All 2021 Year 12 graduates were awarded an ATAR, with the vast majority completing 6 general subjects, where their “best 5” are used to calculate their ATAR. How each subject result impacts an ATAR calculation depends on (i) the individual result and (ii) the “weighting” of that subject where subjects considered “difficult” or “challenging” traditionally are weighted higher. Consequently, ATARs in the 99’s tend to be achieved by students who do very well in at least 5 of the more traditionally challenging subjects.

When we broadly analyse subject results, it becomes clear that TAS students do very well at both overall subject grades and external assessment results. By monitoring these results and referring back to historical performance, we are able to pinpoint areas where we can investigate and analyse to greater depth and thus seek strategies for improvement. This is part of our continuous improvement cycle.

We know that TAS students generally perform well academically, and the growth in performance shown from Year 9 NAPLAN to Year 12 ATAR is a significant part of that success.

A first look at the 2021 graduate subject data regarding subject grades:

• There were 8 subject areas where at least 50% of the students received an overall A grade.
• A further 4 subject areas where at least 40% of the students received an overall A grade.
• In more than half the subjects TAS offered in 2021, at least 40% (often higher) of students received an overall A grade.

When analysing the external assessment results, we look for a score of 80% or above to establish mastery in that particular assessment piece:

• There were 10 subject areas where at least 50% of the students received an external assessment >80%

If we look at all general subject results of all TAS students, a remarkable 38% received an overall A Grade. In addition, 42% of all external examinations sat by TAS students resulted in a score >80%.

Further highlights (only consider subjects with 5 or more students):

• Specialist mathematics: >50% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 37%), >50% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment
• Biology: 70% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment
• Chemistry: 48% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 37%), >50% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment

• Physics: >50% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 42%), >50% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment

• Drama: >50% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 31%), >50% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment

• Physical Education: >50% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 19%), >50% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment
• Japanese: 67% of TAS students received an overall subject A grade (State 39%), and an extraordinary 83% of TAS students scored >80% on the external assessment

Overall, the 2021 cohort showed a 3% improvement in both the proportion of A grades and external assessment scores >80% against the previous year’s results.

These results are a function of our outstanding staff, committed students and supportive parents. Our Heads of Faculty and academic staff will carry out further analysis of the data provided by the QCAA and use the findings to further improve their curriculum design and pedagogical strategies so we can continue to refine and improve the educational program for our students.

Paul