Dimension 4: Education
Aboriginal
Outcome
Young South Australians are successful learners
Indicators
- Children enter the school system ready to take advantage of the learning environment
- Children and young people’s experience of learning is positive
- Children and young people are engaged in school, further education, training or work
What we know from the most recent data…
Children enter the school system ready to take advantage of the learning environment
Developmentally vulnerable
In 2021, 47.1% of 4-6 years old Aboriginal children in SA were vulnerable in one or more of five domains under the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).
Data Source: Australian Early Development Census and Public Health Information Development Unit
Early intervention
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to eligible Australians, including children and young people, with permanent and significant disability for the supports and services they need.
In quarter 4 of 2021-22 in SA:
• 524 Aboriginal children (birth to six years inclusive) had an approved NDIS plan
• 30 Aboriginal children (birth to six years inclusive) received early childhood early intervention supports.
Data Source: NDIS Tailored Data Request
Children and young people’s experience of learning is positive
Phonics screening
In SA, the percentage of Aboriginal Year 1 students in government schools reading at an age-appropriate level was 40.0% in 2022 (21.0% in 2018).
Data Source: Phonics Screening Check, Department for Education, South Australia
NAPLAN results
Years 3, 5 and 7:
In 2023, the percentage of Aboriginal students in SA achieving at or above the national minimum standard was as follows:
Year 3:
• Reading: 32.1% (35.0% nationally)
• Writing: 39.0% (42.9% nationally)
• Numeracy: 24.5% (31.0% nationally)
Year 5
• Reading: 38.9% (40.9% nationally)
• Writing: 27.3% (33.7% nationally)
• Numeracy: 24.8% (32.1% nationally)
Year 7
• Reading: 31.8% (33.7% nationally)
• Writing: 24.4% (29.9% nationally)
• Numeracy: 23.9% (30.1% nationally)
Notes:
– The percentage of Aboriginal Year 9 students achieving at or above the national minimum standards in reading, writing and numeracy are reported in the preparing for adulthood dimension.
– The 2023 NAPLAN results for Years 3, 5 and 7 cannot be compared to the results from 2008 to 2022 because of changes in how the level of proficiency is determined.
Data Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Children and young people are engaged in school, further education, training or work
Studying and/or training and/or working
The percentage of Aboriginal young people (15-19 years) studying and/or training and/or working was 67.1% in 2021 (70.9% in 2016).
Nationally, the percentage was 67.4% in 2021 (68.5% in 2016).
The percentage of Aboriginal young people (15-19 years) with disability who were partially or fully engaged in school, work or further education was 72.9% in 2021 (84.7% in 2016).
Nationally, the percentage was 72.2% in 2021 (76.2% in 2016).
Data Source: ABS, Census
School attendance rates
In 2022, 72.5% of Aboriginal students, who were enrolled in Year 1 to Year 10, attended school in SA (80.5% in 2018).
Nationally, the attendance rate for Aboriginal students, who were enrolled in Year 1 to Year 10, was 74.5% in 2022 (82.3% in 2018).
Data Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Educational achievement
The percentage of Aboriginal young people completing a senior secondary certificate of education qualification, or equivalent, by 19 years was 56.1% in 2021 (53.8% in 2016).
Nationally, the percentage was 58.5% (57.8% in 2016).
Data Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)