Senior secondary school students are to have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards as part of reforms to the VCE and VCAL system.
Announced by Minister for Education, James Merlino, changes to the General Achievement Test (GAT) are to explicitly report students’ literacy and numeracy scores to bring the Victorian GAT in line with similar tests in other States and Territories.
“The new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills expected of someone completing secondary school – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment,” Mr Merlino said.
“While the new standards will be reported on students’ VCE or VCAL certificates, they will not contribute to a student’s ATAR unless the GAT is required to calculate a score – for example, if a student requires a Derived Examination Score after missing an exam due to illness,” he said.
The Minister said this year’s GAT would be held on 7 September to ensure the revised test was reliable and that teachers and students understood the changes.
Mr Merlino said the test was expected to return to its traditional June date from 2023.
“As in all previous years, no special study will be required for the GAT,” he said.
“Past study of subjects like English, Mathematics, Science and History prepares students for the test by building their general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning.”
Mr Merlino said the change came as Victoria prepared to transition to a new integrated senior secondary certificate from 2023, which is to bring together VCE and VCAL within the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate options.
