UPDATE: New figures reveal that less than 40 percent of Year 12 students in Western Australia are prepared to tackle enough exams to qualify for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). With the ATAR exam period starting on October 29, these alarming statistics highlight a persistent decline in student participation.
According to data from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, only 38.08 percent of Year 12s are enrolled to sit for four or more exams this year, a slight decrease from 38.99 percent in 2022. This trend positions WA among the lowest states in the nation regarding ATAR participation, raising serious concerns about university readiness.
Among the 28,627 Year 12 students eligible for a WA Certificate of Education, only 13,367 are preparing for at least one ATAR exam, down from 49.26 percent last year. Despite this decline, the total number of students taking four exams has increased, rising from 10,686 to 10,900, reflecting a growing school population.
The first day of written exams sees around 156 students scheduled to sit for their exams, including 9,537 for English on November 3 and 8,069 for Mathematics Applications.
A spokesperson from the authority emphasized the importance of exam marks as a fair and reliable measure of student achievement, stating, “The rigour of completing Year 12 ATAR courses and examinations provides the best preparation for students to succeed and thrive in their university studies.”
Interestingly, the authority has recently adjusted its policies to allow Year 12 students achieving D grades in ATAR subjects to pass, a strategic move aimed at boosting exam participation. Previously, students needed at least six C grades to qualify for a WA Certificate of Education. This change, informed by research indicating that a D grade in an ATAR course equates to at least a C grade in a General course, aims to encourage more students to engage with ATAR pathways.
As the ATAR exam period approaches, the implications of these participation figures are significant. The trend of declining ATAR engagement raises questions about the educational landscape in WA and its long-term effects on students’ future prospects.
Authorities are urging students to reconsider their academic paths, as the rigour of ATAR courses provides essential skills for university success.
Stay tuned for further updates as schools prepare for the exam period, and watch for how these participation rates affect academic outcomes for Year 12s across Western Australia.
