RMIT backs new report calling for improved pathways for secondary students

Group of young students using laptop in a cafe.The report, ‘Looking to the Future – Report of the Review of Senior Secondary Pathways into Work, Further Education and Training’ was commissioned by the Education Council.

A new report recommending major changes to support senior secondary students to choose the best pathway into work, further education or training has been welcomed by RMIT’s School of Education and the RMIT Urban School.

Commissioned by the Education Council, The Looking to the Future- Report of the Review of Senior Secondary Pathways into Work, Further Education and Training was led by Professor Peter Shergold AC.

The report found secondary students need a shift in educational focus beyond purely academic skills, knowledge to help them thrive in future and clearer guidance about the range of educational and training pathways available following high school.

The findings also highlighted shortfalls in current transition pathways, including a heavy reliance on the ranking score, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) as a measure of success.

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President, Professor Belinda Tynan, said she welcomed the report’s recommendations that called for more inclusive, diverse, and innovative school-based pathways into higher education, work and life.

“At RMIT we have a strong focus on providing access, quality, and diversity of connected pathways to senior secondary students, and an education that prepares them for the future world of work and life. We are pleased that this is reflected in the Looking to the Future Report and fully support its findings and recommendations,” Tynan said.

“It is clear that significant nationwide change is needed to ensure all young Australians can gain access to productive work and life opportunities through more diverse, life-long and intertwined educational experiences.”

/RMIT University News Release. View in full here.