As part of the Victorian Government’s reform of the VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) and VCAL (Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning) system, Victorian senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed General Achievement Test (GAT).
As part of the reform of the VCE and VCAL system, Victorian senior secondary students will this year have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed GAT. The 2022 GAT will be held on Wednesday 7 September. The slightly later test date provides the time required to ensure the revised GAT is valid and reliable, and for teachers and students to understand the changes – with the test expected to return to its traditional June date from 2023.
The reformed GAT follows a comprehensive review conducted by the VCAA (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority). It will see Victoria join other jurisdictions who already incorporate literacy and numeracy standards as part of their senior secondary reporting. The GAT will provide specific information on each student’s key skills for life beyond school.
From 2023 the VCE and VCAL will transition to a new integrated senior secondary certificate. The new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of someone completing their secondary schooling – giving another indication of their readiness to move onto further education, training or employment
First announced in 2018 as part of a $187 million package of support for the broader review and reform of senior secondary pathways to be phased in over the coming years, the new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills expected of someone completing secondary school.
Around 90,000 students will sit the GAT this year, including Senior VCAL students who will participate for the first time, along with all students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VCE VET Unit 3–4 sequence.
“When Victorian students leave school, it’s vital they are able to demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy skills – making sure they’re ready for further education or to get straight into the workforce.” said James Merlino, Minister for Education Victoria.
“We heard from employers that they wanted simple and clear indicators on the job readiness of young people – building on our changes to the VCE system that will give students the academic and vocational skills they need.” he added.