The Tasmanian Qualifications Authority  is going ahead with a new Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

After extensive consultation finished last year, the TQA advised the Minister, David Bartlett, that it was feasible and desirable for it to go ahead with this proposal. 

Authority chair, Tim Doe welcomed the support of the Minister for the introduction of a senior secondary qualification where students must reach set standards of achievement in key areas  including literacy, numeracy and ICT.

To be eligible for the new Tasmanian Certificate of Education a student will have to meet or do better than a set of standards for

·        everyday adult reading, writing and communication (literacy skills);
·        everyday adult maths (numeracy skills);
·        everyday adult use of computers and the internet (ICT skills);
·        completion of a full program of senior secondary education and training (participation and achievement)
·        development and review of future plans (pathway planning).

Mr Doe said that the TQA expects the first students to gain this new qualification to be those who start Year 11 in 2008.

“There are many ways in which students will be able to work towards the new Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

They could include

·        a full-time course at school or college for two years after finishing Year 10;
·        a mix part-time work and part-time study at school, college or TAFE;
·        a full-time apprenticeship; or
·        a full-time job with an employer who arranges training that will also meet the standards of the new Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

“This new qualification is intended to send a clear message that reaching the standards marking the end of the first stage in lifelong learning after compulsory school is really important for the future of these young people and the future of Tasmania,” Mr Doe said.

Under the new system, all students, whether or not they meet the requirements for the TCE, will continue to receive formal recognition of all their achievements in TQA accredited courses, VET and TQA recognised courses, the way they do now.