Guidelines for assessing HESP/program for a Home Educated Student in Years 11/12
The below Guidelines were developed by THEAC to assist the Education Registrar when making decisions to approve a HE program for a student who is in a year of home education equivalent to Year 11 or 12.
Background
Under the Education Act 2016 it is a requirement that all Home Education programs be approved and registered by the Education Registrar.
This approval is based on assessment against ten Education Standards, contained in Education Regulation 5 of the Act.
From Years Prep to Grade 10, these Standards are usually addressed by learning activities provided in and around the home. In Years 11 and 12 the Standards can be addressed through participation in a wide range of activities, including many outside the home.
From 2020 (until 17 years of age prior to 2020) until a student reaches 18 years of age, participation options after Year 10 (other than home education) include:
- Senior secondary study
- TasTAFE
- An apprenticeship or traineeship, including school-based apprenticeship
- A training course with a Registered Training Organisation.
Guiding Principles
Transition beyond Compulsory Education: For a student studying the equivalent of Years 11 and 12, an approved Home Education program should be assessed within the context of the ways young people transition to employment, further education or training.
The degree of flexibility and broad application of skills, subject matter, and perspective on what constitutes literacy, numeracy etc should be kept in mind when assessing a year 11&12 Home Education Program.
Some examples of the many and varied activities that deliver the skills a young person could require include:
- Small home-based businesses
- Hobbies
- Entrepreneurial projects
- Vocational study
- Lifestyle interests
- Volunteering
- Youth Leadership Organisations
Through these activities the standards are very likely to be being achieved. The Registrar should use discretion to assess their appropriateness in relation to how the young person is using literacy, numeracy, ICT, and interpersonal skills and how they are engaging in a range of learning areas.
Level of Maturity: When assessing an application for students studying at Year 11/12 level, students younger than the average age for this level should be assessed with their level of maturity taken into consideration. This would be established through the HESP, considering the program proposed and the information provided under Wellbeing, Interpersonal skills and Evaluation standards.
Advice from THEAC: In cases where the Registrar is uncertain of whether a particular program is meeting the Standards required, advice should be sought from THEAC.
Developed by the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council
Date created: 6 September 2019