This article discusses the report of the Working Committee on College Proposals for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and its recommendations (Campbell Report), presented in late 1972. A particular focus is consultation of school students. Surveys asked students if they approved of a proposal to introduce senior secondary colleges to provide the final two years of schooling. They invited students to comment on what they liked and disliked about school and what they wanted to change. This article asks whether their voices had influence.
With reference to historians’ analysis of what constituted success or failure in attempts at major reform, research addresses context for and participation in reform in the ACT. Primary sources include the Campbell Report and three analyses of student surveys.
The new system of secondary education which resulted from recommendations of the Committee was significantly different to the one it replaced. The college system proved popular and enduring. The Campbell Report records the consultation of thousands of students, consideration of their responses, and the ultimate influence of their voices.
The article contributes to an almost empty field, being the major reform to secondary education within the ACT in the 1970s. It argues crucial involvement of a wide base: community, educators, media and, significantly, students and the influence of their voices. It contributes to histories of reform to secondary education more broadly and it additionally contributes to a growing interest of historians in school student voices of the past.
