Elite, democratic, economic: Three phases in the development of Australian senior secondary certificates

Abstract

This chapter provides a comparative analysis of the evolution of senior secondary certificates of education in the Australian states of Victoria and Queensland. Based on an analysis of policy reforms from the mid 19th century to the present, I argue that the evolution of senior certificates can be understood in terms of three over-arching historical phases: elite, democratic and economic. Each phase reflects distinct normative understandings and practices regarding the role of senior certificates. Understanding the history of senior certificates in three phases provides a foundation from which to develop a broader analysis of historical trends in the development of senior secondary curricula..