Shelly newsletter

2022 GAT

The 2023 General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held on Wednesday 7 September. The GAT is an essential component of the VCE assessment process and is compulsory for all students enrolled in one or more VCE or scored VET Unit 3 & 4 sequence.

 

Following a comprehensive review conducted by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), key changes have been made to the GAT. The newly revamped GAT will test Victoria senior secondary students’ literacy (reading and writing) and numeracy skills, measured against new standards based on the Australian Core Skills Framework. 

 

These new standards will indicate whether students have demonstrated the literacy and numeracy skills typically expected of those in their final stage of secondary schooling. Students will receive a GAT statement showing whether they have met the literacy and numeracy standards. 

 

From 2022 the GAT will be split into two sections:

  • Section A will assess literacy and numeracy skills
  • Section B will assess skills in mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities, with an increased focus on critical and creative thinking skills

Students are allowed to bring an English/Bilingual dictionary and a scientific calculator into the GAT.

 

Please note that students unable to sit the GAT due to illness, including COVID-19 are eligible to apply for an exemption from the GAT. 

TimeGeneral Achievement Test
 Section A: Literacy (Reading and Writing) and Numeracy
9.30–9.45amReading time
9.45–11.45am

Writing time to complete Section A, which includes:

  • one writing task with two parts
  • 50 Numeracy multiple-choice questions
  • 50 Reading multiple-choice questions.
11.45–1.15pmBreak
 Section B: General knowledge and skills
1.15–1.30pmReading time
1.30–3pm

Writing time to complete Section B, which includes:

  • one extended writing task
  • 25 Mathematics, Science and Technology multiple-choice questions
  • 25 Arts and Humanities multiple-choice questions.

As in previous years, no special study is required for the GAT. However, students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with sample 2022 GAT material.

Sample GAT material

While the GAT is important, it does not directly count towards a student’s final VCE results. GAT results are used to check that VCE external assessments and school-based assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. GAT results may also play a part in determining the final score for a VCE external assessment, if a student has a derived examination score approved for that assessment.

 

Rachel Kafta

VCE Coordinator