As the Australian labour market restructured during the 1980s and 1990s, Year 12 retention rates more than doubled between 1983 and 1993 secondary schools diversified to include vocational education and training programs as alternative pathways through school. From a human capital perspective, the completion of vocational qualifications in school…

In this paper the researchers ask how completing Year 12 and undertaking vocational education and training (VET) and university studies assist young people to make a successful transition from school. As part of their research they analyse whether those who are less academic benefit from completing Year 12 and post-school education and training…

This research study investigated the patterns of course choice in Year 12, and the consequences of these choices. The literature has pointed to differences in curriculum participation according to background variables such as social background and gender. If these choices lead to different but equal outcomes then there is no problem: there are…

This study investigates the views of technical and further education (TAFE) teachers, school teachers and school students on VET in Schools programs. The study examined the consequences for students of supportive and negative school cultures in terms of access to VET while at school, attitudes to lifelong learning, self-confidence, and knowledge…

In line with other Western nations, the 1980s and 1990s saw a significant increase in the number of TAFE graduates wanting to transfer to university. As a consequence, recent times have evidenced increased co-operation between universities and TAFE institutes and the emergence of alternative university-entry programs (e.g. degree-articulation…

A study examined patterns of course enrollments in year 12 and consequences of student course enrollments on education, training, and work experiences to age 19 using data collected between 1990-97 by the Australian Youth Survey. Findings indicated course-taking patterns in year 12 varied substantially according to gender, early school…

The attitudes and aspirations of Australian high school students regarding postsecondary education and work were examined in a survey of more than 7,000 students in grades 10-12 in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. The students' intentions were strongly influenced by socioeconomic background, geographical location, and gender.…

This is a record of the proceedings of the 30th annual conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA). The theme of the conference is "Mathematics: Essential research, essential practice." The theme draws attention to the importance of developing and maintaining links between research and practice and…