A common criticism of the ATAR is it does not tell universities enough about potential students. But so-called ‘narrative evaluation’ models of assessment have their issues, too.
Each year, the same narrow narrative about ‘top students’ appears in the media after year 12 results. New research talks to students who are the first in their families to go to university
Research which shows you can reliably predict a student’s year 12 results by year 11. This suggests we don’t need a battery of stressful exams to work out what they do next.
There are different versions of ‘English’ in different states, with various titles and levels of difficulty. It’s important to choose the right one to reach your desired destination.
Science teaches you many skills. Even if you don’t plan for a science related career, including a science subject in your senior years can provide a good balance. But only if you’re interested.
There are some myths about senior schooling kids and parents need to know. They include the idea everyone needs an ATAR to get into university, and that year 12 must be stressful. Neither are necessarily true.
Higher education should provide access for as many people as possible to fulfil their potential as individuals. Leaders in higher education must be ready to examine what it will take to achieve this.
A recent report recommended all students leave school with a learner profile. This will capture their academic results, as well as other achievements like extracurricular activities.
A new study and its methods provides a way to replace the current Year 12 structure with one that will help prepare senior school students for their journey into the future – whatever that may be.
Even before COVID-19, use of the ATAR for university entry was contentious. Now it’s even more so, and universities need to rely on other ways to admit students.
How will the move to online study, and the disruption of routine, affect year 12 students’ abilities to perform and, consequently, their grades? And what does this mean for university entry?
Students with lower ATARs generally have lower lifetime earnings. But a Grattan Institute report found low ATAR men could earn more doing a VET course than a bachelor degree in their chosen field.