Abstract:
Investigations into career and subject selection have provided insights into the range of influences on such choices (Sleet & Stern, 1980; Lee & Ekstrom, 1987). However, few studies have longitudinally examined the process of student decision making about school subjects, post-school courses and careers (Dellar, 1994). The current research initiated by the Tertiary Entrance Procedures Authority (TEPA) aims to identify the impact of school policies and practices on students, as well as other influences which affect individual subject choices and career decisions, over a period spanning Year 10 to post-school. It is anticipated that the qualitative nature of the study will provide unique insight into the interplay between these environmental factors and the student subject selection process. A specific focus of the investigation is students' perspectives of the usefulness of information given at times of decision making and factors which facilitate or constrain their post-school choices. Themes relating to subject selection for senior schooling have been identified after preliminary analyses of the extensive qualitative data obtained from the first three phases of the project (Years 10 and 11). Implications for educational theory and policy at a school level will be discussed in light of these initial findings.