Terms of reference

In response to a number of social, economic and educational imperatives, the Tasmanian Government is currently implementing significant reforms in order to improve Tasmania’s retention and attainment data, which is among the nation’s lowest.

These reforms include:

Tasmania’s policy settings and structural differences, particularly in regard to senior secondary provision, are not in alignment with interstate jurisdictions. This may or may not be a factor that is reflected in Tasmania’s educational performance. 

There is significant public and media commentary around Years 11 and 12 data and possible solutions to Tasmania’s low rates of retention and attainment to the end of Year 12. 

The independent review of data, curriculum policy and provision (including vocational education and training), design and delivery from Years 9 to 12, includes the three Tasmanian education sectors: the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office (TCEO), Independent Schools Tasmania (IST) and the Department of Education (DoE).

Issues

Key curriculum characteristics that require further consideration and national comparison include:

  • Tasmania’s single year courses in Years 11 and 12
  • Tasmania’s 50, 100 and 150 hour courses in Years 11 and 12, and where relevant alignment to the Australian Curriculum
  • Tasmania’s use of criterion based assessment for internal and external assessment purposes in Years 11 and 12
  • The alignment between the Australian Curriculum Kindergarten-Year 10 (K-10) and Years 11 and 12 curriculum and assessment practices
  • The nature, quality of the delivery and cost effectiveness of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Vocational Education and Learning (VEL) in sectors and schools and how this aligns with student pathways
  • Public perception (including that of employers) of VET/VEL undertaken in schools.

The Tasmanian Certification of Education (TCE) is a qualification for Tasmanians who reach the prescribed standards.  This qualification is now required for the calculation of an ATAR. The TCE has compulsory requirements including:

  • Everyday adult reading and writing in English
  • Everyday Adult Mathematics
  • Everyday Adult use of Computers and the Internet
  • Participation and Achievement Standard
  • Pathway Planning Standard. 

This Review will also take into account possible impacts of any curriculum recommendations on this qualification.
ACER will provide a report to the Minister for Education and Training on the focus areas of the review, including vocational education.

Specifically:

  • Analysis of and recommendations regarding future curriculum provision and design for Years 9 to 12.
  • Specific recommendations regarding participation and transition policies and procedures that align with the findings of the report and the Education Bill.
  • Analysis of current workforce characteristics and a proposed workforce development strategy (particularly for Years 11 and 12).
  • A report and recommendations on VET and VEL in Tasmania’s government and non-government schools in accordance with the terms of reference at Appendix B, which considers the expectations of key stakeholders.