Social Progress Party
Politics to serve all of society, not just the wealthy and powerful.
Tertiary Education
Underlying Principles
o University qualifications should only be an option for the most capable students, a number of current students would be served just as well, if not better, by attending Vocational or Technical courses, or taking apprenticeship positions.
o Vocational and Technical course providers should still include an element of broader education beyond the narrow focus of their chosen area.
o Any Tertiary Education places should be awarded free from any discrimination over personal or economic characteristics, allowances can be made for individuals who have overcome difficult personal circumstances in the course of gaining their educational qualifications.
o The inability of an individual to pay fees should not exclude them from applying to or accepting a place on any course. Where this would currently be the case, the state should have funding in place to prevent it.
Proposed Education Policies specific to Tertiary Education
Provide means tested tertiary education support funds based on family wealth and income.
o Ensure that no student misses out on the course that best suits their interests, skills and capability simply because of their financial situation.
Reduce the number of state funded universities, allow private universities (same VAT rules as outlined for private schools) and convert some others to Vocational / Technical institutions.
o Concentrate public funds on courses that will have the greatest societal impact for the individuals taking them.
o Reserve highest academic qualifications for those who are academically most capable and motivated.
o Offer less academically inclined students a more appropriate route to qualifications and a career.
