ACER has released a report that looks at those who take part in the New Apprenticeship program. The report's findings include that most participants are male, are from an English-speaking background, have fathers in a skilled trade and come from rural areas. The report suggests teaching more technical skills in school to increase participation in the program. (Press release; Executive Summary; Participation in and Progress through new Apprenticeships.)

Melbourne University is proposing a radical change to its structure, bringing it in line with US and proposed European systems. The new structure would have secondary students move into a general science or arts degree first, before entering a specialist degree (such as law or medicine) as a postgraduate. (Halls of learning prepare to sacrifice; Melbourne University flags degree restructure; Uni on path to full fees, say students; Monash won't follow Melbourne Uni lead; Support growing for US-style unis; Stay on top or else, Davis tells researchers.)

A study by Andrew Martin and Herbert Marsh concludes that a teacher's gender has no effect on the academic performance of boys. The study looks at Year 8 and 10 mathematics students at 1000 NSW and ACT coeducational schools. [The study appears to be unavailable as it is still in press.] (Teacher gender not so important: report; Study queries need for male teachers.)

Finally, a reminder that tomorrow marks the last day of VCE exams.

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