Department of Education

Direction
Major
Initiatives
Retention
and
Attainment
Strategy
The Department of Education’s goal for all Tasmanians
is that they gain appropriate skills and qualifications to
enable them to participate in a globalised, creative and
innovation-based community and economy.
To this end, the department is progressing the
implementation of an evolved model of
post-Year 10 education and training in 2011.
Amendments to legislation that came into effect from
1 January 2011 have brought the Tasmanian Polytechnic
and Tasmanian Academy under the auspices of the
department, providing the opportunity for an increased
strategic focus to support the achievement of improved
educational outcomes for all Tasmanians.
Through the Tasmanian Polytechnic and Tasmanian
Academy and some district and regional schools, the
department provides post-Year 10 education and
The Retention and Attainment Strategy will guide the
work of the department in improving the transition of
students from Year 10 to further education and training,
and engaging students so they stay in education and
training, and gain a meaningful Year 12 or equivalent
qualification.
A key initiative of the strategy is the introduction of
tracking of students from Year 10 to the completion
of Year 12 or equivalent. This includes following up
at-risk and disengaged students and supporting their
re-engagement.
The strategy focuses on a range of areas to support
transition, engagement and achievement of qualifications
including:
• high quality pathway planning
• open and consistent communication between
schools, colleges of the Academy and the Polytechnic,
underpinned by a collaborative culture
• a coordinated approach to course offerings
• quality information available to and accessible by
students, parents and teachers
• quality teaching
• quality learning support and learning environments
• relevant and flexible programs.
training opportunities to enable every Tasmanian to
reach their potential at any stage of life. The department
aims to nurture a culturally rich, socially cohesive and
economically productive community.
Tasmania’s target is for 90% of students to attain Year 12
or its equivalent by 2015 which is the national target set
through the National Partnership Agreement on Youth
Attainment and Transitions. Currently, Tasmania’s rates
of participation and achievement in post-compulsory
education and training are lower than most other
Australian states and many OECD countries.
A significant focus for the department is to address
student retention beyond Year 10, and to do so, the
department is working to improve the transition of
students from Year 10, their engagement in programs in
Year 11 and beyond, and their attainment of meaningful
qualifications.
Progress
The strategy has been agreed to by all Year 11 and 12
leaders in the Polytechnic and Academy. It has been
disseminated to secondary school principals through a
range of processes including face-to-face meetings and a
workshop.
Work has commenced in conjunction with pathway
planners to develop the transition support processes for
the strategy. Research has been undertaken to investigate
suitable special engagement programs. Colleges have also
commenced work on the development of special interest
programs focused on improving retention.
Initial investigation has been undertaken into the
development of a student tracking system.
The 2012 Your Guide to Education and Training in Years 11
and 12 was disseminated to all secondary schools in June
2011.
Discussions have commenced with district and regional
high schools and Aboriginal Education Services to
explore factors affecting the transition, engagement and
achievement of students at higher risk of disengagement,
as well as possible programs to address these factors.
Post-Compulsory Education and Skills Development 31