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Is the HSC Archaic?

11 Aug 2017

Greg Whitby, Director of Catholic Education in Paramatta has long been a voice for modernising learning spaces, linking pedagogies and thinking about innovation in education.  The question of whether the HSC meets the needs of students and the workforce is an important one?

“The HSC has had its day. The current HSC is rarely used to seek employment and only 20 per cent of students use their ATAR to get into university,” Mr Whitby said

In a week where Year 12 students focus on their Trials, it is important to remember the integrity of the credential of the HSC. The process is valid in itself – learning to study, apply yourself to school based assessment and take on challenging concepts, skills and ideas have positive life impacts. Whether or not a student goes on to University, the discipline and sense of achievement in completing something that is hard, is worthwhile.

Ask a Year 12 student at the end of next week about the HSC process. They will be tired, relieved this round of exams are over but also pleased that they are close to finishing their courses and moving to another stage of their lives. They should be confident that the system they have grown up in, is one that will help them – no matter what the next stage of their learning journey may be.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/hsc-has-had-its-day-top-catholic-educator-says-year-12-exams-are-archaic-20170803-gxobnq.html