Returning to Oz in July

[musicoholic]

Hi everyone
My family and I have been in Bangkok for almost 3 years... and due to my school management being gutless (see my sig! ), I've decided to come back to Oz to do my Master of Education in Giftedness

My question is: does anyone have any suggestions of somewhere that caters for gifted pre-school age children (DS will be 4.5 when we get back)... but that also has a well-resourced library.... and if possible, is close to a Thai-boxing gym? (DH is a TB teacher, and has owned his own gym in Oz for almost 20 years, but is happy to move)

I know I know... I'm not asking much...

Any ideas for me to consider would be very greatly appreciated.

[majikfaerie]

wow! another bkk mama! I can't believe I never saw you around the asia threads.
Anyway, we moved to australia almost 2 years ago and love it. sorry I can't offer any thoughts about locations for you.

[tbmum]

Hi,
I'm in Australia.

I'll ask a friend this week - both teachers and have done study on giftedness too.

[greenmamapagan]

Ooh, Charndra - welcome to MDC!

musicoholic - All I can tell you about is how gifted ed works in the NSW public system. Testing happens in 4th grade (so a lot older than your DS) for "OC" classes of which there are plenty around Sydney. OC students usually change schools for years 5 & 6 and then are retested along with anyone else who applies for selective high school or a selective class in a normal high school. Competition is pretty fierce and there are plenty of kids who spend a year or so getting "coaching" for the tests. There are other Dept. Ed. programs for G&T kids in other areas (music, arts etc) but that seems to be what the Dept. likes to focus on. There are a few private schools around Sydney who start gifted programs from the beginning of primary school and I'm pretty sure the UNSW hosts a program of weekend/afternoon stuff (that would require IQ testing to get in I think). Where were you thinking of doing your study?
Sorry no idea about the Thai boxing stuff.