Understanding the NSW Selective School Test

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The NSW Selective School Test is one of Australia’s most competitive high school exams, with approximately 15,000 students taking the test annually. It’s crucial for high-potential and gifted students aiming for a place in Selective or Agricultural high schools, known for their enriched educational environments. Given that students only get ONCE IN A LIFETIME chance, effective preparation is essential for achieving a high ranking. It is the being among the cohort of high achievers which inspire and motivate the child to competitively study harder and significantly increases the child’s chances of getting a high ATAR in the HSC.

Test Structure

SS Test Question TypeTime AllocatedTime to answer per QuestionAreas which can be tested(The NSW Dept. of Education can change or vary the areas tested without prior notice)
Reading30 multiple-choice questions40 minutesapprox. 80 seconds per questionStudents analyze various texts, such as articles, narratives, and poetry, requiring deep understanding and making connections.
Writing*1 question/ 1 writing prompt30 minutesHigh marks require thoughtful content and clear communication, beyond basic grammar and spelling.
Mathematical Reasoning35 multiple-choice questions40 minutesapprox. 68.5 seconds per questionThis section tests problem-solving and the application of simple mathematical operations.
Thinking Skills40 multiple-choice questions40 minutesapprox. 60 seconds per questionThis section includes text and numerical problems, similar to numerical reasoning and reading comprehension.
* For writing, targeted feedback is crucial. Writing and revising based on expert feedback help students improve quickly.

What is a Selective School?

Selective schools group gifted and talented students, offering high-quality education without the high fees of private grammar schools. In NSW, there are 22 fully selective and 24 partially selective schools. These are public schools, usually requesting a voluntary contribution of $500 to $2000, compared to the $30,000+ fees of private schools. More than 15,000 students take the Selective School Test every year. There are approximately 4200 places. Mainly in Sydney. There is only a 30% chance your child may make it.

Stratergy to Ace the Selective High School Test Components
Importance of Test Preparation

While the Department of Education does not endorse specific coaching, preparation is vital due to the test’s difficulty and the competition. Without preparation, students might struggle with unfamiliar questions, leading to poor performance. Many students prepare extensively, but the key is EFFECTIVE STRATERGY rather than just hours of study. Our online courses help your child study and practice questions where ever you are. Study on a Laptop, Tablet or Mobile.

Test Format and Preparation Strategies

The test emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and mathematical application. Successful preparation involves developing strategies to solve problems quickly and accurately.

Preparation Steps

  1. Practice Tests: Start with untimed practice to focus on accuracy.
  2. Review Incorrect Answers: Understand mistakes and learn the correct strategies.
  3. Develop Strategies: Create efficient methods to solve similar problems.
  4. Repeat and Improve: Repeat above steps 1 to 3 and continue practicing until achieving high accuracy(>90-95%).
  5. Timed Practice: Finally, transition to timed tests once accuracy improves.

The NSW Selective School Test is an extremely challenging assessment. Thorough preparation is necessary to excel and secure a place in a selective school. Understanding the test structure and focusing on effective strategies will give your child the best chance of success. For more information and sample tests, visit the NSW Department of Education.

Preparing with the Selective School Test Pack

Benefits of the Test Pack

Our Selective School Test Pack is designed to help your child prepare effectively. By practicing with our test pack, students can learn to manage their time, stay calm, and build confidence ahead of the actual test.

Comprehensive Coverage

Our test packs covers all subjects included in the Selective School tests:
# Mathematical Reasoning Skills
# Thinking Skills
# Reading Skills

Features of Our Test Pack

The more the merrier. Our practice tests will put your kid in a perfect spot to face the SS test.

10,000+ Questions in the Bank

We have extensive practice questions to ensure thorough preparation.

OUR BEST SELLING FEATURE: ONLY $20 (Pay-Per-Test) for Test-Of-The-Day

Due to Popular Demand and the lack of resources in the non Sydney areas to Quality Resources, we introduced the Pay-Per -Test feature.
We have one NEW test per day(Thursday – Sunday). So we have more than 205 tests in a year.
Questions are not repeated. These tests are not the same as in the courses.
You can buy a test and practice under realistic exam conditions.
The results and question review and explanations are available at the end of the test.

PLEASE NOTE: Each test is OPEN for 72 hours (3 day) from the time of purchase. Non-refundable.

Upto 1000+ Questions in Test Categories:

Extensive practice questions to ensure thorough preparation, hence no same question repeats.

Detailed Explanations and Worked Solutions:

Each question is accompanied by an explanation and solution to aid understanding where needed.

Access to Detailed Reporting:

Track your child’s progress and identify areas for improvement with our comprehensive reporting tools.

Did You Know?

On an average Sydney SS class tution costs $12k-$20,000+ per year!

We’ve Been Where You’re Going

Our Mathematics- Thinking- Reasoning Skills (MTR) classes for Years 4,5 and 6 are designed to equip students with fundamental skills, laying a strong foundation for the Opportunity Class and Selective School Placement Tests.

How do we structure our classes?

Small group classes, a maximum of 6- 8 students, ensure personalized guidance within a supportive learning community. The class schedule includes a break and will run from after the OC Test until the SS Test.

MTRW Classes (2.5 hours)

Homework Help (10 mins)

Assistance with homework from the previous week

Reading Skills(35 mins)

Mastery of reading comprehension basics and advanced analytical techniques.
Introduction to new vocabulary words each week.

Maths Skills(50 mins)

Basic mathematics topics such as decimals, fractions, and unit conversions.
Weekly focus on challenging OC-style mathematical theory and application.

Thinking Skills (30 mins)

Development of critical thinking skills, focusing on speed and accuracy in application to questions.

Writing Skills(25 mins)

Enhancement of writing skills to build a strong foundation for superior results.

SS Trail Tests(2.5 hours)

Our SS Trial Test Course for Year 4 students is structured to prepare them for the SS Test through practice under simulated exam conditions, aiming to enhance both speed and accuracy.
In these small group classes, students will take tests in Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills. During the review session, answers and effective exam techniques will be covered.
The test papers are modeled after the latest SS Tests. Students will review the test papers the following week and critically analyse the paper and the questions they answered incorrectly. This course will run from after the OC Test until the SS Test.

Odd Numbered Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9-

Reading Test (30 minutes)
Thinking Skills Test (30 minutes)
Break (10 minutes)
Review of the test (80 minutes)

Even Numbered Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10

Mathematical Reasoning Test (40 minutes)
Challenge Quiz (20 minutes)
Break (10 minutes)
Review of the test (80 minutes)

Mega Bundle
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30 Full Practice Tests with-
30 Maths Skills
30 Reading Skills
30 Thinking Skills
Personalised Study Plan
Personalised Feedback
Parental Support

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Practice Tests Pack 1

10 Full Practice Tests with –
10 Maths Skills
+ 10 Reading Skills
+ 10 Thinking Skills
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10 Full Practice Tests with –
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+ 10 Reading Skills
+ 10 Thinking Skills
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10 Full Practice Tests with –
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Being a migrant recently to Australia and was unsure about taking membership for 6 months. But this was the best investment for my son who never had online coaching before. The testing platform put me at ease.
Ahmed Shezad, Parramatta
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I found Excellents training materials to be an added bonus to my childs learning at school. Though it can be initially hard and overwhelming, it was a reliable choice. The subscriptions in worth it. Best Bang fo the buck!
Jonathan Dae​, Wollongong
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