The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has partnered with senior Monash University mathematics specialists in a first-of-its-kind partnership to strengthen the quality of VCE maths exams and the review processes.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced the partnership this week following recommendations from an independent review conducted earlier this year.
Senior Monash University mathematicians have been involved in the quality assurance processes for the 2024 VCE maths exams and the General Achievement Test (GAT) in a reviewing capacity.
From 2025, these academics will also be on the panel who write the VCAA’s VCE Mathematics examinations. This includes the examinations for Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and General Mathematics.
According to Mr Carroll the partnership highlights a commitment to the quality of mathematics examinations in Victoria, making sure that mathematics students are provided with the best opportunity to be assessed fairly on the skills they have attained during their VCE.
It follows the independent review into the VCAA’s examination setting policies, processes and procedures that was chaired by Dr John Bennett AM. The review recommended implementing more suitably qualified academics on the VCE Mathematics examination development panels and stronger examination review processes.
The VCAA has implemented or is on track to implement every single one of the recommendations made by the independent review.
“VCE can be a stressful time and students and families rightly expect high quality exams that give the best opportunity for a fair assessment on skills attained throughout the year,” Mr Carroll said.
“Boosting the numbers of suitably qualified, senior mathematics specialists to oversee the development and review processes of VCE maths exams was a key recommendation of Dr John Bennett’s independent review.”
Monash University School of Mathematics head professor Warwick Tucker said “By integrating the expertise of our mathematicians into the examination development and review processes, we aim to ensure that VCE Mathematics assessments are not only rigorous but also fair and reflective of the curriculum’s objectives.”
”This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering excellence in mathematics education and providing students with the best possible opportunities to showcase their understanding.”
