NSW Government review of tertiary pathways

In order to increase the New South Wales (NSW) skills base and rebuild the NSW economy the Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, established a Tertiary Pathways Review in October 2011 chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills, Gabrielle Upton. The review was to focus on pathways to vocational education and training (VET) and higher education by all students but particularly those with lower socio-economic status (SES), Indigenous and rural and regional backgrounds (key equity groups) and to recommend strategies and initiatives for more effective models to support the achievement of the goals and targets in the NSW State Plan, ‘NSW 2021; a plan to make NSW number one’ (State Plan). This report of the review includes recommendations organised under seven overarching reform areas: (1) enhanced transparency and better evidence-based decisions; (2) higher aspirations and expectations; (3) improved educational attainment and preparation for tertiary study; (4) equitable financial support; (5) expanded opportunities for rural and regional students; (6) better communication and information for students and parents; and (7) incentives for innovation.

Excerpts from publication. Show less