Kilvington Grammar principal: ATAR needs to be restructured
THE PRINCIPAL of an Ormond private school has called for an overhaul of the tertiary entry system, with a survey of parents and teachers revealing qualities they think are more important than academic results.
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THE PRINCIPAL of an elite Melbourne school has called for an overhaul of the tertiary entry ranking system to take into account “life skills”.
Kilvington Grammar principal Jon Charlton said a student’s ATAR should be as much based on emotional intelligence as on academic performance.
It comes after a survey conducted by the Ormond private school revealed parents and teachers felt adaptability, communication and problem-solving skills were more valuable for students’ future success than their final academic results.
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In March this year a report from the Mitchell Institute also cast doubt on the relevance of the ATAR, with just one in four students found to be entering Australian universities based on the ranking.
Universities currently use a variety of tests for prospective students such as interviews, aptitude testing, portfolios for creative subjects and special entry schemes for disadvantaged students.
Kilvington’s survey of 1000 Victorian parents and teachers found most put having communication skills, a positive attitude, strong work ethic, independence and self-esteem above having a high tertiary entry score.
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And 93 per cent of respondents felt children should learn and develop ‘life skills’ at school, as well as core academic subjects.
Mr Charlton said the ATAR should take into account this broader skill set.
“The dilemma for schools is that key skills such as reading, writing and maths are specific, teachable abilities that can be defined and measured,” he said.
“By contrast, life skills such as adaptability, problem solving, creativity, collaboration and communication are less tangible and measurable.
“In today’s world these skills are more vital than ever — children should be learning them from a young age and we need to find a way to measure them alongside the ATAR.”
Kilvington launched The Character Initiative in 2016 to introduce students as young as four to key traits and skills they would need to thrive in life.
“By embedding character straits such as gratitude, resilience and courage into the school culture and curriculum we are reinforcing why these characteristics are important for children in terms of their relationships at school and at home, as well as managing challenges and their general approach to life,” Mr Charlton said.
“Many of our character traits are the life skills being demanded by employers of the 21st century.”
The survey also found teachers and parents were most concerned about bullying, cyber bullying, peer pressure around drugs and alcohol, anxiety and depression and the negative impact of social media.
“This survey highlights parents’ expectations for schools to ensure their kids are equipped to handle the pressures of multiple career and job changes,” Mr Charlton said.
“Ironically, their ATAR score was of least concern.”
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