Tuesday, 14 November 2023

 Chris CREWTHER (Mornington) (13:09): I have 17-year-old Hannah Brough in for work experience, here in the chamber. She has just finished year 12 at Flinders Christian Community College. Hannah wrote me a letter when she was 13, after I lost as a federal MP, which really encouraged me to keep going. She has written her passionate opinion on our schooling system:

Having just finished year 12 at Flinders Christian College I’ve reflected on the journey and experiences through schooling years. I’ve learnt a lot, however on finishing I’ve realised the inequality of our system.

Throughout a person’s schooling they’re encouraged to pursue their passions and dreams, but after completing a year 12 subject last year and finding that the subject’s study score gets scaled down by 6 points I’ve realised that this system doesn’t support this idea of dreaming big. 6 points is significant and could mean the difference between someone making it into their dream university course or not.

Regarding the effect of scaling, the sensationalised use of the study score system is unnecessary. There should be somewhat of a scaling system but not to this extent.

This disadvantages some students who are just as smart, but have a passion in fields that are scaled down.

Also, my view is that English should not be a compulsory Year 12 subject, and it shouldn’t compulsorily be one of the four subjects where full marks count. This disadvantages students who may be exceptional in certain areas, but not as much in English.

Thank you, Hannah, for your views, and all the best for your future.