[Nicola]

Hi All

My eldest son is 14 and currently about to start studying for his GCSE's or whatever they call them these days. Sorry should pay more attention.

We are hoping to move early next year, but I am worried about the effect it will have on his studies.

Does anyone have experience of teenage children transferring into the NZ system from the UK. Will the curriculum over here match that in NZ schools. Or will he have to start from scratch to pick up for the NZ qualifications.

Or would anyone recommend delaying until he is 16 and finished his GCSE's.

[bbq]

Hi All

Or would anyone recommend delaying until he is 16 and finished his GCSE's.

Hi Nicola

Cannot really help you with NZ comparison, but I can say we went through the same thoughts, and in the end we waited until our 3 kids were finished school ( My youngest is 18 and finishes school next June).

On the one hand that helped them get through school life to a point where they'd probably be making new friends anyway, but it did mean that:

(a) I was older, so I am finding it much harder to get the points to go to NZ. If I get there, it will probably be harder for me to get a job.
(b) One of my girls is in the middle of her degree
(c) My oldest has completed her training and is now looking for a job - she is probably NOT eligible to go on my application now

I suppose the point is that there is probably never an easy time to say "lets go now", there is always a good reason to delay.

Personally, I wish we had gone when my oldest was about to start GCSEs, but I have no way of knowing if that would have been the best thing to do.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

cheers

alex :D

[Nicola]

Thanks for the advice :D

You have really confirmed my thoughts. I have spoken to a lot of people over here who have wanted to go but just never found the right moment.
So far I have not found anyone who has gone and regretted the experience.

[Nicola]

Thanks for the advice :D

You have really confirmed my thoughts. I have spoken to a lot of people over here who have wanted to go but just never found the right moment.
So far I have not found anyone who has gone and regretted the experience.

[bbq]

Hi again Nicola

Well, we have been selected today from the pool. Fingers crossed they agree with my points, and then I'll be able to let you know how it goes moving an older family!

cheers and good luck

alex :D

[bliksembokkie]

Hi there,
Your son will be just the right age to do NCEA the New Zealand equivalent.
From what I have surmised from teaching friends is that children from the UK and South Africa settle in quite well. You can look up the 'NCEA' website which should give you the info you require.
Bliksembokkie