Dear Mr Whalen

Thank you for your email dated 2 August 2012 providing comments on the information published on the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) website regarding senior science and mathematics syllabuses and assessment requirements.

I note your concerns about QSA’s approach to syllabus development. All QSA’s syllabuses are developed in consultation with teachers, academics, subject associations, industry and parents, and are based on an analysis of national and international curriculum and research.

Prior to implementation, the 2007 Physic and Chemistry syllabuses were trialled in schools. Independent evaluations of the syllabuses were conducted as part of the trial process. The evaluations used input and feedback from a range of stakeholders including students, teachers and universities. The consultation also included surveying the trial schools.

Queensland’s system of externally moderated school-based assessment is not based on the work of Robert Carkhuff or William Spady. This system has been used in Queensland for 40 years and is founded on a partnership between the QSA and teachers, supported by quality assurance processes that ensure the validity and reliability of an assessment system that builds teacher professionalism and caters to the range of students’ learning styles.

Since the early 1970s, Queensland’s system of externally moderated school-based assessment has been the subject of various reviews which have led to gradual improvements. For example, in 1978 an extensive review of school-based assessment (commonly known as ROSBA) made recommendations that resulted in a move to the use of predetermined criteria and standards for awarding grades and reporting achievement.

More recently, in 2011 the Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities sponsored a review of Queensland’s senior secondary assessment process. The review concluded that the current procedures are strong overall and that it is an internationally respected model of assessment.

Thank you for your comments.

If you wish to discuss this matter further, please contact Leanne Rolph on 3864 0231 or by email at leanne.rolph@qsa.qld.edu.au.

Yours sincerely

Lisa Roberts Assistant Executive Officer, Policy Coordination Branch Queensland Studies Authority

154 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101 PO Box 307, Spring Hill QLD 4004 T +61 7 3864 0250    F +61 7 3864 0318
E lisa.roberts@qsa.qld.edu.au    W www.qsa.qld.edu.au