Indians in Australia- How do you rate the Schooling

[bangalg]

We all know the quality of education in India. Emphasis on rote learning and lower premium on understanding concepts. Also, I think it is over-competitive with the result that those not in the top quartile would tend to feel inferior. Another charateristic feature is that the incetive to innovate and explore is lacking in the Indian schooling setup. But yes, on the positive side, if a student does well then s/he can be assured of a seat in your typical Engineering or Medical college.

I wanted to know how it is in Australia. I have a kid who is about to start his schooling. I know for sure it is going to be a relaxed schooling in Australia. But how is the general output? Do the kids turn out to be well-rounded personalities? Will they be internationally competitive to get into the good colleges around the world?

Wanted to know your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[naoto]

Put it simply this way. Which education system is considered better globally. Australian or Indian? Graduates of which system will get preference in jobs? I don't think it is too hard to get the answer.
I'm not Indian but I would assume the logic is the same. While I find Australian system easier and simpler than where I come from, it is still capable of producing excellent professionals, maybe not as well rounded but still of excellent quality.

[OzWay]

Well, IMHO, it depends on what you expect your child to be when he/she grows up.
Do you want the child to be a well-rounded personality who may decide to quit schooling at 18 to choose a profession of his/her own (say plumber, bartender, agriculturist, sportsman, etc which are considered rather odd professions in India) or would you like to see him/her as an engineer/doctor/scientist/etc as most do in India (rather compelled by the society here which values higher education so much)?

By the way, I have a daughter who will join primary school once we reach AUS. She is currently studying in ICSE stream. I am pretty sure that if we ever want to return to India after few years, she will have a tough time getting admitted to an Indian school.

It's not an easy decision to move when we consider schooling of children esp. for us Indians.

[SSDK]

Yes, it all depends on what your child wants to be if you are living outside of India...rather trying to score 101/100 because of social pressures...If just books and note books are important and all of us want out kids to be Doctor/ Engineers...then staying in India would be a prudent choice.
However, if you want to give some space and foster all rounder attitude where kid can get into sports (not just Cricket) or otherwise. Nonetheless both options come with a cost (kind or cash).

None of the options are good or bad...only perspective and perception differs.

I am sure, after living outside of India for many years now...my kid will struggle to cope up in any school in India if we ever plan to go back...not just Bcoz of studies but also other factors!

All the best

[bangalg]

Thanks, ozway and ssdk.
Yeah surely I want him to be learned and develop his mind in every way and not be merely bookish. But I would certainly consider myself to be a failed parent if he decides to quit school at 18 and becomes a plumber (say). Sorry I have my biases. I know, as you say, it would be tough to go back to India once he gets rooted in Australia. He will find it difficult to get adjusted to the schools in India. To me, the advantage of an Aussie school would be- a better conceptual learning, easier assimilation into international society, more acceptability by the best world universities. As Indians, our emphasis on Maths and science will always remain. I hope Aussie schools will make room for that.
Sorry it's a bit of a rambling note! But it is a reflection of my addled mind concerning this topic

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[SSDK]

Perfect! As long as we have the priorities defined clearly...
Sorry, but any job is good as long as it suffice the livelihood and liking of someone or circumstances...be it a plumbing job. I would refrain from pointing any name or someone else's profession...apologies for being straight on this.

I learnt this when I left India...no job is low or high or disrespectful...this change in attitude will happen slowly.

[OzWay]

Originally Posted by bangalg

Thanks, ozway and ssdk.
Yeah surely I want him to be learned and develop his mind in every way and not be merely bookish. But I would certainly consider myself to be a failed parent if he decides to quit school at 18 and becomes a plumber (say). Sorry I have my biases. I know, as you say, it would be tough to go back to India once he gets rooted in Australia. He will find it difficult to get adjusted to the schools in India. To me, the advantage of an Aussie school would be- a better conceptual learning, easier assimilation into international society, more acceptability by the best world universities. As Indians, our emphasis on Maths and science will always remain. I hope Aussie schools will make room for that.
Sorry it's a bit of a rambling note! But it is a reflection of my addled mind concerning this topic

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Well said SSDK. I appreciate your views.

Bangalg, we are in the same shoes. I understand the typical Indian priorities (maths and science) when it comes to schooling.

If you ask me, I would not be moving to AUS to get better education for my children (atleast, till high school). If you see, there are several schools in Bangalore itself which has an international curriculum which supposedly emphasize on overall development of the child without much stress on books. They also provide exposure to international society due to the presence on international students. And what else, India has few of the best engineering, medical and business schools in the world which offer quality education at a fraction of the international cost. In my opinion, children who grow up cities like bangalore adapt to any international culture without much effort if need be.

Sorry if i was going off-topic. Just wanted to present my views on IND vs AUS schooling (for indian students).