COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON YEAR 12 RESULTS RELEASED

Comprehensive data on the achievements of Queensland’s Year 12 students is being published on the Queensland Studies Authority website and in major newspapers around the state today.

Education Minister, Rod Welford, said the information on student and school achievement continued the Government’s approach on school reporting accountability.

“It’s important that parents and the wider community have confidence in the quality of education being delivered in all Queensland schools,” Mr Welford said.

“This snapshot of Year 12 outcomes from 2006 prepared by the Queensland Studies Authority will give parents a clearer picture of what’s happening in our schools. It provides a very good picture of academic and vocational achievements.

The Year 12 data includes comprehensive information about our schools including the percentage of students with an OP 1-15, the number completing or continuing school-based apprenticeships and the number of vocational qualifications awarded.

“The information shows there is now tremendous diversity in our schools and our students are pursuing a range of pathways,” Mr Welford said.

“Some schools are producing strong academic outcomes while others have VET programs or school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, with direct employment outcomes.

“Queensland leads the nation in school-based apprentices with more than 40 percent of the national total of all school-based apprenticeship and traineeship commencements.”

“One of the most pleasing aspects of the data is that it shows our schools in regional areas of Queensland are performing strongly.

“Parents should use the information as a guide, remembering there are many factors that make a school suitable for a student.”

Mr Welford said the publication of Year 12 data was part of wider Government reforms to the way schools report to parents and the community.

The data is available on the QSA website at: www.qsa.qld.edu.au.

Media contact: Greg Milne or Marnie Stitz on 32371000