More Than A Number

Less than 30% of University entries are based on ATAR scores, so why do we place so much importance on achieving that elusive number? So much so, that our youth are suffering mental health issues in an effort to pursue unachievable scores, they are put under pressure by parents, teachers and peers when majority of times the subjects they are studying are inappropriate and not conducive to gaining meaningful employment into the next decade. The unemployment rates for youth 18-25 are on the rise because they don’t have the skills required for the digital age.

Students are taught how to pass exams instead of gaining knowledge. Our aim is to show Students, Parents, Teachers and decision makers alternative, innovative ways to educate and explore new pathways to gain meaningful employment.

This film will expose how archaic our current secondary school practices are and we ask experts how we can revolutionise education. We will endeavor to create a wonderful growth experience for our youth.

We hope to make parents aware, that pushing their children to succeed through the current system is not the only way.

The ultimate aim is to abolish ATAR as a method of ranking students. Identify and reveal the alternative ways to become educated.

Make students aware that there are more opportunities than just aiming for a score in a world where more diversified skills will be required.

Convince government bodies that the need for innovative education is urgent and needs more focused attention.

We are partnering with Foundation for Youth Australia, who’s motto is “Youth speaking for Youth. We are both in agreement that showing the issues our youth are facing and showing alternative methods of education, such as student led learning and opportunities via VCAL, (which is expanding in it’s variety) they can access focused training.

Also liasing with Templestowe College who are the leader in student led learning, we can learn from their examples of forward thinking in this area.

We are reaching out to Big Picture Schooling who’s philosophy is ‘One student at a time in a community of learners’.

Megan O’Connell is an Education Consultant who has her finger on the pulse of current education issues and ways to solve them shown on a recent paper she has issued with thoughts on how to abolish ATAR and similar scoring systems.

We are also in communication with Teach for Australia.

Teachers may use the film as evidence to convince their leaders that we must innovate if we are to tackle the future job requirements.

We can help government bodies see the way of the future and help to speed up a revolution in education policy.

Universities will recognise the need for change in the way they admit students. The statistics tell us that only 30% of entries (and declining) are based on ATAR so the need for alternative methods is apparent.

We will encourage viewers of the documentary to join forces, via a task force group which will guide them to action plans.