Schools across Hume and Whittlesea put the literacy and numeracy skills of its senior secondary students on Wednesday, September 7 as part of the redeveloped General Achievement Test [GAT].
The revised GAT assessed students’ literacy and numeracy skills against new standards, in addition to its important role in quality assuring Victorian Certificate of Education [VCE] assessments.
The GAT was split into two sections, with the first section assessing literacy and numeracy skills and the second section assessing skills in English, mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills.
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the updated test allowed for improved learning outcomes for young Victorians.
“The literacy and numeracy skills of students will be assessed for the first time as part of the GAT,” she said.
“I want to thank all schools and educators who have worked hard to make sure their students can to participate in today’s test – which is just another way we’re supporting students to prove they’re job-ready after finishing school.”
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority chief executive Stephen Gniel said the renewed test would ensure all assessments were fairly and accurately assessed across the state.
“Now, with the introduction of the literacy and numeracy skills assessment, it will play an even more important role for more senior secondary students across VCE and VCAL,” he said.
