General Achievement Test
Encyclopedia
The General Achievement Test or GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills in written communication, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences taken by all Victorian students prior to completing their VCE
.
It consists of two writing tests and 70 multiple choice questions on science, technology, mathematics and humanities. The first writing test is usually an informative piece based on information given, while the second is an opinionative to be based on statements provided. At the end of the year the student will receive a statement of marks showing their numerical score for each section (Writing, Arts/Humanities and Science/Maths) as well as a standardised study score out of 50 for each section.
Although the GAT is not a part of the graduation requirements and does not count towards a student's final VCE results or ATAR
(formerly ENTER
), the GAT plays an important role in checking that a school's assessments and examinations have been accurately assessed. Therefore, if a student is enrolled in Units 3 and 4 of any VCE study (whether in Year 11 or Year 12), they must sit the GAT unless exempted by the VCAA.
Year 12 Western Australian students sat the GAT for a short period. This test was introduced into Western Australia
as a trial to provide schools with feedback on the standard of assessment used for the new WACE
courses. The GAT in Western Australia was however abandoned after the trial period and is no longer used.
The GAT in Victoria, as of 2008, has been taken into consideration for the middle band for courses by Monash University
if a student misses out on the course because their ATAR score is just below the cut-off score.
brought the GAT to the attention of the national press, by suggesting that students make as many references to actor George Clooney
as possible in their answers. Nearly 8,000 students are believed to have participated in the statewide prank.
Victorian Certificate of Education
The Victorian Certificate of Education or VCE is the credential awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete high school level studies in the state of Victoria, Australia. Study for the VCE is usually completed over two years, but it can be spread over a longer period in some cases...
.
It consists of two writing tests and 70 multiple choice questions on science, technology, mathematics and humanities. The first writing test is usually an informative piece based on information given, while the second is an opinionative to be based on statements provided. At the end of the year the student will receive a statement of marks showing their numerical score for each section (Writing, Arts/Humanities and Science/Maths) as well as a standardised study score out of 50 for each section.
Although the GAT is not a part of the graduation requirements and does not count towards a student's final VCE results or ATAR
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank is the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs in Australia, it was gradually introduced during 2009 and 2010 to replace the Universities Admission Index, Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank and Tertiary Entrance...
(formerly ENTER
Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank
The Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank was the national Australian tertiary entrance rank, administered by Universities Australia...
), the GAT plays an important role in checking that a school's assessments and examinations have been accurately assessed. Therefore, if a student is enrolled in Units 3 and 4 of any VCE study (whether in Year 11 or Year 12), they must sit the GAT unless exempted by the VCAA.
Year 12 Western Australian students sat the GAT for a short period. This test was introduced into Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
as a trial to provide schools with feedback on the standard of assessment used for the new WACE
New courses of study
New courses of study is the term commonly used to describe the review of upper school education in Western Australia. The new courses extend the application of Outcomes Based Education to years 11 and 12...
courses. The GAT in Western Australia was however abandoned after the trial period and is no longer used.
The GAT in Victoria, as of 2008, has been taken into consideration for the middle band for courses by Monash University
Monash University
Monash University is a public university based in Melbourne, Victoria. It was founded in 1958 and is the second oldest university in the state. Monash is a member of Australia's Group of Eight and the ASAIHL....
if a student misses out on the course because their ATAR score is just below the cut-off score.
Project Clooney '09
In 2009, a student-organised movement headed by Lucas Shipsides and Andrew Onorato and fuelled by the popular social networking site FacebookFacebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
brought the GAT to the attention of the national press, by suggesting that students make as many references to actor George Clooney
George Clooney
George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
as possible in their answers. Nearly 8,000 students are believed to have participated in the statewide prank.