As NSW high school students are in the midst of their HSC exams, Corowa High School principal Dr Joanne Bellette has taken the opportunity to let her students know that no matter the outcome, ATAR scores do not forebode their future successes.
“Whilst the HSC is an important milestone in a student’s educational journey it certainly doesn’t define their future,” Dr Bellette told The Free Press.
“There are so many pathways available to students these days, from utilising an ATAR to access university to engaging with apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE and university via other means. Each of these pathways represents an opportunity for students to learn and flourish beyond high school and we continue to support them in achieving these goals.”
New research has shown that the Australian population is losing faith in the national tertiary entrance rank amid fears it is putting too much stress on students, which has led the NSW Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, to consider a “discussion” around an overhaul of the ATAR.
The secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Mark Scott, lambasted the ATAR earlier this year, describing it as a “strait jacket around our kids”.
The Gonski Institute for Education held a national survey of 1170 people to understand the wider communities perspective on the ATAR. It found 48 per cent thought it was unfair, and 67 per cent of respondents believed reliance on the ATAR has created unnecessary pressure for year 12 students.
The survey also found 80 per cent thought the ATAR should consider a student’s ability and talent beyond their exam results.
During this period TAFE NSW General Manager Johnathan Davis has moved to ease some of the pressure on local HSC students by issuing a timely reminder about the range of TAFE degrees that don’t require an ATAR.
Mr Davis has highlighted the TAFE NSW Early Entry Program, where HSC students can apply for entry to study a degree without an ATAR.
“By allowing students to apply for entry to a degree before receiving an ATAR, the TAFE NSW Early Entry Program gives students and their families some much-needed peace of mind.
“Early entry to TAFE NSW degrees allows students to get ahead of the pack and focus on answering exam questions rather than agonising over whether or not they will receive an offer for tertiary studies from other providers.”
Mr Davis said there were a host of great reasons for high school graduates to consider studying a degree or diploma through TAFE NSW.“TAFE NSW graduates are likely to be earning more, earlier in their career, than an equivalent university graduate,” he said.
“University students are switching to TAFE NSW to obtain practical, hands-on qualifications and degrees that employers recognise. It is important for school leavers to consider TAFE as a viable ‘Plan A’ as opposed to struggling through university.”