Is Selective School worth it?

Is Selective School worth it?

What is the Selective School test?

The NSW Selective Test is a standardised examination administered by the New South Wales Department of Education in Australia. It is designed to assess the academic abilities of students in Year 6 who are seeking entry into selective high schools across the state.

Selective schools are educational institutions that offer specialised programs designed to cater to academically gifted and high-achieving students. There are just 17 fully selective high schools and 26 partially selective high schools. 

Is Selective School Worth it?

According to The NSW Department of Education:

Opportunity classes and selective high schools help students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability and using specialised evidence-based teaching methods. These settings aim to meet the intellectual needs of the students by moving through curricula at a faster pace, and allowing students to explore concepts in more depth and with greater complexity.

Research demonstrates that grouping high potential and gifted students together has academic benefits and is also good for emotional wellbeing. The majority of students in opportunity classes or selective high schools report higher levels of satisfaction from learning with, and being friends with, like-minded students.

Source: Department of Education

Is the Selective Test hard?

The Selective Test is often considered challenging is its emphasis on higher-order thinking skills rather than rote memorisation. Students are expected to apply their knowledge to solve complex problems, analyse information from various sources, and communicate their ideas effectively.

Moreover, the Selective Test is highly competitive, with a large number of students vying for a limited number of placements in selective high schools. This competitive environment adds to the pressure and perceived difficulty of the test.

How to get a good score in the Selective Test?

Luckily, with adequate preparation, including practice tests, targeted study, and familiarisation with the test format, students can improve their chances of success. Many students also seek guidance from tutors, educators, or online resources to enhance their skills and confidence before taking the test.

The test typically consists of four components:

  1. Reading: This section evaluates students' comprehension skills through passages followed by multiple-choice questions, testing their ability to understand and analyse written information.

  2. Mathematics: Students are assessed on their mathematical proficiency, including topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving. Questions range from basic to advanced levels of difficulty.

  3. General Ability: This component assesses students' logical reasoning, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Questions may include patterns, analogies, series, and other non-verbal reasoning tasks.

  4. Writing: Students are required to write a persuasive or narrative composition within a specified time limit, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively and organise ideas coherently.

Familiarising oneself with the structure and conventions of the exam can ensure success on test day.

 

For further information on OC, Selective school or scholarship test guidance, visit Scholardome, Sydney's leading specialists in Selective, HSC and IB English.

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