About the Northern Territory Board of Studies
The Northern Territory Board of Studies (NTBOS) is an independent authority that provides advice to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training. The operational business of the Board including test development, implementation and reporting is done by the relevant operational sections of the Department of Employment, Education and Training. This primarily involves the Teaching, Learning and Standards Division.
The NTBOS was first established in 1984.
An amendment to the Education Act was passed in late 2002 in the Legislative Assembly to revise the size, composition and functions of NTBOS. The Board is now made up of 16 members representing parents, employers, principals, teachers, post school educators, unions, the non-government schools sector and the Indigenous community.
The Board promotes a common curriculum for the compulsory years of schooling which is designed to provide a challenging level of education for all learners, whatever their aspirations and abilities; and to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to learn in recognised areas.
In the pursuit of equity the Board fosters the fullest participation in education of groups and individuals for whom participation may involve special problems. Student achievement is recognised through an inclusive framework of certification that aims to ensure every young person leaves school with appropriate documentation.
The Board meets approximately four times per year.
The Board has the following functions:
- Providing advice to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training and the Chief Executive of the Department of Employment, Education and Training on curriculum policy in relation to:
- Establishing and maintaining curriculum frameworks that encompass the needs of all students in the Territory school education system;
- establishing and maintaining procedures for student assessment, reporting and certification
- monitoring, evaluating and reporting on student performances;
- improving student outcomes; and
- government policy that impacts on the Board’s functions.
- Co operating and consulting with prescribed authorities or bodies engaged in education and related matters.