A new research project is exploring how Australia might move from the ATAR to ‘match’ young people’s diverse strengths in learning with the most appropriate post-school pathway, offering a potential evolution of, or addition to, the traditional ranking system.
The University of Melbourne's ‘Matching for Success’ project explores how new metrics and new learning recognition systems, such as learner profiles, can help identify and facilitate better matches between students and post-school pathways, ultimately enhancing progression, completion and satisfaction with their tertiary choices.
With more schools, tertiary providers, and educational organisation expected to join in 2025, the project is setting the stage for lasting positive change to Australia’s education landscape.
On November 6, the University of Melbourne hosted a coalition of secondary certificate issuing bodies, tertiary admission centres, education departments, universities, leading secondary schools and education researchers from across Australia to a milestone event for the project.
All representatives within the project share a vision to transform learning pathways and redefine measures of learning success.
“This project is responding to a clear call for change. Together, we are developing approaches that better reflect the skills and competencies students need for tertiary success and lifelong learning,” Enterprise Professor Sandra Milligan, Executive Director of Melbourne Metrics, said.
“Matching for Success is a unique and collaborative push to create inclusive, future-focused pathways for Australian learners.”