Nishi Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I have started wondering how easy the transition fromSouth African schooling to australian schooling is.My youngest daughter will be six and her birthday is in October so she should be okay going into grade 1.My concern is my eldest daughter who is ten and her birthday is in October. She is from a school that's a little more advanced academically. How do I find the right grade for her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stell Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 The schools here are very experienced with children coming from South Africa, they will know where to put them. As to settling in for them they are both young and will get used to it fast - just make the whole thing is seen as a new, fun adventure and don't you stress because they will pick-up on that ! I found all teachers to be very caring and my boys went from state, to church to private schools as we moved often because of working in mining, if anything they have thrived since being here and have both done really well, one working in mining and the other heading to Uni next year. Relax this place loves kids ! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaandPaul Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I love that Stell "Relax this place loves kids!" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest May Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Contact schools and they will tell you which grades. 6 is a good age/ 12-13 are testy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Usually children are put in an age appropriate grade, the schooling is student centred and caters for both the strugglers and the achievers by way of remedial or extension work. I would visit schools and be honest about your hopes and expectations and see what feels right.It is probably more important that she feels comfortable and then you can tackle the academic side if you feel she is not being stretched. Stell is right, Australia certainly does love kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tersiava Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 I would also like to ask - how easy is it for teenagers to adapt from an Afrikaans school to an English one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nishi Posted October 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Thanks guys, I think I am starting to look for things now that the big wait and worry is over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pell Posted October 30, 2013 Report Share Posted October 30, 2013 I would also like to know how easy it is for teens - mine will be in year 11 when we move. Good academics, popular, quite the all rounder here, still a bit worried abt such a big move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stell Posted October 31, 2013 Report Share Posted October 31, 2013 I know families that have come with teens and they have been fine and others have struggled - each child is so individual and it would be really hard to comment, no one knows how they will cope ! Just make sure all lines on commnunication are open, don't stress yourself and hopefully they will just get on with the academics. Good luck though and just remember you are giving them such a good oportunity by coming here. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyHaggett Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 We have just passed our first year in Oz - my 5 and a half year old is in Prep and has settled well and made a lot of friends.My teenager daughter who will be 15 in December is really struggling, she is a good all rounder, academically and with sport.So difficult to tell before you get here, if someone had asked before I left I would have said my older daughter would have adapted better, but not so.The state primary schools are really pretty good, we opted private for high school though as we didn't like what we saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pell Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 We have just passed our first year in Oz - my 5 and a half year old is in Prep and has settled well and made a lot of friends.My teenager daughter who will be 15 in December is really struggling, she is a good all rounder, academically and with sport.So difficult to tell before you get here, if someone had asked before I left I would have said my older daughter would have adapted better, but not so.The state primary schools are really pretty good, we opted private for high school though as we didn't like what we saw.@ Tracy,Oh, now I'm worried.... For us as well, everything points to my daughter adapting well.... but now that you are telling me this about your daughter, I worry. I wonder what it is that your daughter is struggling with? Lack of her group of friends, a different academic environment? If you're comfortable talking about it, will you let me know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elliemellie Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 Hi,We have also just celebrated our first year in Oz, time just flew by. Sorry i can't help with the teenage question, my boys are still very young - 2 and almost 5. My little 4 year old struggled a little with making friends in English, as we only speak Afrikaans at home, but i am happy to say it is going much better.In our situation - i think I should have encouraged making friends and socialising earlier in the year, but as a full time working mom, that was difficult.Every one will tell you a different story, but in general - and I do generalise here - the teenagers here seems a little more wise to the world. So i would try to encourage friendships say at a church group / some other activity where you meet parents with similar values or outlook. Good luck, kids (and parents) take a few months to settle, but you take one day at a time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibella Posted December 10, 2013 Report Share Posted December 10, 2013 My eldest daughter was in Year 4 when we arrived and I'm so glad we didn't wait any longer as she has settled in well (with a few bumps in the road), we could figure out the best high school for her for next year (Lutheran private school) and she has a group of friends going with her from her state primary school.I would imagine it would be difficult for a teenager. I don't think going from Afrikaans to English would be a problem but lack of a friendship group will make it difficult especially for a girl. Even in her primary school in Grade 6 there are various groups like the Minecraft geeks, the 'populars' (they are very unpopular with me!). So trying to fit in will be a problem for a teenager as they do seem to grow up quickly here.My only advice is to join many groups and activities, maybe pursuing something they enjoy at the moment. My daughter does ballet and a great moment for her at her orientation day for high school was being high fived by an older girl she knows from dancing.So keep them busy and active so they don't have a lot of time to spend thinking and moping about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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