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.
- 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
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.
Link to Media Release.