- Comprehensive review of senior secondary school
pathways across all Western Australian schools underway
- Stakeholders from the education sector,
community, business, and industry groups appointed to advisory committee
- Options to strengthen post-school pathways for
students to be explored by education experts
- WACE refreshments being considered to meet the
needs of secondary students
The Cook
Government has launched a review of senior secondary school pathways in a bid to
ensure all Western Australian students can reach their full potential through their
post-school study, training, or employment pursuits.
Pathways
to Post-School Success is being led by the Department of Education in
partnership with Catholic Education Western Australia and the Association of
Independent Schools Western Australia.
Education
Minister Dr Tony Buti said the review would be spearheaded by a panel of education
specialists, including principals and tertiary education leaders. A larger advisory
committee, representing key stakeholder groups, will work with the advisory
panel and provide direction for the review.
The review
will explore whether current pathway options are effectively preparing students
for the full range of further study, training, and work options available to
them. A key outcome will be to investigate whether current certification and
university entry requirements assist students to make the best study choices as
well as identify the barriers to students being able to access equitable
pathways. The review is scheduled to conclude early 2024.
The review
will also examine:
- the needs of higher education, vocational
education and training, employers, and education communities;
- emerging practices in WA (and elsewhere);
- the needs of Aboriginal students, those from
rural and remote areas, students from culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds, students with a disability and other students at risk of not
making a successful transition from school to further education, training
and/or work;
- innovative practice in other jurisdictions in
Australia and beyond; and
- future proofing approaches given wider and
national conversations about the future of ATAR.
The
pathways review will run alongside refreshments to the Western Australian
Certificate of Education (WACE) being considered by the School Curriculum and
Standards Authority Board.
The
current WACE has been in place for eight years and the Board's refreshments
will ensure it continues to meet the needs of senior secondary students at
school and as they move into further education, training, and employment.
The
WACE has clear standards and expectations and has been identified nationally
and internationally as a rigorous senior secondary certificate.
Comments
attributed to Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Senior
secondary education plays a critical role in helping to develop and realise
every student's unique aspiration and prepare them for the challenges of our
modern world.
"These
students will form the State's future workforce and among them are the leaders
of the future across several sectors and industries.
"Our
ambition is to give every secondary student the best possible opportunities for
future success, so we must provide the pathways that will enable them to fulfil
their potential."
