Subject choice by students in year 12 in Australian secondary schools

Abstract

Choices that are in the subjects studied in senior secondary school influence differences in access to higher education, vocational education and training, and to labour market outcomes. Previous studies have shown that students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, those from private schools, high early school achievers and students from non-English speaking backgrounds are more likely to participate in the courses that are avenues to higher education and the professions. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds tend to participate in courses that lead to vocational education and training or more often to entry into the labour market without any further formal education or training. Hence are compelling reasons concerned with equity, as well as effectiveness, for monitoring patters of subject choice among students in year 12.