Teachers union demands inquiry into VET marks bungle

The teachers’ union wants an independent inquiry into why Tasmanian senior students keep being given the wrong marks after it was revealed the State Government kept the errors quiet for six months.

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THE teachers’ union has called for an inquiry into the body overseeing senior secondary qualifications, saying it has no confidence in the current system.

More than 600 VET students were affected by a bungle with last year’s marks — and more than 100 initially missed out on their Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

The mistake, which the Government did not reveal for six months, was caused by a computer error in the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.

Australian Education Union state deputy president for the year 11 and 12 sector Peta-Maree Revell-Cook said she was deeply concerned by continued mistakes.

“We were absolutely gobsmacked as to how many kids were impacted,” she said.

“When we went to the minister’s representatives around Christmas, we took them at their word when they said it was only a handful.

“We were calling for an independent inquiry because it’s happened for the third year running.

“We’re gutted for the students out there who potentially passed courses but didn’t get an indication of it.

“Their assurances that it won’t happen again are not good enough. Over one-third of students were impacted by that muck-up last year.”

More than 600 VET students were affected by a bungle with last year’s marks — and more than 100 initially missed out on their Tasmanian Certificate of Education. Picture: JONATHAN NG

Ms Revell-Cook said the union would be writing to the minister seeking an independent inquiry.

“Some of those kids would have left Grade 12 thinking they passed every course but they didn’t get the certification for it.

“It should matter whether it’s one kid or 600 … we’ve got no faith in TASC being able to do the job properly.”

Labor’s education spokesman Josh Willie said the system had not been good enough for many years.

“Ultimately it’s the minister’s responsibility. He’s allowed these issues with student results to continue on for a number of years now,” he said.

“If he’s serious about addressing the issues, it’s time to have a look.”

Josh Willie says the state’s senior secondary marking system is flawed. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Willie said it was vital students had confidence in their marks.

“It’s quite clear that the minister isn’t really interested in this issue, he’s shown no interest in addressing the systemic issues that are plaguing results,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said he stood by his previous declaration that he had faith in the Office of Tasmanian Assessment, Standards and Certification.

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