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09/01/2008, 17:22 mazza Joined on 04/01/2008 Posts 7 Moving with a 13 year old. Hi....this is my first post on this forum so stick with me.......We have just put our home on the market and have already signed a compromise de vente in France.  We have been going to the same place for the past 10 years.  I have 3 children the youngest 13 and they have all literally grown up there, know the area, have friends etc:-  My two older sons have their lives planned out and have given us our blessing to move over.  My 13 year old can't wait to go over.  When we actually plan to go he will be 14.  What is the best time to enroll  him to start next September 2008?  What are the procedures and do I need any form of paperwork? Any advice greatly appreciated Thanks Mazza.    Report

09/01/2008, 20:09 Cathy Joined on 07/03/2006 Mostly near Bordeaux; Sometimes near Bristol Posts 1,714 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Welcome to the Forum.  Take a look at this thread.  Although it is about a teenager who doesn't want to move (unlike yours), it does have some useful information. http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/1101592/ShowPost.aspx You need to start choosing your school now - the open day (porte ouverte) season is starting soon.  I have four children and applied in about early March, from memory.  The schools themselves will tell you when.  I asked for interviews for all my children because it wasn't clear cut that they would take them.  A word of warning: once their numbers are full, they are not that flexible about taking extras. Whereabouts in France will you be?   Cathy ----- Your children won't remember you ironing their pyjamas but they will remember you reading them a bedside story.    Report

09/01/2008, 21:22 Barbel Bob Joined on 13/05/2007 Dept 24 Posts 151 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Hi, We applied when we were still living in UK and he still did not start till 8weeks afer we arrived, so my advice would be sooner rather than later, my 13yr old son  had to sit an exam to decide which year he would join, it was in English, I think this depends on the area you are in as I posted  here for advice and no one had come across it before. We applied in writing and had to send in a copy of his previous school report all straight forward especially if your French is good. My first line was to ring the school and discuss the process, I would advise you do the same as it differs from region. I was also told he would need the BCG jab, but though they asked for it when I explained that he had not had it the did not push further. My son  has been at school now for 3mths and is settled in quite nicely.......we thought the French lessons he had in UK and the fact that he had been doing so well at school was enough to give him the best start but it was'nt and him not being fluent was the only drawback, the school have been great and are given him extra tuition. Good luck! J    Report

10/01/2008, 16:51 Deby Joined on 23/08/2004 Posts 641 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. 13 year old - does he speak good french, how is his written french? If he is less than average, remain in the UK until he has got his GCSE's/A levels and then move to France. Don't mess with his education - he may be keen but he is not  the best person to ask at such a tender age. Parents need to put their teenage childrens' educational needs first. Sorry to be blunt and this is my advice. Deby http://www.chateau-de-clerac.com    Report

10/01/2008, 23:48 mazza Joined on 04/01/2008 Posts 7 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Hi Cathy, Thanks for your reply..wearemoving to the Vendee.    Report

11/01/2008, 8:35 Panda Joined on 06/02/2007 Charente, Vienne, Les Arcs Posts 527 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Sorry Mazza but I have to say I still struggle to imagine what would possess someone to move a child at this age.  Education is so important and the systems are very different, a new country with a new language, new curriculum just when teenage angst kicks in.  You will put him at such a disadvantage (IMHO) bringing him here rather than completing his education in the UK, so what is the driving force behind this move that is worth jeopardising your sons future for?      Report

11/01/2008, 11:23 Joy1 Joined on 16/01/2006 Normandie 76 Posts 177 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Hi Mazza. On a more positive note, I think as long as your son is positive about the mood and prepared to work hard it can be done. We moved here when our son was 11 (I know, 2 years can make all the difference!) he went down 1 school year but is doing well at school and hasn't had to retake any years so far. His french teacher says his written and spoken french is now comparable with his classmates . He is in the second year of college (5eme). It has helped him enourmously that his dad is completely fluent in french and can help with french grammar and understanding homework. At the end of the day you know your own son and are best able to decide if making the move is right for him. It would be easier if he already knows as much french as possible before you move so I would suggest investing in private tution now, before you arrive.Moving over will be lots of hard work, but it can be done! Joy    Report

11/01/2008, 15:15 mazza Joined on 04/01/2008 Posts 7 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Hi, Thanks for your positive reply. Maria    Report

11/01/2008, 15:23 mazza Joined on 04/01/2008 Posts 7 Re: Moving with a 13 year old. Hi Deby, I am trying to put my sons interests first, that is why I am asking for advice and experiences of other people who have made the move to France.  I would not even contemplate this if my son did not want to move.  He studies French at school and is doing well.  When in France he has only french friends and manages to communicate well. I am not saying this is a problem......I am asking for advice on procedures.      Report

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