English should not count towards your ATAR although still compulsory to pass for the HSC.

The issue

English is a compulsory subject not just for the HSC but as at least 2 of the 10 units that count towards the final ATAR. It is a system that is subjectively biased towards certain students. English is denoted as compulsory in order to speak and develop the language - however the strange syllabus emphasizes understanding 'onomatopoeia' and motifs in texts. Knowing 'onomatopoeia' (the literal form of a sound) is definitely no more important than the content covered in the General Mathematics course, so if English is compulsory then to what point is Mathematics not compulsory also? It is a major flaw in the education system and must be reconsidered.

 

Picture a student gets a Band 6 in Modern, Chemistry, Physics and 4 unit Math but a Band 3 in English although they are completely satisfactory at speaking the language. Why then should their ATAR be dragged down?

 

What I am suggesting is that your English mark doesn't count towards your ATAR unless it is one of your best 10 units however it will still be compulsory to sit and pass for the HSC.

This petition had 530 supporters

The issue

English is a compulsory subject not just for the HSC but as at least 2 of the 10 units that count towards the final ATAR. It is a system that is subjectively biased towards certain students. English is denoted as compulsory in order to speak and develop the language - however the strange syllabus emphasizes understanding 'onomatopoeia' and motifs in texts. Knowing 'onomatopoeia' (the literal form of a sound) is definitely no more important than the content covered in the General Mathematics course, so if English is compulsory then to what point is Mathematics not compulsory also? It is a major flaw in the education system and must be reconsidered.

 

Picture a student gets a Band 6 in Modern, Chemistry, Physics and 4 unit Math but a Band 3 in English although they are completely satisfactory at speaking the language. Why then should their ATAR be dragged down?

 

What I am suggesting is that your English mark doesn't count towards your ATAR unless it is one of your best 10 units however it will still be compulsory to sit and pass for the HSC.

The Decision Makers

Board of Studies
Board of Studies

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