Fewer WA students tackling four ATAR exams, Scotch College warns
Just 36.9 per cent of Year 12 students take four or more ATAR exams, down from 58 per cent a decade ago.
Alec O'Connell, headmaster of Perth's prestigious Scotch College, has warned that more Year 12 students are not pushing themselves. The proportion taking four or more ATAR exams dropped from 38.1 per cent last year to just 36.9 per cent this year.
Ten years ago, 58 per cent of students completed that many ATAR courses. O'Connell says he supports different pathways to university, but worries the trend reflects students not challenging themselves enough.
He questions whether students entering university through easier routes perform as well once they arrive. From 2027, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority will require certain students to take at least one ATAR course.
- 36.9 percent of Year 12 students
- Current ATAR take-up
- 58 percent of Year 12 students
- Decade ago
- Alec O'Connell
- Headmaster
- Scotch College, Perth
- School
Why it mattersIt affects university readiness and whether students are prepared for the rigour of higher education courses they choose.
AustraliaThe shift changes how WA Year 12s prepare for university, with potential flow-on effects for their success in degree courses and long-term career readiness.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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