Attitudes To School Survey
Attitude to School Survey - Years 4-6
We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, well-being and quality instruction, and are conducting a survey to find out what your child thinks of your school.
The Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS) is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist us in gaining an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. Students will be asked about their thoughts and feelings in relation to their school, their learning, peer and family relationships, resilience, bullying, mental health and well-being, physical activity, and life in general.
This year, the AtoSS will be conducted over the period 10th May – 10th June.
What are the risks?
While we do not anticipate many risks of participation, some students may find some of the survey questions too personal and sensitive in nature. Should you agree for your child to participate, they are still free to skip questions or to withdraw at any stage if the survey makes them upset or uncomfortable.
The survey has been approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee. The questions are selected from validated survey instruments used in Australia and around the world, are strength-based, and tailored for each year level group.
What will my child be asked to do?
Your child will be invited to complete the survey online during class time using a purpose built secure online survey tool. It is important to note that we are not in any way “testing” your child. Please note:
- Student participation in the survey is voluntary and students may withdraw at any time.
- The survey will take around 20-45 minutes to complete.
How is my child’s confidentiality protected?
Your child will be provided with a unique login to complete the survey from their teacher. The student login is an assigned identifier that may be used to link data for statistical and research purposes only. Personally identifiable data will not be recorded in the survey response file. This ensures that the confidentiality of your child’s responses is protected at all times.
How will results be reported?
The survey results will be reported back to the school in an aggregate form throughout the survey period. All survey data that is made available in reports are for groups of students only so that no individual student can be identified. Data suppression rules are used for schools with low student numbers per year level.
Your school may share the results of the survey with parents, in documents such as the School Annual Report.
Options for participation Participation in this survey is voluntary. If you do not wish for your child to do the survey, please opt out via email to your school: nicolerheumer@education.vic.gov.au. Please do so before 10 May 2022, stating that you wish to opt out of your child’s participation, along with their name and year level.
If your school does not receive a Refusal of Consent email from yourself before the survey commencement date mentioned within this letter, it means that you give your consent for your child to participate in the 2022 Attitudes to School Survey. |
A copy of the survey that we are asking your child to complete is available from your child’s school. Please contact the administration office if you would like to see the survey before making your decision about whether you would like your child to participate.
If you would like more information, please speak to your child’s teacher, or contact the Department at school.surveys@education.vic.gov.au