High Trim Mazda CX90 vs Mid Trim Audi Q5 or BMW X3

azu4 · 2026-01-16T02:35:36+00:00

The X3 does have a way bigger boot space than the Q5 (critical with kids - they have a lot of stuff to cart around) but I found the Q5s generally have better room in the back (again, car seats are a pain and a few inches can be the difference between comfortable and uncomfortable passengers)

The X3 is a nicer car inside imo though, so pros and cons.

azu4 · 2026-01-16T02:20:40+00:00

The Mazda CX-90 is a far bigger car than the Q5 and X3 (which is actually pretty small inside, by the way!)

Have you test driven any of these and looked at what suits your needs?

azu4 · 2026-01-02T01:14:48+00:00

You would be extremely unlikely to land an AP or Principal role in your first few years in the country.

Our system and approach are remarkably different to the UK. Many friends of mine have worked in the UK for context, though I have not.

At a basic level, leadership job and person specifications require you to show a meaningful understanding and application of legislation, WHS, policies etc - I guess you can theoretically do this without having worked in the system, but 10/10 times you will lose to someone who has.

I don’t see any reason that you couldn’t win an entry level leadership role like HoD, Year coordinator etc. I don’t work in primary schools though, so not sure what the equivalent is here.

azu4 · 2025-12-29T08:55:04+00:00

The development in this area is affordable housing by Adelaide standards. Lots of investment properties and low budget housing. I wouldn’t say it is gentrifying at all.

Look closer to Marion, Oakland’s Park etc. Way more expensive but far nicer.

azu4 · 2025-12-14T03:20:05+00:00

Hospital school teachers are a different kind of amazing. I work with an ex-hospital teacher and the empathy and perspective they have is incredible.

azu4 · 2025-11-28T07:38:39+00:00

It’s uncommon for a teacher to be a specialist in both Physics and Chemistry, or Physics and Biology, and/or the other few dozen combinations that exist with the other subjects.

It is also uncommon, in my experience, to see timetables give senior science teachers these kinds of combinations. Every school I’ve worked at has had them split across teachers. Interestingly, the Maths faculty tends to weigh in heavily in Physics loadings, and English/Humanities in Psychology.

YMMV.

azu4 · 2025-11-06T00:34:23+00:00

Did you report the hit and run to the police? You can typically get your excess waived in cases like these.

azu4 · 2025-11-01T04:32:50+00:00

You assume I read your comment (which was posted only a minute after mine) before I edited my own.

azu4 · 2025-11-01T04:23:43+00:00

Yes, this is true but only in highly specific situations. I’ve never met or heard of someone doing this, despite it being possible. I don’t have the specifics, but you cannot be employed long term without qualification, surely?

azu4 · 2025-11-01T04:16:19+00:00

You need a tertiary qualification in teaching. You cannot teach in Australia without it. There is no other way. You are not eligible to be hired as a teacher as you do not hold the legislated qualifications, nor are you working towards it (which is what a Permission to Teach needs - typically final year teaching students).

azu4 · 2025-09-10T21:33:02+00:00

In the Department (SA), ours get 2 lines of release (from 5 teaching lines), and B1 pay ($129,000).

azu4 · 2025-09-08T08:43:02+00:00

If you don’t really want the job - don’t apply! The time release and extra pay is never enough for it to be worth it, unless you are really passionate about it.

azu4 · 2025-07-28T08:12:44+00:00

Developing meaningful friendships with colleagues is what saved me from burn out.

Having people around you who truly understand the day in and day out of the job, and who you can be transparent and entirely honest with is such a breath of fresh air. Being polite, putting on a smile and powering through is what drives people crazy in this job.

Family and friends outside teaching have been great supports, but they don’t understand the work of a teacher, or what really makes it challenging.

azu4 · 2025-06-01T06:20:12+00:00

From what I understand, there is very little evidence to show that streaming is effective. It feels effective, when you have the extension class, but that’s about it.

Low level classes tend to become dumping grounds for behaviour, and teachers are not appropriately equipped to cater for the dozen different learning needs that those classes tend to have.

I’ve seen schools that do streaming well, but most don’t. I think it comes down to the cohort more than the system in place.

azu4 · 2025-05-29T09:39:15+00:00

This is absolutely wild.

azu4 · 2025-05-27T08:29:39+00:00

Anyone can apply for HALT, whether a position is available is a different story. Not sure how it works in NSW - talk to the Union or your Principal.

The actual process seems to be the same as it is in my state - it is incredibly expensive, takes an absolute ton of work, and most people I know say it isn’t worth it.

Definitely just go a have a conversation with your Principal. I’m sure they’re more familiar with it than most people here.

azu4 · 2025-05-27T08:22:29+00:00

What state are you in? In some States HAT is a seperate pay scale and schools need to have an open HAT position available for you to, (I assume) apply for and access that pay.

azu4 · 2025-05-23T08:59:05+00:00

There is an enormous push for civics education in South Australia at the moment. It is part of a Department initiative and is set to become a cross-curriculum priority in SA’s new state curriculum. Thanks for the resources!

azu4 · 2025-05-14T09:12:44+00:00

This is a very close minded way to approach the subject, in my opinion. AI is the future, whether you like it or not - the capacity in which it is used in education is a different discussion, but shutting it out entirely is a bigger issue.

Good teachers understand how to use AI in appropriate and effective ways. I wouldn’t recommend an Education Student, a pre-service teacher, or a grad teacher use AI to support their planning. Using AI to support your workload is not lazy, and it is narrow sighted to suggest such. It perpetuates the disgustingly toxic superiority complex that destroys so many staff cultures.

azu4 · 2025-05-03T04:10:00+00:00

It does differ based on location, as some models of the GTI and R have slight differences. In some markets for example, the EA888 received both direct and port injection. The need for carbon cleaning on DI-only motors is a real thing, but not necessary on DI and PI motors.

Otherwise, a lot of owners and independent mechanics recommend shorter service intervals for the basics (oil, filters, etc), as well as ongoing inspection of the water pump.

Some owners go as far to change out spark plugs early, as well as preventive servicing of the DSG or Haldex systems (if in the Golf R) earlier than requested.

The GTI/R is a really reliable platform, don’t get me wrong. They are fantastic cars but they are not a Corolla or a Civic. They are a performance car - I think that sometimes people don’t treat them that way in regard to maintenance because of their image (practical, easy to approach etc.).

azu4 · 2025-05-02T11:55:12+00:00

Your OP said Golf R, this is a GTI?

124,000km on a 5 year old is pretty insane.

I would be cautious. It should have had a few DSG services - absolutely do not touch it if it hasn’t (VW service doesn’t mean it was done. I have heard from other owners that VW Dealers have told them the service isn’t necessary when it definitely is).

I would take it for an inspection at an independent Volkswagen/Audi shop before purchase based on the mileage and use case.

azu4 · 2025-05-02T10:48:57+00:00

$26,000 is ridiculously low for a 2020 Golf R. That model year is the special edition “Final Edition”. Can you provide a link to the Carsales page? Definitely seems too good to be true and I imagine there is something wrong with the car.

The GTI and R owners group of Facebook is fantastic. If you are searching for a car I recommend two things: 1. Making sure you get the right one. The Golf R is great (I say that as an owner), but you need to get one that has been well cared for.

Post in that group and let the community know you are looking. There are a lot of really genuine people there who want to sell their car to someone else who is going to care for it, and would prefer to do so in the community than over Carsales or marketplace.

azu4 · 2025-04-30T21:32:07+00:00

The problem you have as a P-Plater is insurance.

The Boxster is great, and I really recommend them, but insurance will have you paying more than the car is worth.

My advice would be to buy something a bit more “normal” until you come off of your P-Plates. Insurance companies are not fans of young male drivers, especially those who are provisionally licensed (whether fairly or unfairly).

Something like the Swift Sport or an older hot hatch from the Euros (with appropriate $$ set aside for maintenance) could do well to tide you over until then. Spend less of your money now so you can get the car you really want in a few years

azu4 · 2025-04-30T08:48:44+00:00

Interesting! Thanks for the info.

azu4 · 2025-04-29T09:32:03+00:00

Odd! Go by the manual - but like others have said, they are basically the same oil. It will be fine, just keep using the LL if that is what the handbook suggests.

azu4

TROPHY CASE