Australian students lead the way in 2008 CensusAtSchool project (Media Release)

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MEDIA RELEASE

July 11, 2008
69/2008

Australian students lead the way in 2008 CensusAtSchool project

CensusAtSchool is a student-centred online data collection and analysis project run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. More than 44,000 Australian students in years four to 12, completed the online questionnaire between 29 January and 4 July 2008, once again making it the most successful CensusAtSchool collection globally.

All questionnaire response data are now available as randomised samples, providing teachers and students across Australia access to real, raw, relevant data about Australian students for analysis. With data on student lifestyle, habits and attitudes, CensusAtSchool contains a goldmine of information. For example the questionnaire responses show that over 73% of students have broadband internet in 2008, compared with 53% in 2006, their favourite takeaway food is Pizza/Pasta and most students travel to school by car.

The ABS' Teacher Consultant Ian Wong says, 'The CensusAtSchool project is an effective resource in teaching students about data and statistics in a way that is both educational and fun.'

'For the first time students can directly compare their responses from other students across the globe where CensusAtSchool is run. They are also able to compare data from the 2006 CensusAtSchool project to research what has changed over time. The possibilities are endless.'

Over 95,000 random samples have been downloaded since the Random Sampler tool became available in July 2006.

For more information on the CensusAtSchool project, visit the ABS website at www.abs.gov.au/censusatschool.