offer of a place at QUT - more than a month in advance of the competition :eek: Was not expecting that. Anyway. My gf was not given that luxury but she is doing just fine in the schooling system here. :wubclub: But I've heard it's harder to transfer back over to the UK from here especially for Uni and such. So if you're definitely staying here at least until she's through schooling/Uni then it doesn't matter which way you do it. But if you're not sure... I'd say probably stay in the UK and do A Levels... they'll get her further in the system here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezzie Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 A levels definitely are credited highly here. It would be easier to get a place in a high ranking uni course with A levels rather than attempt to score a high ATAR. She also then has her options open for a UK uni place also. Having said that, I prefer the NSW curriculum. As has been mentioned by a previous poster, you get to choose (on average) six subjects in Yr 11 (lower sixth) and five in Yr 12 (upper sixth). The depth isn't as great and there's an emphasis on exploration and problem solving. You can't go past the social issues and 'generally' the kids here are very friendly, more into sport, less hanging around the streets. But, as far as useful qualifications go, A levels are definitely the more valuable. Why not have her study an IB...then she can go anywhere and do anything as it's an international certificate and gaining popularity. Just get your facts right regarding international fees in both countries. The UK ones will sting you big time - just being British isn't enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeM Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Some schools like you to try and manage 6 subjects in year 12 I've noticed. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGHJLL Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Many thanks for your reply, it has been very helpful. I was indeed wondering what the situation would be regarding Uni fees and what her status would be. If she validates her visa in Oz and comes back to the UK to study straight away would she be then classed as an international student and have to pay the higher rate for UK Uni place? Also, how long would she be able to study for in UK after initial trip to validate visa in Oz before she lost the right to go to Oz to live permanently? Very tricky situation. Another question of course is that if she does study in Oz, would she have to pay international Uni fees because we would not have been living in the country for long? Lots of questions that I would be glad if anyone could help with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 Many thanks for your reply, it has been very helpful.I was indeed wondering what the situation would be regarding Uni fees and what her status would be. If she validates her visa in Oz and comes back to the UK to study straight away would she be then classed as an international student and have to pay the higher rate for UK Uni place? Also, how long would she be able to study for in UK after initial trip to validate visa in Oz before she lost the right to go to Oz to live permanently? Very tricky situation. Another question of course is that if she does study in Oz, would she have to pay international Uni fees because we would not have been living in the country for long? Lots of questions that I would be glad if anyone could help with. As soon as she validates her Australian visa then she will be a permanent resident and get permanent resident university rates if she studies here. However as PR she will have to pay them up front by the term and get no grants or loans. If you are only coming on a temporary visa the situation is different and she would be paying international fees for uni. AFAIK if she continues her education in UK she is still classified as UK resident, it's where she lives. The fact that her parents arent there is irrelevant at that age. I think she has 5 years after validation to make the permanent move so theoretically she could just squeak in after she has finished uni if she stays in UK for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGHJLL Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 would she be able to come over to Oz to visit without losing her Uk status or would they automatically validate the Oz visa, we have already applied for, on landing? Also would we have to apply again for Oz visa for her if she decides to come over at the end of Uni. We have been told that we need to validate our visas within 12 months of our medicals, would this be the same for her and it would run out if she stays here? Sorry, lots of complicated questions that I'm sure I haven't worded extremely well! Thank you for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 would she be able to come over to Oz to visit without losing her Uk status or would they automatically validate the Oz visa, we have already applied for, on landing? Also would we have to apply again for Oz visa for her if she decides to come over at the end of Uni. We have been told that we need to validate our visas within 12 months of our medicals, would this be the same for her and it would run out if she stays here? Sorry, lots of complicated questions that I'm sure I haven't worded extremely well! Thank you for your help No, she wont lose her UK status - as far as they are concerned she is continuing with her education just like she was before you left. If she comes over when you do and gets her stamp in her passport then she can turn right around and go home and still be entitled to multiple entries for the life of her visa - so she can come for holidays if she wants to. As long as she arrives to stay before the 5 years is up she wont need anything else. I'd bring her here with you even if it is only for a week and so you are all in synch with your visas. I am assuming here that you are all coming on a permanent resident visa and not a 457 visa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGHJLL Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 yes, permanent visas. So, if we all go out there and get the visas stamped, as long as she is booked into education here in Uk and comes straight back after a week or so she would still be eligible for Uk Uni at the standard rate and Uni loans etc for when she is finished her A levels? My parents have agreed to have her live with them if this is what everyone decides is best. Thank you for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mandi1971 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Hi, ive just more or less asked a similar question so your post was very helpful. My daughter is wanting to stay in the UK and go to 6th form, stay with her dad and visit us in the holidays until she makes her mind up between UK and OZ. I was worried about her visa status and didnt want her to miss out on getting a visa at the same time as us,as it could take years to sponsor her at a later date. Id be more than happy for her to fly out with us on a holiday,validate her visa then fly back to the UK. atleast then she would have choices when she was ready to make them Mandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGHJLL Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Hi, where and when will you be going to Oz? Do you have other children? Would be good to chat with you as you are in the same boat! Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mandi1971 Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 Hi Sarah We are at early stages, OH has submitted TRA, if he passes he will go do the vetassess test in April then we can lodge our applications from there. The sooner the better for us. I have 3 kids, Ryan's 19, Chloe 15 and Aaron 8. We are hoping to go to Brisbane / Gold coast but it all depends on which state is sponsoring plumbers at the time. Chloes happy at school, has good friends and does really well at school. She never has to try hard to get good grades and im proud of her wanting to stay on, im being selfish wanting her with me but it,ll be so hard leaving her behind. Mind you, there are plenty days when i could do it easily haha. What is your time frame for going and how many kids do you have? Feel free to PM me anytime for a chat :biggrin: Mandi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quoll Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 yes, permanent visas.So, if we all go out there and get the visas stamped, as long as she is booked into education here in Uk and comes straight back after a week or so she would still be eligible for Uk Uni at the standard rate and Uni loans etc for when she is finished her A levels? My parents have agreed to have her live with them if this is what everyone decides is best. Thank you for your help. Yup, she should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Coxy04 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Hi, My daughter, Hollie is in similar position, finishing year 11 in Uk now, doing GCSE's, bright girl too. She would have been doing A levels at college for 2 years, if we were staying. She's not overly keen to come and leave her friends behind, but at the age she is, she has to trust us. It is all very disrupting, and unsettling.....we will be heading over August this year, so the Australians will be almost at the end of their school year. We are just planning doing some school visiting when we arrive and seeing what they suggest, She wants to go to Uni to train as a teacher, so will look at options for her to gain whatever she needs to be able to enter Uni, but we're guessing it will be a year delayed than would have been in UK. We discussed Tafe colleges but general conscensus was not to do that, as ages of people there are not same as she would be, so wouldn't be so good for her socialising and settling. I have had it suggested to many to get her into school, even if it's only for a year, for the socialisation side of things. It's not perfect though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taylor72 Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Hi, My daughter, Hollie is in similar position, finishing year 11 in Uk now, doing GCSE's, bright girl too. She would have been doing A levels at college for 2 years, if we were staying. She's not overly keen to come and leave her friends behind, but at the age she is, she has to trust us. It is all very disrupting, and unsettling.....we will be heading over August this year, so the Australians will be almost at the end of their school year. We are just planning doing some school visiting when we arrive and seeing what they suggest, She wants to go to Uni to train as a teacher, so will look at options for her to gain whatever she needs to be able to enter Uni, but we're guessing it will be a year delayed than would have been in UK. We discussed Tafe colleges but general conscensus was not to do that, as ages of people there are not same as she would be, so wouldn't be so good for her socialising and settling. I have had it suggested to many to get her into school, even if it's only for a year, for the socialisation side of things. It's not perfect though. Hi coxy We are in exact same position, maybe moving around August too and same worry over education. My daughter is not happy about moving but has resided herself to the fact she is coming with us instead of doing A levels her. She mainly wanted to stay for friends and the boyfriend. What we plan to do is to get her into the end of their year 10 for the socialisation, with a view to her going into year 11 in Jan 2012. She will be slightly older but not too much as she is not 16 yet till 30/06/10. This will give her the two years she needs to get her QCE and the OP points she needs for uni. Its not easy at their age as friendships are well established at home, but like we explained to her, she is at the point in her life when all her friends take different paths and new opportunities and people enter into their lives. I expect things to be rough , well very rough when we move, but i suppose theres never a good time. Just have to ride the storm . If you need to chat PM me as this can be sooo stressful due to their ages and sometimes a problem shared can make you feel better. Take care Annette:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boganbear Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 HiIts a tough call for you- not helped by the fact that there is precious little comparison info about both systems. Perhaps someone could come on who has had personal experience of actually trying to transfer back into the British Uni system after finishing Year 12 here? I do know that she may be classified as an international student back in the UK if a certain period has expired- I think 3 years and you would have to pay international rates? Gladly stand to be corrected if that piece of bad news is wrong. Emigrating with 16/17 year olds is tough. I know. Good Luck! I used to work for the organisation that produces INCA INCA - International Review of Curriculum and Assessment frameworks an education comparison site. The information is supplied by reputable sources (govt departments and research organisations) but each country is free to write what they like so there are minor differences in the information provided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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