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UNDERLYING CONCEPTS

NAME OF VARIABLE

The name of the variable is 'Highest year of school completed'.

DEFINITION OF VARIABLE

Nominal definition

The variable 'Highest year of school completed' is defined as:

• The highest level of primary or secondary education which a person has completed, irrespective of the type of institution or location where that education was undertaken.

Operationally, 'Highest year of school completed' is obtained by direct question. The operational definition is identical to the nominal definition. The term 'completed' is typically left to the respondent's own perception, but is operationally defined as:

• For years up to and including Year 12, the term 'completed' means to attend the full year of school enabling the student to progress to the next year of school.
• For Year 12 'completed' refers to successful completion of Year 12 and attainment of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or statement of results.

For the purpose of this variable primary and secondary education, regardless of the location or institution where it was undertaken, are included. It therefore includes secondary education undertaken, for example, at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution.

Year 12 completion is defined as satisfactory completion of senior secondary education. The requirements for attaining a Year 12 Certificate may vary between State and Territories (and over time).

'Highest year of school completed' is generally used as an indicator of the level of education attained at primary and secondary school. This variable makes no assumption about the complexity of educational programs undertaken by individual students, or qualifications awarded as a result of participating in these programs.

For persons still at school 'highest year of school completed' will still be asked e.g. if currently studying year 12 then highest year of school completed is Year 11.