What do Indigenous students say about their aspirations

This study was commissioned by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) under its Education Innovation Program (EIP). This paper reports on aspects of the qualitative component of the study. The aims of which included: (1) to identify Indigenous secondary school students' aspirations; (2) to identify Indigenous students' perceptions of the relevance of their current studies and of further education to achieve their aspirations; (3) to identify Indigenous students' preferences for further education in regard to vocational and higher education; (4) to identify the key sources of and quality of career advice Indigenous students have received; (5) to identify the ability of Indigenous students to differentiate between desirable and attainable goals; (6) to elucidate Indigenous students' perceptions of any barriers they may face in attaining their aspirations; and (7) to identify and elucidate what parents of Indigenous students perceive as the value of further education and training. Whilst all students had similar life goals, Indigenous students were more likely to identify lower levels of educational and training aspirations, identify more barriers to achieving their aspirations, have less knowledge about further education and training, and be less likely to formulate alternative preferences or strategies to achieve their aspirations. Parents of Indigenous students indicated that schools still need to reform to cater for Indigenous students, and also felt frustrated in their ability to provide adequate academic and social support for their children, whilst also recognising the significant barriers impacting on and impeding their children's abilities to make informed decisions and to attain their aspirations.