Vanessa's trip to OZ

Vanessa and Peter Mann had always wanted to go to Australia and when the opportunity came for Vanessa to spend a year in Sydney on a teacher exchange they felt it was a dream come true.

With temperatures in summer of 30+ and in winter 20 during the day, Vanessa found the climate better than they expected. The clarity of the light and the quality of the air in New South Wales were appreciated after the greyness of the UK.

Vanessa taught at Pymble Ladies' College, a private girls Uniting Church School for 2000 pupils aged from five to eighteen. The school had a traditional approach to academic work, a strict uniform code and a fine reputation in the whole of Australia. Parents sent their children there from as far away as Hong Kong and Dubai. Pupils were encouraged to excel at sport and no expense was spared to give them the best coaching possible. The Prime Minister of Australia presented prizes on Prize Day.

There were quite a few permanent members of staff who were English. They were all enjoying teaching and living in Australia. The Australian staff were entitled to a sabbatical after ten years' service, something which would be welcomed in the UK.

Vanessa was responsible for a tutor group and enjoyed getting to know the girls.

In her Maths teaching Vanessa missed the investigative approach taught in the UK and felt that she was teaching Maths along 1950 lines. She thought that there was little passion for studying Maths; it was regarded as a necessity and not something pupils wanted to take on to further study.

Being in Sydney for the Olympics was very special and whilst there, Vanessa and Peter were able to congratulate Iain Percy, a family friend, on his gold medal success.

The cost of living in Australia was lower and housing cheaper. Vanessa would have loved to stay in Australia to enjoy a lifestyle which balances hard work with wonderful leisure opportunities in a super climate.

It has been a big adjustment returning to Hampshire but Vanessa feels that through her Maths teaching at Totton College she is helping students with the rest of their lives.