Digital summary enrolment records
From 1992, schools started using a system called CASES to create digital versions of student enrolment information, called digital summary enrolment records.
By 1997, all schools were using the CASES system. The data from the system was managed locally at each school until the early 2000s when it started being managed centrally by the department.
Digital summary enrolment records from 2006 onwards are available for all Victorian government schools. Some schools may have earlier digital enrolment records available.
Enrolment records over time
Primary schools
Before 1872, information in pupil registers was used to collect information for funding purposes and to help collect fees.
The Education Act of 1872 made school free, secular and compulsory for children ages 6 to 15. At this point, schools were required schools to keep a “roll” listing every student.
Secondary schools
Secondary schools include the following:
- high schools
- technical schools
- secondary colleges
- higher elementary schools (offered primary classes as well as years 7 and 8)
- central schools (offered primary classes as well as years 7 and 8).
From 1910, more students stayed in school after primary years. This meant that secondary schools began keeping more enrolment records.
These records were kept in different formats. Most secondary schools used admission forms or enrolment and results cards, but some secondary schools used pupil registers similar to primary schools.
Individual Record Form (later Personal Details Form)
The Individual Record Form, later known as the Personal Details Form, recorded each student’s name, contact details, grades, and leaving information such as planned occupation. Schools filled out these forms and often grouped the loose pages into hardcover books.
Some schools also created their own enrolment cards. These cards recorded similar information.
Admission forms
From the 1970s until the 1990s the department produced blank admission forms (form SE. 609) for use by high schools, higher elementary schools, central schools, or schools providing central classes. These forms recorded student information, including some medical information.
Admission forms were usually kept loose and included in a student’s file.
Enrolment/Results cards
Technical schools often used enrolment and results cards to record student details. The cards were usually printed by private companies. Schools often kept the cards together in bound registers.
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