Since completing the Higher School Certificate this year, Tori Tucker has found it difficult to get a job in her chosen field as a cook because she did not study hospitality as a vocational education subject.
The NSW Business Chamber has called for an overhaul of the school education system in response to employer concerns that students are not being prepared well enough to tackle the modern workplace.
Chief executive Stephen Cartwright said his organisation's member businesses are concerned a significant proportion of young people leaving school need to be better equipped to avoid being left behind.
He said there were "serious signs" that "we must act now to transform and modernise our school education system".
"Otherwise, we risk leaving our next generation behind and our economy in jeopardy," he said.
While she enjoyed her study of ancient history, biology, drama and music at Ashcroft High School, Ms Tucker, 17, said prospective employers have questioned why she did not study hospitality if she wanted a job as a cook.
"I couldn't afford the fees to study hospitality in years 11 and 12," she said.
"It has been hard for me to find a job after doing these subjects. Biology was really useful because I got to learn about cross contamination and germs and what temperatures they could grow in. Ancient history was my favourite subject."
The Business Chamber report, Old School/ New School: Transforming school education for the 21st century, says new and innovative ways of teaching and learning as well as tried and tested approaches were needed in schools across the country.
The report is based on hours of individual interviews and a forum that included senior educators, student groups, teachers, parents, academics, administrators and business leaders.
It has recommended that the NSW Education Standards Authority revamp and upgrade the HSC to recognise not only academic achievement measured by the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank but the achievements of students undertaking vocational pathways.
"We also need to create the right organisational arrangements to improve the standing of vocational education and training and encourage more students to take part," the report said.
"The NESA should investigate opportunities to increase its expertise in vocational curriculum design and strategy, and to strengthen the industry representation on its board."
The report said teachers needed to be freed from administration tasks to focus on their skills in the classroom. Like their peers in Finland and Singapore, teachers should also be given more respect and opportunities to develop their careers. To this end, the report recommended the development of learning hubs to allow teachers to share best practice and take part in peer-to-peer mentoring.
The chamber has also called on educators to build skills in communication, problem solving and collaboration into the curriculum.
Because the HSC originated in the 1950s, it remained "overwhelmingly geared toward the needs of students who plan to progress to higher education".
"With the increase in the minimum school leaving age, the HSC must be rethought so that all students obtain benefit from those final two years in the classroom," the report said.
Ms Tucker said while some students prospered at school, others like her had fallen behind because "things were explained in one standard way for everyone" and students were often "left to their own devices".
"I had no idea how to study or how to properly answer questions," she said.
"If high school was taught to each individual in a way that suited each student I reckon they would have much higher grades."
The NSW Business Chamber Report identifies six ideas to start building a new school system:
??? Pilot proven teaching and learning approaches
??? Collect and publish data tracking student progress, performance and outcomes to inform better practice
??? Revamp the HSC to set all students on the right pathway to work
??? Recognise teachers and support their development through professional learning hubs, supported by an opt-in mentoring program
??? Ensure every child in every school can access the support services they need, including comprehensive careers advice and targeted mentoring for high-risk students
??? Integrate communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills in the curriculum and measure attainment from Year 9.
