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and a fundamental part of entry into university straight from high school .
“ It never has been that there aren ’ t multiple pathways into university , this is just another one that ’ s attracted a lot of attention in the media and community because of perceived negative impacts on secondary schooling ,” Ms Paino said .
“ But the good news with that , is that people really do care that year 12 students are finishing their schooling in the best way they can , and it shows how deeply entrenched that importance is .”
THE FUTURE OF EARLY OFFERS Overall there has been a lack of transparency from universities about when and on what grounds early offers are given . This has resulted in the Higher Education Standards Panel ( HESP ) releasing a consultation paper on improving transparency , and discussion of increased regulation from other education authorities .
Chief of Universities Australia ( UA ) Catriona Jackson told Education Review that its understanding of early offers is that it ’ s an alternate pathway into tertiary study that keeps students focused on ATAR until the end of their senior year .
“ High-performing students apply for early offers because it gives them certainty , but it isn ’ t a free pass ,” she said .
“ Offers are typically conditional on a student finishing Year 12 and achieving a good ATAR , placing the onus firmly on the student to keep working hard until the end of school .”
The NSW Education Standards Authority ( NESA ) directed Education Review to the NSW Vice-Chancellor ’ s Committee ( NSWVCC ), which is the peak body for NSW and ACT universities .
“ The NSWVCC has taken positive steps to address concerns held by NESA and other education stakeholders about unconditional offers made too early ,” a NESA spokesperson said .
The NSWVCC say it has “ initiated a sector-leading approach ” for NSW early offers in 2024 , with five principles , including that all early offers should be conditional on completion of the HSC and not be offered before September of the year of application .
Another of the principles is that ‘ admission practices should be evidence-based , transparent and publicly defensible ’, aligning with the HESP transparency paper requests .
The Convener of the NSWVCC , Professor Barney Glover AO , said these principles will uphold the importance and integrity of the HSC whilst supporting the wellbeing of stressed year 12 students .
“ Alongside early offer programs , the NSWVCC continues to support the ATAR , which provides a consistent starting point for tertiary entry across all states and territories , no matter where a student completes their senior secondary study ,” Professor Glover said . ■
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