Page 2813 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 17 September 2014

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MS BURCH: I thank Dr Bourke for his question. He is quite right in identifying that from next year English will be a required component for senior secondary studies for all ACT students. In October last year I asked the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies to review the study of English in years 11 and 12 as part of their broader review of the ACT year 12 certificate. This was the first time the year 12 certificate had been comprehensively reviewed for many years and was designed to ensure that the ACT secondary curriculum and year 12 certificate are meeting the needs of our students for their future studies and careers.

One issue that quickly emerged during discussions of the year 12 certificate was the level of English that students in the ACT were required to undertake to successfully receive a year 12 certificate. It came as a level of surprise to me—and it may have to many other members—that at present English is not compulsory for ACT senior secondary students. This makes the ACT the only jurisdiction in Australia where students are not required to study English in the senior secondary years.

Whilst some schools do mandate the study of English, others do not. I personally think that they should. So I am pleased with the result of the BSSS review that, starting with the 2015 year 11 cohort, all students will study English in years 11 and 12. This will be a requirement for receiving a year 12 certificate from 2016.

At present in the ACT students choose from a range of courses to obtain a year 12 certificate. Whilst I understand that the vast majority of students already do undertake a level of English study, I think it is important to recognise that the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the study of English are vital for all young people.

The study of English equips students with valuable insights about our language and culture and provides a platform for the students to participate in and contribute to the community. As such, the community and particularly employers, rightfully, expect our students to be competent in reading and writing.

I would like to thank the BSSS and the review committee for their work. I think it is a solid piece of work that will serve our students and the ACT well now and into the future.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.

DR BOURKE: Minister, what other recommendations did the BSSS review make about changes to the requirements for a year 12 certificate?

MS BURCH: The BSSS review committee made a number of other recommendations about changes to year 12 certificate requirements. They have said that the study of maths should be highly recommended to students studying in the senior secondary year. Whilst this recommendation does not mandate the study of maths in the same way as English will be mandatory, it does send a clear signal to students, teachers and schools that maths is a very important area of study for students for ensuring ongoing success in life and careers.


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