Selective high schools are the pinnacle of high-quality education that offers gifted and high scoring students the ability and environment to study with like-minded and equally qualified classmates. This environment helps them achieve greater learning because they can interact and learn from people who have roughly the same mental capabilities as them. This post focuses on tips and selective practice tests to help you succeed in gaining a placement in a selective high school of your choice.
Selective high schools are located throughout Australia in general, and NSW in particular as the area has the highest density of these institutions anywhere in the country.
Getting into a Selective High School in Year 7
Parents should note that applications for Selective High School Placement open in October and the examination is held the following year in March when students are in Year 6.
Clearing the selective tests
The Selective High School Placement Tests comprises of General Ability, Mathematics, and English reading & Writing. The selection into a fully or partially Selective High School is based on a combination of the selective test scores as well as the school academic record of the student. It is essential that students maintain a healthy scoring streak during year 5. The school academic record contributes 50% marks of Selective High School Placement English and Mathematics test. On an average 70% marks in this examination are recommended to meet the requirements set by these schools.
Selective Practice Tests
Early preparation and decision of choosing a Selective School make the admission process more manageable for students and parents. When students are in Year 5, they start preparing for these test. Students can access sample test for Reading, Mathematics, General Ability and Writing from NSW Department of Education. Parents can help the students by conducting research and buying the relevant study material pertaining to the tests. Also, they can subscribe to online tests in order to help the child build their confidence and exposure through tests similar to the real selective examination.
Time Management
If students are given a chance, each student would be able to solve a typical English, General Ability, and Mathematics test. However, the trick is to answer these questions in a specified time. Speed does matter, and it requires the fine art of practicing questions for each topic repeatedly. Strategies like speed reading, mental mathematics and developing vocabulary can provide an edge to the students in these tests.
Self Confidence:
Students can enhance their self-confidence by reminding themselves that they are performing well in school; they have studied and gained all the knowledge related to the testing subject area, and they are devoting time for self-study and practising previous selective test papers
Choosing the appropriate high schools
There are many factors that parents and students need to consider when selecting the schools that they wish to apply. Each applicant has to list three choices in order of priority. It is critical because this order will determine the institute that you receive a letter of placement offer. Before selecting the appropriate options, the students should research on transport and other related facilities that would make their journey to and from the school much more comfortable.