Australian CensusAtSchool project goes international (Media Release)

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MEDIA RELEASE
October 29, 2007
111/2007

Australian CensusAtSchool project goes international

The CensusAtSchool project from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has gone international for the first time.

The project consists of a mix of Australian questions and a set of common international questions. The international questions will allow students to make comparisons across countries taking part.

"We want students to look at statistics not just as dry figures but as a way to give access to very interesting and often intriguing information," says the Director of the ABS Education Services Unit, Paul Taylor.

The CensusAtSchool project was rolled out very successfully in 2005.

CensusAtSchool is an Internet-based project. Years 5 to 12 students from all over Australia collect real data about themselves by completing an online questionnaire.

So far, some 112,173 students from 2,746 schools across Australia have taken part in the project. The ABS is keen to involve more schools and they can sign up by completing registration forms which will be despatched to schools shortly.

The registration form can also be found online at the ABS website. <www.abs.gov.au/censusatschool>

"ABS wants to get young students interested in the world of statistics," Mr Taylor points out.

"We want to get their keen minds interested so that they will consider studying statistics at a tertiary level.

"Such studies can lead to a very satisfying career as well as enhancing overall numeracy skills and knowledge levels."

As well, through CensusAtSchool, teachers can make effective and practical use of information technology skills in the classroom. Professional development opportunities for teachers are available to improve their statistical and information technology skills.

The CensusAtSchool project is being provided for educational purposes only and the ABS employs security techniques that ensure participants' anonymity. Taking part in CensusAtSchool is free and voluntary.

For more information, follow the link from the ABS home page <www.abs.gov.au>.