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Elite private schools get more than their fair share of HSC special deals
27/05/2008
Figures obtained by the Greens show that a number of very wealthy private schools have been able to obtain additional HSC exam time and assistance for an extraordinary number of their students, according to Greens MP John Kaye.
Commenting on a story on page 1 of today's Sydney Morning Herald, Dr
Kaye said: "Special provisions including additional time and rest
breaks are an important mechanism for removing some of the barriers
faced by HSC students with disabilities or chronic diseases.
"However
the figures we obtained from the Minister strongly suggest that a
number of wealthy private schools are getting much more than their fair
share.
"It is hard to believe that 18 of the state's wealthiest
private schools have more than twice the state-wide average proportion
of students deserving extra help.
"Reddam House obtained the special deal for 36.5% of its HSC students in 2006. The school has a lot of explaining to do.
"Across
the state just 6.3% of students were given additional assistance over
the years 2005 to 2007. However, special provisions were granted to
more than 15% of HSC candidates at Frensham in Mittagong, Emanuel
School in Randwick, Cranbrook in Bellevue Hill, Masada College in St
Ives, St Andrews Cathedral School and SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
"Public
school teachers have been watching the growth in unfair competition for
some time. They have been asking why so many HSC students from elite
private institutions get such a good deal.
"Education
Minister John Della Bosca can fix this problem by a system of random
audits with financial penalties for misleading and false information.
"Unless
this rort is cleaned before this year's HSC, students will go to the
exam wondering whether wealthy private schools are paying for dodgy
special needs assessments. This is an unfair burden during an already
stressful time," Dr Kaye said.
Note: Applications for special
provisions are prepared by the school. School-appointed occupational
therapists and counsellors assess the student. A Board of Studies
expert panel adjudicates the applications based on the information
provided by the school.
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
[via Dr John Kaye MLC Media Release Monday 26 May 2008 link]
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