External assessments to return for Year 12 students

The Queensland Government today confirmed that from 2019 subject-based external assessments would be introduced to deliver greater rigor and simplicity in Year 12 results.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Education Minister Kate Jones said the Senior Secondary Assessment Taskforce had endorsed external assessments following an independent review of senior assessment and tertiary entrance, extensive consultation with teachers and advice from education stakeholders.

“The Government decided last year to reintroduce external assessments into education in Queensland,” she said.

“We have listened to teachers and other educational experts to ensure we have the best approach for Queensland students.”

Ms Jones said from 2019, senior subject results will be based on a student’s achievement in four pieces of assessment.

“For most senior subjects external assessment will contribute 25 percent towards their final result,” Ms Jones said.

“Mathematics and science subjects will contribute 50 percent.

“Final results in each subject will be based on achievement across a combination of four assessments – three internal and one external assessment.”

Ms Jones said external assessments would be set and graded by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and completed under the same conditions in all schools.

“Varying the contribution of external assessment between subjects is an approach designed to reflect the kinds of learning particular to those subjects and how achievement is most appropriately assessed,” she said.

“Variation exists in other states although few share exactly the same approach.

“In preparation for the new system, external assessment trials will get underway in May and June this year with about 20,000 Year 11 students at 264 schools.

“The trial will involve externally set and graded assessments in Chemistry, English, Geography, Mathematics B and Modern History.”

Ms Jones said school-based assessment would remain a valued feature of the revitalised senior assessment system.

“The QCAA is also currently trialling initiatives to strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessments,” she said.

“These trials will strengthen the current OP system and support the transition to internal and external assessments.”

Queensland has followed a system of 100 percent school-based assessment since 1972.

Media: Matt Jutsum 0408 998 940