General Achievement Test

The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a test of general knowledge and skills in written communication, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences taken by all Victorian students prior to completing their VCE.[1]

It consists of two writing tests and 70 multiple choice questions on science, technology, mathematics and humanities. The GAT is to be completed in three hours, though students are also given 15 minutes of reading time. The first writing test is usually an informative piece based on information given, while the second is an opinionative to be based on statements provided.[2] At the end of the year the student will receive a statement of marks showing their numerical score for each section as well as a standardised study score out of 50 for each section.[2]

Although the GAT is not a part of the graduation requirements and does not count towards a student's final VCE results or ATAR, the GAT plays an important role in checking that a school's assessments and examinations have been accurately assessed.[1][2] Therefore, if a student is enrolled in Units 3 and 4 of any VCE study (whether in Year 11 or Year 12), they must sit the GAT unless exempted by the VCAA.[2]

Year 12 Western Australian students sat the GAT for a short period.[3] This test was introduced into Western Australia as a trial to provide schools with feedback on the standard of assessment used for the new WACE courses. The GAT in Western Australia was however abandoned after the trial period and is no longer used.

In 2007, Monash University began taking the GAT into consideration for middle band students. It was initially for Victorian students who missed out on courses because their ATAR score was just below the cut-off score. Currently, it is only considered if two students have the same ATAR, prerequisite study scores and are trying to get into the same course. Their GAT score can then be used to differentiate between one getting in and the other not.[4]

In 2009, a student-organised movement brought the GAT to the attention of the national press, by suggesting that students make as many references to actor George Clooney as possible in their answers. This became known as 'Project Clooney '09'. Over 8,000 students are believed to have participated in the statewide prank/meme.[5] In following years incorporating a GAT catch phrase, or "GATchphrase", became a tradition followed by some.

Impact of COVID

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the GAT was rescheduled from June to October, with masks being mandatory for all students undergoing the test.[6]

These issues continued into 2021, with the GAT being rescheduled four separate times due to COVID lockdowns. In the lead up, Victorian Education Minister James Merlino encouraged students in hotspot areas to receive COVID tests before sitting the GAT, uncovering 33 cases.[7] After the exam was conducted, at least four positive cases were linked to students that attended.[8]

References
  1. "What is the General Achievement Test?". VCAA. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  2. Rowley, Glenn (9 May 2005). "You've GAT nothing to lose". The Age. Retrieved 2 July 2011.
  3. "Parliamentary Questions". Parliament of Western Australia. 11 April 2006. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  4. "Monash trials use of GAT for middle band selection". Monash University. 23 April 2007. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  5. "Students launch George Clooney Facebook exam campaign". Illawarra Mercury. 11 June 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  6. "School students return for first test of exam season". The Age. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  7. "Students in COVID-19 hotspots wary of return to class". The Age. 5 October 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  8. "Senior students in isolation after some sat the GAT exam while infected with COVID-19". 9 News. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
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