Paul Johnson, Vice Chancellor from The La Trobe University writes, In Britain, 43% of school leavers attend university, their target 50%. In Sweden they have almost reached this same target. Compare this to Australia whose target is: By 2025 to reach 40% from an existing 30%. At the moment of those who do have a bachelors degree, only 15% come from low socio backgrounds.
Setting a target such as the one Julia Gillard has set means that secondary education practices and primary education practices have a long way to go when preparing all students for further education. And more specifically address issues around improving outcomes for STS students.
I believe that assessment processes will need to be overhauled for this to occur. The testing culture ill prepares students for university or indeed for work.
Johnson has written in his article, 'We also have to look at the link between the senior high school curriculum and first-year university. We need a new assessment system, one that identifies students with the potential to do well at university but who may not rank well in high school exams'. He goes on to critique youth allowance issues that effect all students, but particularly STS students.
Retrieved from: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/opinion-analysis/beware-the-second-rate/story-e6frgcko-1225850641166
Authour: Paul Johnson, Vice Chancellor of The La Trobe University,April 07, 2010
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