VCAA brings in maths experts to end exam mistakes

THE Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has joined up with a group of senior Monash University mathematics specialists to strengthen the quality of Victorian Certificate of Education mathematics exams this year.

This has been prompted to eradicate errors identified in VCE maths exams last year and to quoll the outrage that followed.

The incidents prompted an independent review that provided several recommendations.

One of those was implementing more suitably qualified academics on the VCE Mathematics examination development panels and stronger examination review processes.

The VCAA claims it has implemented or will implement every recommendation made by the review.

In 2025, the Monash Uni specialists will contribute to writing all VCE Mathematics examinations.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll said boosting the numbers of senior mathematics specialists to oversee the development and review processes of VCE maths exams as recommended was essential.

“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,” he said.

Monash University School of Mathematics head professor Warwick Tucker said the new setup exemplifies the University’s commitment to fostering excellence in mathematics education and providing students with “the best possible opportunities to showcase their understanding.”

“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,” he said.

For further information about the VCAA’s exam improvements, visit the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website.