I'd like to begin by acknowledging the huge amount of work that I know has already gone on even before the school gates open every year.

Before focusing on the priorities for 2011, I wish to again congratulate all those who were involved in achieving yet another highly successful HSC and encourage schools to attend the exhibitions and performances of some outstanding works by last year’s HSC students.

2011 promises to be a year where the Board will continue to work closely with school communities to achieve the best results for our students.

In December last year, state and territory Education Ministers made some significant steps towards completing a national curriculum in four learning areas. Ministers endorsed the Content Descriptions developed for K-10 English, mathematics, science and history.

The Ministers also identified areas that still require work, including the Achievement Standards. Some adjustments may need to be made to the endorsed Content Descriptions as a result of the work that is remaining. The final curriculum is due back to the Ministerial Council for endorsement in October.

In November last year I issued a joint memorandum with the heads of each school sector on the status of the Australian curriculum in NSW schools. This memorandum continues to accurately reflect the current status of the Australian curriculum in NSW schools. Please take a moment to read this information again, as it also details the syllabus development process that the Board will undertake to support the implementation of the Australian curriculum.

The Ministerial decisions last December recognised the importance of state processes in applying the common core national curriculum as a formal requirement in schools, and in presenting the curriculum in ways that are consistent with each state’s overall approach to curriculum.

Teachers, principals, parents and others will soon also have their say on the future of the School Certificate. Like the Australian curriculum, your input to our consultation is vital. The Board wants an assessment and reporting model that preserves the integrity of the mandatory Years 7-10 curriculum and helps even more students successfully move into senior learning.

As part of the Board’s review an initial report will be forwarded to the Minister with a full stakeholder consultation to follow. A key aim of the review will be to consider how the School Certificate might capitalise on the Board’s many innovations in exam technology. The timing, form and reporting of our School Certificate and related areas will be discussed with you, the education community.

Our innovations in online and electronic testing, marking and reporting continue to grow.

The 2010 Higher School Certificate and School Certificate saw considerable expansion of our online marking program and in 2011 we expect more than 25% of student responses will be marked on screen.

Last year, the School Certificate Computing Skills Test was almost certainly the world’s largest mandatory, external online test. In addition, we conducted a successful online pilot of the School Certificate English Literacy Test, a feat which may significantly change the way our testing is conducted in future.

On behalf of the Board, I look forward to working with you through 2011.