Complicated secondary school question.

[matlow]

My sister and her Canadian husband have been living in Vancouver for the last 14 years and they have now decided to return to the uk. They used to live in Fulham but having visited us most Christmases in recent years they really want to move to East Dulwich.

They have 2 daughters of 15 and 13. They are concerned about their eldest and her transition from the Canadian to Uk education systems.

Is the coursework that she has done in Grade 9/10 (uk 10/11) sufficient to have her enter year 12. Will some assessment of her work and grades be required for comparison?

Is the fact her birthday is in November a problem?

If she was required to enter in Year 11 would she be able to take some GCSE's despite missing uk year 10 coursework?

Would the IB system be better for her?

My sister really doesn't want her daughter to have to repeat 2 years and be in the same class as her younger sister.

They are actively house hunting but want to start applying for schools ASAP. Will not having an address cause problems and is catchment area still such a big deal for entry further up the school?

If anyone has any information we would be really grateful.

[The Nappy Lady]

Hiya

I believe you cannot apply for schools until youve got an address I'm afraid. This is based on friends who moved to Cambridge - they couldn't put the forms in until they exchanged on the house which ended up being in the Easter holidays - 1 child missed out on a place as a result & both missed the first 2 weeks of the new term.

So ridiculous but I guess they have to control applications somehow.

[helena handbasket]

Hmmmm, tricky.

I know that at the Canadian end they have a placement referral for international students, so assume there must be something similar at that end? I have no idea how one would find it (good old google?) I think generally they place children by age. I've taught children from just about everywhere, and even if they are from very different cultures (and languages) tend to be placed by age.

That said, children start the English system a year earlier (in most cases, however my son would have started the same time either place based on his birthday), but it seems that most children are five or close to when starting. Where I now live (in Canada) the birthday cut off is March 1st, so a November baby would be among the youngest in the class. A number of the younger children seem to get held back a year (by their parents) so they are approaching six when they start rather than go too early. Your friend's children might have started a year later than children in London. My gut would be to start the older one at year eleven and give her some time to adjust before the intensity of year twelve.

On the other hand (sorry), I'm not massively sold on the idea of holding back a year because I think there is a lot to be gained from being with peers who are developmentally at the same age (if that makes sense?) I don't think that's as big an issue at 15/16 as it might be around 12-14 though. I would keep the 13 year old at her age if possible.

I wouldn't worry too much about differences in curriculum. I think she would have to be in the IB system in Vancouver already to be eligible in the UK, but yes that would be helpful. Sorry, I never did understand how GCSE's work.

Those are all just my thoughts, it might be helpful to look online for an expat forum where there's likely to be someone who has done it. Hope there's at least something helpful in my babbles.

[Fuschia]

By age the oldest is year 11

I don't know if there is much scope to enter 6th form a year early (ESP not having coveted secondary elsewhere which it doesn't sound like she has)

In all honesty, I would wait A year if I where them, no doubt about it.. Then apply directly to 6th forms.

However if she do enter at y11, hey will need an address hen contact schools directly to see if there is space

Pupils do enter school or transfer at the start of y11... probably sitting just a few subjects.

I think their best be is to speak now I some 6th forms to ask about the age, and what entry qualifications woul be required.

Some places will do a 3 year course, with pupils who didn't get good enough has for entry to a level repeating in he first year ... That sort of thing might suit

[Fuschia]

Kingsdale entry requirements to 6th form

http://www.kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk/page51/page48/

[womanofdulwich]

i know someone who found they had to "go private" to begin and then move on to the state system once they were here.

[matlow]

Thank you so much for all your responses. I have forwarded them to my sister.