MEDIA RELEASE
Australian students lead the way in 2008 CensusAtSchool project
CensusAtSchool is a student-centred online data collection and analysis project run by
the Australian Bureau of Statistics. More than 44,000 Australian students in years four
to 12, completed the online questionnaire between 29 January and 4 July 2008, once
again making it the most successful CensusAtSchool collection globally.
All questionnaire response data are now available as randomised samples, providing
teachers and students across Australia access to real, raw, relevant data about
Australian students for analysis. With data on student lifestyle, habits and attitudes,
CensusAtSchool contains a goldmine of information. For example the questionnaire
responses show that over 73% of students have broadband internet in 2008, compared
with 53% in 2006, their favourite takeaway food is Pizza/Pasta and most students
travel to school by car.
The ABS' Teacher Consultant Ian Wong says, 'The CensusAtSchool project is an
effective resource in teaching students about data and statistics in a way that is both
educational and fun.'
'For the first time students can directly compare their responses from other students
across the globe where CensusAtSchool is run. They are also able to compare data
from the 2006 CensusAtSchool project to research what has changed over time. The
possibilities are endless.'
Over 95,000 random samples have been downloaded since the Random Sampler tool
became available in July 2006.
For more information on the CensusAtSchool project, visit the ABS website at
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media requests and comment
Bernie Fitzpatrick (02) 6252 5776; 0419 876 725
Kate Gilrane (02) 6252 6403; 0447 693 708
Statistical clarification
Paul Taylor (03) 9615 7465; 0408 658 821
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