The underrepresentation of males from particular equity groups in Australian universities continues despite recent gains in achievement. This article presents a case study of the transition of one Aboriginal student, Robbie, from a school located in the Western suburbs of Sydney to an urban Australian university. Drawing on recent theorisations of…

Knowledge and understanding of school mathematics enrollment can facilitate planning and identify issues that need to be addressed. Updates earlier research on Australian upper secondary school mathematics trends and examines year 12 mathematics enrollment trends for the period 1980 to 1999. Discusses the implications of these trends. (ASK)

Describes students' written answers that seemed technology-assisted in the 1999 Calculus Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE). Illustrates how in the 1999 Calculus TEE some students used their calculators in flexible ways. (ASK)

A study of grade 12 curricula in Victoria (Australia) secondary schools showed a positive relationship between school size and number of subjects offered, although many small schools did offer a diverse curriculum. Increase in curriculum diversity relative to school size was uneven across fields, and evidence of actual enrollment in the additional…

This bulletin discusses the mathematics and science course enrollment trends of secondary students in Australia, which are of national concern because of the low participation rates overall and because of the gender imbalance in enrollment numbers. Statistics are reported for 12th-grade mathematics and science course enrollment, and expectations…

Surveys a group of students who enrolled in a first year university mathematics course to study the impacts of graphing calculators on the Western Australian Tertiary Entrance Examination (TEE). Considers the perceptions of students on their use of and preparation to use graphing calculators. (ASK)

In 2000, the New South Wales Board of Studies introduced new syllabi for Junior Science (years 7-10) and Senior Science subjects (years 11 and 12), i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth and Environmental Science (Geology). The structure of these courses is similar: it is based on a contextual perspective and is underpinned by a number of…

Describes a year 12 preemployment science course which includes (1) the study of human physiology; (2) construction, maintenance, and repair of science materials; and (3) teaching science to year three and four students at a local primary school. (DS)

Demonstrates that cognitive preferences of secondary school chemistry students (N=304) are correlated with achievement and are related to differential achievement in particular types of tasks on an achievement examination. (JN)

Australian researchers surveyed secondary school girls to determine reasons for enrollment in physical education (PE). Girls selecting PE enjoyed the break, activity, sports, fitness, and skills. Those not enrolling believed other subjects were more important, PE did not fit their schedules, they exercised enough already, and PE was too…

A report on the status of environmental education (EE) in the Australian School Curriculum includes (1) a content analysis for EE in course study guides; (2) a discussion concerning environmental science and postcompulsory curriculum reform; (3) a summary of the study results; and (4) a list of challenges for future EE. (five references) (MCO)

This study analyzed the economic benefits of an increase in the proportion of Australian students achieving a 12th-grade equivalent education. Earlier research examined the direct costs and benefits of a program that increased 12th grade equivalent education for the five-year cohort 2003-2007. This study built on that by incorporating the indirect…

A discussion of the issues addressed in a conference on the new eleventh and twelfth grade curriculum for Victoria (Australia) focuses on political aspects of curricular and educational change and policy formation. Implications for research on the social context within which educational policy is made are examined. (MSE)

Reports on a comparative study of a traditional and an alternative course offered in Victoria, Australia. Student attitudes provided the indices to changes in students' perceptions of themselves and their courses over one-year period. Students from the alternative course showed a greater increase in self-esteem, higher satisfaction with school,…

In the light of recommendations for future directions in secondary education made by the Review of School Based Assessment in Queensland Secondary Schools, this study aimed to systematically map current internal assessment practices for grade 12, and to determine the degree of satisfaction in schools with these practices. The study was performed…