SCRAPPING the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority has been accepted as a chance to improve secondary education and VET opportunities, but concern exists that there will be fewer year 11 and 12 course choices in the future.
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Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has introduced a new policy that will see the minister giving final accreditation to year 11 and 12 subjects.
Consultation with stakeholders, including the University of Tasmania, TasTAFE, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and principals has already been held, with further meetings to take place.
TasTAFE chief executive Stephen Conway said the institution was interested in delivering a VET-focused TCE to Tasmanians aged over 19.
‘‘Given that VET is a natural study path for school leavers, we believe that TasTAFE will benefit from being involved in advisory groups that focus upon teaching, assessment and recognition models so that the transition from one sector to the other is more seamless,’’ Mr Conway said.
Tasmanian Association of State Schools Organisation president Jen Eddington said it was hoped the new model would remove some of the administrative restrictions that have made it difficult for students to get the Tasmanian Certificate of Education.
Ms Eddington said she was worried that the new model may reduce course options.
‘‘We wouldn’t be happy with that. It would be a negative step for retention,’’ she said.
Mr Rockliff said his decisions would be based on the advice of stakeholders.
‘‘Consultation is under way to determine what model best meets Tasmania’s needs, and this is informing the drafting of legislation,’’ he said.
Labor education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne questioned how the process would be kept free of politics and Liberal ideology.
‘‘Why is he better placed to oversee subject choices in our schools than experts at arm’s length of politics?’’ she said.