Can God be glorified in examinations?

At the moment, examinations are on our mind with Year 10s and 11s undergoing internal school examinations.

Much has been said over the last decade about whether formal examinations are good for student learning. Alongside this public debate, the value of the ATAR is currently under scrutiny: academics, politicians, school leaders, and students themselves have repeatedly been called into question whether our current model is a fair and effective system of determining readiness for tertiary education. More cautious voices warn that changing the system too quickly will create more problems than it solves.

This public conversation has a very real impact on schools. A recent letter to principals from Kylie White, Acting CEO of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, acknowledged that students are choosing to complete unscored VCE programs in record numbers as students become increasingly aware that their tertiary or vocational pathway does not require an ATAR. On a personal note, reading this letter was a reassuring confirmation that our College has been on the right track in guiding students well. Getting an ATAR is still the most common and uncomplicated way of entering university, and our commitment to students is getting them where they want to go.

As a school, our primary and non-negotiable purpose is learning. At PVCC, we are committed to ‘striving for excellence’. As Mr Metcalfe often says, our definition of ‘excellence’ is not about being better than others; it’s about each of us being the best we can be.

Given all these things, we are committed to find ways of getting the best out of high-stakes assessments. Our internal examination rationale explains that exams are not just a means to an end, but “a platform for the celebration of student development” and achievement. We not only seek to build their confidence in completing examinations, but build their confidence in becoming strong, capable, and discerning learners who reflect the image of God in everything they do.

One of my favourite quotations is by the martyred missionary, Jim Elliot: “Wherever you are, be all there”. I think it’s the superior version of one of the eternally great quotes: “Carpe Diem; seize the day”.

Examinations, and examination-like experiences, are opportunities to exercise our intellectual strength, hone important critical thinking skills, and prove to ourselves that we are capable of achieving great things. In the Christian worldview, however, we don’t do these things primarily to please our parents, impress our friends, or seek power for ourselves. We strive for excellence as an expression of worship “for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Our students have the privilege of learning at a beautiful school in a beautiful community in one of the most advantaged countries in the world at a time in human history with unprecedented quality of life. What a gift! What should we do with this gift, especially when “much is expected from whom much is given” (Luke 12:48)?

We “dar[e] our students to be engaged, equipped, and empowered to transform the world”. We dare our students to see examinations as precious opportunities to love God and others through increasing their capacity for service.

Daniel Symons

Deputy Principal

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