Minister welcomes support for education changes

3/5/05
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich has welcomed university support for changes to the Years 11 and 12 curriculum.
Ms Ravlich told Parliament today the vice-chancellors of Western Australia's five universities had signed a statement endorsing the new courses of study.
"On Sunday May 1, the vice-chancellors of WA's five universities released a communiqu? supporting the Curriculum Council's changes to post-compulsory education," the Minister told Parliament.
"This communiqu? said that the new courses of study will prepare students to study at university and that the proposed changes will not lower academic standards but will provide young people with the same opportunities as those in other States.
"The vice-chancellors have said that they have been consulted at each step of the way and that they were confident that the new courses of study would allow them to select students in a fair and robust way."
Ms Ravlich said - in addition to the vice-chancellors - parents, teachers, Government schools, non-Government schools, unions, the training sector, and the broader community were consulted about the Year 11 and 12 changes.
"Each of these groups have supported the changes," she said.
"These changes are based on a four-year review, from 1998 to 2002, that found there was broad agreement that changes needed to take place, and are in the best interests of Years 11 and 12 students.
"During the review, more than 10,000 people were involved.
"Subsequently 470 teachers, tertiary educators and industry representatives helped to develop the new courses of study and 3,500 teachers have provided feedback on the courses of study during development.
"Examinations will still be conducted by the Curriculum Council, as is also currently the case with the TEE.
"Professional development for teachers on the new courses began at the end of last year and a communications strategy for parents and the community will begin this month."
Ms Ravlich told Parliament the new Year 11 and 12 courses of study would be carefully monitored and adjustments made where necessary.
"I am determined that the new system must deliver improvements in academic performance in Years 11 and 12 and provide students with the very best opportunity to study at university, TAFE or join the paid workforce," she said.
Minister's office: 9213 6800