Queensland students struggling to cope with new ATAR system and more top news
22 July 2019
The Good Schools Guide is bringing you the latest inside story about today’s educational scene.
Queensland ATAR system jeopardising students’ grades
The change from Overall Positions (OP) in favour of the Australia Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) has disrupted student performance in Queensland. Year 11 students are falling behind with their studies. Students who were once straight-A students claim their grades have dramatically dropped since the change.
With new subjects being introduced, it’s become a challenge for some teachers and students because they find it hard to cope with the new syllabus. According to ABC news, tutors are on high demand at the moment and some have been fully booked tending to Year 11 students.
A Townsville student, Brooke Geaney who’s top of her class shares that she isn’t coping very well in a lot of subjects since the change. Schools across Queensland are noticing a lot of students dropping out of the general subjects to take on the applied subjects as it’s considered easier to manage in comparison to the general subjects.
Palm Beach Currumbin leads sustainable development
One of Gold Coast’s biggest schools are leading a path towards sustainability. With approximately 2,500 students and 250 staff, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School is working together in planning to reduce and integrate environmentally sustainable initiatives to reduce their waste footprint.
Executive Principal Chris Capra said sustainability is a key focus for Palm Beach Currumbin and embedded in the curriculum.
"Given our beautiful beachfront and creek-side location, we can see first-hand how our actions can have a direct and immediate impact on our local environment.”
The school community have plans to conduct their own waste audit to convert their school canteen packaging with recyclable and biodegradable options. The school also hosts a container collection day where they welcome residents, students and staff to bring along eligible containers to donate towards PBC’s student eco-projects.
Helensvale State School celebrates National Reconciliation Week
Early June this year, Helensvale State School students united together to walk with courage during National Reconciliation Week (NRW). The event aims to celebrate and foster a positive relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Indigenous Teacher Aide at Helensvale State School, Aunty Vicki McCrae shared that it was an emotional moment for her to see all the students coming together.
“The students gathered on the school’s oval to spell out the word ‘courage’ and walk together as the welcome song from our local Indigenous community played, you could sense the respect and love that surrounded the group,” she said.
The school stands together proudly to celebrate Australia’s shared histories, cultures and achievements and it teaches the students how everyone can contribute to the reconciliation in Australia.
