Ema Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 Hi, I'm new on here and will be leaving London in October. We've got resident return visas granted. We're planning to move to Hillarys or near about, so wondered if anyone has any experience on St Mark's Anglican School or Lake Joondalup Baptist College? Can anyone tell me how the education system compares? My eldest son when we move and enroll will be in the all important GCSE stage in secondary, so I'm nervous uprooting them from a good school to the unknown. I'd rather them go private, but would listen to all advice. Many thanks. Any other advice on the move to Hillarys is also appreciated:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Hi, I'm new on here and will be leaving London in October. We've got resident return visas granted. We're planning to move to Hillarys or near about, so wondered if anyone has any experience on St Mark's Anglican School or Lake Joondalup Baptist College? Can anyone tell me how the education system compares? My eldest son when we move and enroll will be in the all important GCSE stage in secondary, so I'm nervous uprooting them from a good school to the unknown. I'd rather them go private, but would listen to all advice. Many thanks. Any other advice on the move to Hillarys is also appreciated:) My daughter goes to St Mark's and I cannot praise the school highly enough. I don't have any first hand experience of LJBC but have lots of friends who are very happy sending their children there. I also don't have any experience of the UK Secondary system so can't offer any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ema Posted February 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Thanks Arwen, much appreciate your reassurance. I will email their admissions to see just how difficult it is for spaces and waiting list etc....St Mark's would be a first choice for us. Getting your kids into good schools in the Uk is always a challenge, I'm sure it's like that in most places. Thanks for your reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Thanks Arwen, much appreciate your reassurance. I will email their admissions to see just how difficult it is for spaces and waiting list etc....St Mark's would be a first choice for us. Getting your kids into good schools in the Uk is always a challenge, I'm sure it's like that in most places. Thanks for your reply Glad I could help, they do have long waiting lists for the younger years but if you are joining in year 10-12 you may be lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedolly Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Unless you specifically want a religious school why go private? Kids from Hillarys go to Duncraig High which is one of the better schools around this area 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Sadly Duncraig doesn't seem to enjoy the reputation it used to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akasully2 Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Hi, I used to live in Hillarys and had a son who went to Duncraig. I am a teacher at LJBC and have friends with children at St Marks. My son was in the academic extension program at Duncraig and I was very happy with the teaching and his progression. When we moved out of our rented house in Hillarys to another suburb I found the logistics of school runs and getting to and from work, too much to cope with. I therefore changed schools so the children could walk to school. I went private and haven't looked back. Mine go to Prendiville Catholic Collage. Great place. Very nurturing but also push for for high standards of behaviour, respect and academic performance. He is still in extension classes and is very happy and doing extremely well. Only now does he say he say that in comparison, Duncraig kids mucked around more in class compared to Prendiville, where it wouldn't be tolerated. He says that he feels that he is getting a better rounded education and enjoys feeling part of a community that values everyone and supports each other. Positive atmosphere. LJBC is great too. Very caring and well organised. The staff and the kids are lovely. High standards of performance a constant aim. Positive atmosphere. St Marks also probably have the same as the other two. I have heard from a couple of parents who kids were struggling a bit that they felt that if you weren't academic they didn't really cater for them/not interested. This could be just the views of a few. Best thing to do is arrive and look around each place. You'll know as soon as the tour is finished which is right for your family. It's the things you can't put your finger on, the gut feeling that is the decider. GCSE's count for nothing here. Students do non exam classes up to Y10. After that they take their options and are advised if they should go the General route (less likely to go to University) or ATAR route which is a direct access to Uni after Y12. I hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arwen Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 I will also add in addition to the other information provided is that some kids just aren't suited for private school. My eldest hated private school, ended up pulling her out in year 10 and sent her to what is considered one of the worst schools NOR and she did far better there than at private. Horses for courses and all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ema Posted February 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Thanks for the insite Akasully2 very useful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ema Posted February 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Good to know Weedolly. Thanks I have no idea about it all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starjumper Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Hi Ema I'm not sure I can be as helpful as Akasully2, with so much relevant experience of the schools you're considering, however... My 2 boys have attended several schools here and in the U.K., private and state in both countries. I have to agree with Arwen's comment, because one of my boys just doesn't seem to be cut out for private school. He was bullied both here and in England in private. We have just moved him from an Anglican School to a state primary and he absolutely loves it. On the flip side, my other son had a terrific experience at the Anglican school, with the most wonderful teacher you can imagine. His time in state school in England was dire. So bad that I removed him from school entirely, which I know is extreme, but that's how bad it was! However, he is also really thriving his new state primary here. I guess what I'm saying is that the right school for your particular child may be private, or maybe not. Given our son's negative experiences at private school, we decided to move into Churchlands Senior High catchment, as it's a state school that enjoys a good reputation. As I say, that's just the solution our family has arrived at. Lots of our friends have kids who are very happy in private, or plan to send their kids private for high school. The best of luck with your decision. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Life Down Under Posted March 27, 2017 Report Share Posted March 27, 2017 My two daughters are also at CSHS, Years 11 and 12 and are doing great. A lot depends on the kids though, CSHS has had a lot of ex private school kids join in the last couple of years due to recession, some love it some hate it! New City Beach High School due to open in a couple of years! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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