The School Curriculum and Standards Authority's latest annual report outlines a 'WACE Refreshment' plan focused on practical changes to make the certificate clearer and more responsive to student needs, aligning with national and international approaches.
One of the key changes, to be implemented from 2028, is a new pathway provisionally named WACE Access. The state government has invested $6.9 million in the initiative, which is aimed at supporting students with disability and those unable to meet current WACE requirements with appropriate adjustments to help them complete Year 12.
The Authority told this masthead that requirements for the new pathway will be informed by stakeholder consultation and research, including similar approaches in other states and territories. The pathway is expected to recognise learning that builds essential life skills, including literacy, numeracy, digital capability, and personal and social capability.
Schools and students will be given time to confirm course offerings and subject selections to support the first cohort of Year 11 students in 2028 and Year 12 students in 2029.
Another key change outlined in the annual report states that from 2027, students looking to complete tertiary preparation endorsed programs must also complete at least one Year 12 ATAR course. The change has been made to recognise that ATAR courses best prepare students for university study and that those students generally aspire to university study.