We are concerned that much of the public debate about this week’s HSC results misses the bigger picture.
These examinations are a key landmark in students’ lives, and it is natural there is discussion about factors which could have improved overall results.
However, the government still needs to face up to the broader challenges facing our schools and colleges. The fact that examiners report many students are failing to understand and properly answer creative writing questions and curricula, is a revealing indication of the wider weaknesses inherent in our education system.
An excessive emphasis on rote learning across most parts of our education system is failing many young people. Academics in universities and employers routinely express concerns about the weak quality of some graduates and school leavers.
Education professionals and the government need to do much more to develop the skills of teachers and resources provided, if we are to move on from the often unimaginative and poorly delivered curricular, which widely hold back educational attainment.
Improving the quality of education is imperative to take the nation forward. The country needs young people to be more analytical and creative so they can maximise their potential.
There is no question that the education system needs greater funding. Bangladesh’s budgetary allocation is still below the international benchmark of 2.5 % of GDP on education. Many countries invest far higher amounts, with Brazil for instance setting a target to double education spending to 10% of GDP by 2020.
This is undoubtedly a factor behind the unevenness of access to education. It is unconscionable that millions of children still either receive irregular primary schooling or do not go to school at all.
But fixing the education system needs more than money. It needs greater efforts to root out neglect and poor management and to better prepare students for later life, by sparking curiosity and instilling skills to enable lifelong learning.
Education is the most important investment the nation needs to make. We can and must do better.
