Major Developments And Changes 2006/2007
VTAC Staff
VTAC staff and the Management Committee would like to formally publicly record their recognition of the valuable contribution to tertiary and secondary education of the late Dr Robert Pargetter.
English As A Second Language
At the request of a number of institutions a working party was established to investigate the performance of students in tertiary studies between students who had completed VCE English and those who had VCE English (ESL).
Results from the working parties investigations show that although there appeared to be no significant difference between the English, English Language and Literature scores predicted by a given GAT Written Communication score, the English (ESL) study score predicted by the same GAT Written Communication score was between 5 and 7 points higher, suggesting that a higher score would be required in English (ESL) to be equivalent to a given study score in any of the other English studies.
Following consideration of the working party, five universities (Australian Catholic University, Australian Maritime College, Deakin University, La Trobe University and Monash University) advised VTAC that they will amend their course specific English requirements to the effect that the study score required for VCE English will be 5 points higher than for other VCE English studies.
The University of Melbourne advised that they will raise the minimum study score for VCE English ESL by 5 points from 25 to 30. Courses which have a prerequisite for any English with a study score of 25 will change to a study score of 30 for English ESL students. There will be no changes for courses which currently require and English study score higher than 25.
New Zealand Citizens
In reflecting the OTTE ruling that New Zealand citizens are not eligible to apply for Government subsidised TAFE courses VTAC will not be accepting New Zealand applicants for TAFE courses.
Indigenous Community Developments
The Footprints Forward project, funded by DEST, aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility of health and medicine courses to the indigenous community and a Victorian Vice Chancellors’ Committee project for tertiary institutions to collaborate on best practise with regard to indigenous applicants are two projects VTAC has linked with to offer support and assistance where needed.
Vet Studies Contribution to the Enter
The current restrictions on the number of VCE VET studies that can contribute to the ENTER will be removed for the purposes of calculating the ENTER for those students sitting their VCE in 2008 (for 2009 entry). The only restriction on the counting of subjects will be confined to areas which are genuinely closely related disciplines or cover very similar content as currently occurs with some VCE studies. It was noted that institutions may set their prerequisites to reflect the current condition governing ENTER calculation. A review will be carried out three years after implementation to determine the effects on enrolments.
VCAL Studies Contribution to the Enter
VTAC will continue in the direction of including Unit 3 and Unit 4 block credit, as approved by the VCAA, in the ENTER calculation as 5th or 6th increments. Increments will be subject to restrictions where there is duplication/overlap between VCE/VET studies and VCAL units.
Selection 2006/07
The cycle was acknowledged by participating institutions as highly successful with no major problems in accurate and timely delivery.
To improve the ability of applicants and institutions accessing VTAC data new data links and server arrangements are being investigated and will be implemented prior to the peak periods of the release of results and offers for the 07/08 cycle.
Developments of the Special Entry Access Scheme (incorporating scholarships) continue with the establishment of a centralised assessment process for the Year 12 Special Consideration component in efforts to streamline the process and minimise duplication of effort for institutions.