Beyond ATAR

Many educators, parents, employers and community leaders have known that an ATAR score can no longer represent the kinds of skills and attitudes important for students to have in the changing world.

Beyond ATAR: Proposal for Change was prompted by ALL’s second lecture, The New Success, delivered by Charles Fadel (Center for Curriculum Redesign, Harvard) who challenged Australia to change its secondary school assessment.

Charles argued that scores based on standardised testing measured only a small portion of what students need for the future today. He argued that memorisation of traditional subject matter was not enough. The changing world meant that students needed a range of capabilities to succeed.

This view was supported by Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, who in introducing Charles, contended that ATAR made it easy for universities to pick students, but did not serve students with the learning experiences that allows them to reach their full potential.

Following on from the lecture, Australian Learning Lecture brought together experts and multiple stakeholders to produce a report with three major recommendations forming a way forward.

The report has had wide public take up and significant impact, informing The Review of Senior Secondary Pathways into Work, Further Education and Training led by an expert Panel chaired by Professor Peter Shergold AC.