Victorian students are performing above the international average in science, reading and maths, according to a new OECD report.
Released every three years, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) compares the scientific, reading and mathematical literacy of 15-year-old students in OECD countries.
The latest report shows scores for Victorian students in scientific, reading and mathematical literacy are above the OECD average and have also improved nationally since the last assessment in 2012.
Compared to the other states, Victoria has improved from fifth place in maths and science to third place, after the ACT and Western Australia.
Victoria is ranked equal second with Western Australia in reading, after the ACT.
Improving the performance of Victorian students in maths, science and reading are key parts of the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State reforms.
The Labor Government has set targets to increase the number of Year 9 students excelling in scientific literacy by 33 per cent by 2025, and 25 per cent in maths and reading.
This includes changing the way science, technology, engineering and maths subjects (STEM) are taught so they are exciting and relevant to all students, and investing in our teachers and schools so they have the skills and resources they need, including:
- Investing $128 million to build ten new Tech Schools specialising in teaching STEM subjects and employment skills to secondary school students, opening in 2017 and 2018
- Training 60 teachers at 30 schools to mentor other teachers in STEM education for Years 7-8 students
- Training 200 teachers to drive significant improvements in maths and science participation and outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister James Merlino
“The latest PISA results show Victorian students are improving in maths, science and reading compared to students in other Australian states.”
“We know that 75 per cent of future jobs will require STEM subjects, that’s why we’re giving our teachers and schools the skills and resources they need to make science and maths more interesting and relevant for students.”
“This assessment was carried out just five months after our record $566 million investment in needs-based funding started to flow to Victorian schools, so we’re only just starting to see the difference it is making and will continue to make in years to come.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020