7 replies to this topic

[Skidbro]

So many things to consider. I have been offered a position with a company in Adelaide which I have gladly accepted. My two girls are currently in grade 11 with their final year in 2011. If we have relocated by Dec 2010 will they have to redo grade 11 or can they go straight into grade 12. My son is in grade 7 at the moment so I'm sure he can quite easily go straight into high school there. It makes no sense leaving the girls here for a whole year. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Eva]

We moved to Queensland when my son was due to start Grade 12. He went into Grade 12.

My son should have gone into Grade 8 but was pushed up into Grade 9.

So, no they should not need to re-do Grade 11.

Far better for them to have a year of school here in Australia than do their Matric year in RSA!

[DeniseF]

My son had completed grade 5 in SA and when he started here the next year they put him in Year 7, because of his age. He turned 12 in April. I've never heard of anyone repeating a year, but why not contact the high school and check what part of the year 11 syllabus is important for year 12.

I would come as soon as I can if I were you. One never knows what's gonna happen tomorrow. Are your girls excited about the change? because that'll also make a big difference to their settling in and adapting.

Good luck

Denise

[Milada (Ms Maritz)]

It really depends on a couple of things:

1. Here in NSW they already start with Year 12 work during the last term of Year 11.

2. If you are English-speaking in South Africa and the children attend an English school - the transition will obviously be easier.

3. It also depends on the subject they want to do.... and what they want to do when they finish with school. My son moved to Sydney at the end of February 2009.... a month after the school has started. He was supposed to be in Year 12. The principal advised that he repeat his Year 11, because h4. e wants to study engineering when finished with school. So to be able to do that, he had to take Extension Maths as a subject. (It's one level higher than Higher Grade in SA) My son decided to do that.... and we are not sorry at all! Yes, he is much older than the rest of the students - he already turned 19 - but at least he is coping very well with all his subjects..... and not failing maths as he used to do in SA.....

4. If at all possible, try and move here before the last term of Year 11......

I don't know if this will help..... maybe you are now just more confused ..... good luck with your decision!

[Riekie]

Mrs Maritz, on Jul 27 2010, 10:01 PM, said:

Here in NSW they already start with Year 12 work during the last term of Year 11.

True. They also have "major works" which must be submitted in Y12 which they start working on in Y11 already.

I'm sure the school will help any kid to catch up if they only start school in aus in Y12 (I know my daughter's school will do that kind of thing) and if your kid does not struggle academically already, they should be fine.

On an emotional/adapting to new life in Aus point, it would be better for any kid to come to aus while still in school (or at uni) because that would immediately put them in a situation where they mix with other kids every day, making it so much easier. My son finished Y12 in RSA and REALLY struggled to make friends to the point where he became very depressed!

Another thing to consider is that they'll need an Aussie HCS rating (varies from state to state on what it is called) to be accepted into uni for most courses and would probably have to do a bridging course if they have the RSA version of Y12.

[sugan]

Skidbro, on Jul 27 2010, 05:45 PM, said:

So many things to consider. I have been offered a position with a company in Adelaide which I have gladly accepted. My two girls are currently in grade 11 with their final year in 2011. If we have relocated by Dec 2010 will they have to redo grade 11 or can they go straight into grade 12. My son is in grade 7 at the moment so I'm sure he can quite easily go straight into high school there. It makes no sense leaving the girls here for a whole year. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Hi
You must be very careful about moving your kids at G11.The problem is that they are almost completed schooling and you will be disrupting their schooling.Some kids adapt and others find it hard.contact the state and the school before making your decision.If it was my kids i would let them complete their y12 before moving them.At that stage many kids have great difficulty reacquainting themselves in a new school=let alone a new country.
Also depends on how they are doing academically and what they plan to do after school
cheers

[Sylvia13]

sugan, on Jul 28 2010, 01:56 PM, said:

Hi
You must be very careful about moving your kids at G11.The problem is that they are almost completed schooling and you will be disrupting their schooling.Some kids adapt and others find it hard.contact the state and the school before making your decision.If it was my kids i would let them complete their y12 before moving them.At that stage many kids have great difficulty reacquainting themselves in a new school=let alone a new country.
Also depends on how they are doing academically and what they plan to do after school
cheers

I don't agree, I would get my kids out of there! Kids adapt alot quicker than you may think, I know of many people who moved when their kids were around the Gr11 and Gr12 years and all completed school here and did very well.

[Eva]

Sylvia13, on Jul 29 2010, 02:59 PM, said:

I don't agree, I would get my kids out of there! Kids adapt alot quicker than you may think, I know of many people who moved when their kids were around the Gr11 and Gr12 years and all completed school here and did very well.

My thoughts exactly!