State Government announcement for VCE/VCAL literacy and numeracy attainment 

Following concerns that too many students are graduating with below standard reading, writing and maths skills, the state Minister for Education James Merlino last week announced the introduction of a GAT (General Achievement Test) for both VCE and VCAL students.

From 2021, students undertaking one or more Unit 3/4 studies in VCE will, as part of their General Achievement Test (GAT) results, receive information about whether they have demonstrated new literacy and numeracy standards.

VCE students will not be required to sit a new test. The GAT, which is already completed by students studying a Unit 3/4 VCE study, will be extended to include assessments of both literacy and numeracy.

VCAL students will be expected to sit the GAT in the final year of their program of study.

Current arrangements that apply for adjustments and authorised absences from the GAT will continue to apply.

The GAT statement of results will indicate if students have either ‘demonstrated’, ‘demonstrated at a high level’ or ‘not demonstrated’ literacy and numeracy standards.
The standards will be based on nationally recognised benchmarks.

There is no change to the current qualification requirements for the VCE and for VCAL. Students who meet these current requirements will continue to be awarded either the VCE or the VCAL.

This change to the GAT does not require any change to student subject choice.

Teachers, students and parents will be aware of students who may be at risk of not demonstrating the literacy and numeracy standards through regular school-based assessments and Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN results, and so will be able to plan appropriate support strategies.

“State Education Minister James Merlino said Victoria had been the only state that did not explicitly include, or plan to include, literacy and numeracy standards in its senior secondary reporting. We don’t want a situation where a student is completing their schooling without being able to meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards. This is a change that has been called for by employers for some time, and with this additional support we will give every student the opportunity to be job ready.”

The Education Minister James Merlino also announced an additional 700 teachers for government school secondary students as support for those who are falling behind.

To submit any feedback or questions you may have about the GAT, please send to secretary@cspv.catholic.edu.au by the 12^th November 2018.  

Click here for the recent media release from Minister James Merlino