In April 2015, the QCAA ’s senior curriculum and assessment working groups conducted an online survey. The survey asked for feedback on assessment processes and the proposed role of school-based and external assessment in Queensland senior schooling.
The survey received 4,465 responses with 93% of respondents being either teachers, heads of department, principals or deputy principals.
More than half of all respondents had either past or current experience as review panellists.
Results
The survey results confirmed the findings from the Australian Council for Educational Research review and what QCAA subsequently found when it conducted meetings with over 300 secondary school principals in March 2015 — there was overwhelming support for preserving and strengthening school-based assessment and the introduction of complementary external assessments.
Over 90% of all respondents wanted to preserve school-based assessment. This included 85% who supported endorsing assessments before they are used in schools.
Over 70% of respondents wanted external assessment to be introduced into the Queensland system. However, there were mixed views on the extent to which it should contribute to a student’s overall grade.
Survey report
As a feedback mechanism for respondents, the QCAA Board made the survey results publicly available.
- Last updated:
- 20 July 2026
