- Blueprint for Post-School Success submitted following extensive public consultation
- Key recommendations to be considered and finalised for implementation
- Ensuring all Western Australian students can reach their full potential through their post-school study, training, or employment pursuits
The Cook Government today announced a significant milestone in the review of senior secondary school pathways in Western Australia, with the blueprint for Post-School Success progressing to Government following extensive public consultation.
The Post-School Success report reflects public feedback and extensive research and stakeholder engagement undertaken across the State by a panel of education experts. This has included principals and curriculum and assessment policy specialists, with support from a larger advisory committee.
The comprehensive review aims to ensure all secondary school pathways, including Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and vocational education and training (VET), are fit for purpose, meet the current needs of students, and are accessible to encourage all students to challenge themselves.
Key recommendations of the review include actions to:
- Enable as many VET qualifications as possible to contribute to ATAR, in line with other Australian jurisdictions;
- Explore expanding the information included in the Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA) to reflect a holistic picture of achievement;
- To make WASSAs available to students who leave school prior to year 12;
- Work with the school system and sectors to strengthen delivery of career education and pathway planning, particularly for students in regional, remote and lower socio-economic areas;
- School system and sectors to identify opportunities to strengthen inclusive practices;
- Explore new offerings for students with disability, similar to the Skills course implemented in New South Wales;
- To develop an additional level within the WACE to accommodate students with a recognised disability, following a period of consultation with students with disability; and
- Keep the literacy and numeracy standard as a requirement to achieve the WACE with an expansion of methods demonstrating the literacy and numeracy standard.
The recommendations will now be considered by the State Government.
The review was first announced last year and led by the Department of Education in partnership with Catholic Education Western Australia and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, alongside the proposed refreshment to the WACE.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I look forward to reviewing the public input and further considering the expert recommendations to ensure we have a system that is catering for the diversity of students in our secondary schools.
"It's important that students have everything they need to reach their full potential and secondary school pathways that will help them to prepare for the range of further study, training and work options available to them.
"I thank Professor Bill Louden, Chair, and the Expert Panel for this important report, as well as everyone who provided input during the public consultation period."
