THE SELECTIVE SCHOOL TUTORING BLOG

This is a question we get all the time – when is the right time to start preparing for the selective school test?

If you have done some basic research about the selective school test you will probably know two things:

1. The selective school test is really hard – even for adults!
2. It is fiercely competitive – about 13000 students compete for about 4000 spots, meaning only about 30% of students will gain entry. Another way of viewing this is that it is not just a test of your child’s abilities, it is a competition against 12,999 other students to come out on top.

Understanding these 2 things, the question of when to start preparing for the test actually becomes relative because there is no real answer to this question.

When a parent asks me it, I turn it back to them and ask “well, how important is it to you and your child that they get in?”. The answer to this questions should then determine how much time you spend preparing for the test.

We have been helping students get into selective schools for more than 15 years now, and within that time we have seen the full range of students – from those that start working with a tutor in third grade through to those that join us 6 weeks before.

Naturally, with any test like the selective school exam, the more preparation you do, the better you are going to go. The student that has been working with one of our tutors for 3 years is far more likely to succeed than the student that only does 6 lessons.

And so, in considering when to being preparing your child for the selective test you should ask yourself, how important is it that he or she get in. If it is really important to you, then you should get started now. If you don’t mind and have other options, then you can wait.

We recommend most students start preparations at least a year before the test, but this ultimately comes down to your motivation, budget and your child’s existing abilities.

The beauty of what we do is that our selective school preparation program is one-on-one, so every lesson is tailored to your child. Rather than sending them to a packed classroom to follow a generic workbook, your tutor instead comes to you or meets with them online and helps them prepare for the selective school test specifically focusing on their unique strengths and weaknesses.

It is very hard for even the brightest students to gain entry to a selective school without some element of preparation. We have seen it so many times – a parent thinks they will be fine, or that they can help them prepare – and then 6 weeks before the exam they come to us exhausted and frustrated saying “I wish we had just worked with you sooner”. An Alchemy tutor is a partner in the preparation process – giving you the parent less stress, more quality family time and a happier home.

No matter your child’s age or skill level, we can work with them to get them into a selective school. The sooner you start, the greater their confidence will be going into that exam. The test is hard, and it doesn’t allow time for your child to sit there unsure of what to do – our preparation program will solve all of this.

Get in touch today and get started on their selective school journey!

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

In 2007 I made a switch to Sydney Grammar School, an independent school for boys. I gained entry through a similar style test to the selective school. At Sydney Grammar I had the opportunity to participate and engage with boys and students that had similar interests to myself.

Upon reflection of my high school experience, Sydney Grammar School allowed me to give me the work ethic and drive that it takes to work at University and in the workforce. At the time what seemed like mountains of homework has set me up for a lifetime of success. I was allowed to have the best opportunities for ten years, At Sydney grammar I played musical instruments and participated in extra curricular activities such as competing in GPS sport. Along with heavy academic pressure from teachers and the boys around me, Sydney Grammar allowed boys to have a balance in their school life.

Why I loved going to Sydney Grammar:

I loved going to Sydney Grammar, I was surrounded by great students and as a result my passion for learning improved under the guidance of my school. Through my thirst for knowledge, in year 11 I chose to take economics, I still to this day remember my high school economics teacher as he encouraged me to take my passion further. This passion for economics that was founded at Grammar has laid the foundation for my career in economics and the business field as I am currently pursuing a University degree in Economics

Is Sydney Grammar the right school for you:

Sydney Grammar is not for every boy however, looking back some students do struggle with the competitive academic side of the school. While sports and music are prominent at the school it is apparent that academics take priority, while Sydney Grammar is a private school it is something that is similar to most selective schools in this regard.

What makes Sydney Grammar such a great school:

Sydney Grammar is a unique, independent school for boys, with qualities that are rarely found in today’s schools. Laptops are not used in classes, most homework is handwritten allowing students to be set up for success in the HSC and later years where exams are submitted in person and responses are handwritten.

By Shomik Dutta, an Alchemy tutor.

Getting your child into a selective school is hard – but having an experienced tutor at their side makes it easier! We have been getting students into selective schools for more than 15 years, and can give your child the one-on-one support they need to succeed in the selective school exam. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your child!

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

The test contains many different sections that are meant to examine the overall capability of the student sitting the exam. Obviously it is rare that a student will be brilliant in all aspects of the test, it is important that the student has a strategy going into the test. For most students it is natural to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of doing the exam in a hall full of students, this is probably their first time doing an exam of such magnitude as well. 

It is important that while speed is important in a test, most students even throughout their university days still continue to rush through a test. In a test like the selective school where there are so many components, it is difficult to switch between sections and continue the train of thought to get the best possible answers to write down for the test. 

In a pressure situation such as this one it is best practice to stay calm and take two to three minutes before switching to different components of the test. This way your train of thought is getting ready for a switch, for example going from a writing prompt to a mathematics section of the selective school test. Taking this time in between tests while you are losing some time, it is ensuring that you do not rush and make silly errors which is what happens when you jump quickly from section to section. Maintaining focus for two straight hours is a difficult thing to do, so taking a break during the test allows you to rest your mind and refocus for the next section. 

This strategy is effective yet simple and most students fail to do so in an exam situation, if you have this strategy in place it will definitely help the student keep concentration and maintain nerves throughout the test. Taking a break is effective at any stage, if for example the student is stuck on a problem, it is important to relax and stay calm, take two minutes and try to clear your head. If that still doesn’t help do not take too much time on one problem and move on quickly as you cannot afford to waste time if you just can’t do the problem and that can happen in an exam situation. 

These strategies are helpful in an exam situation, if the student does prepare for the test through practice examinations, do so in exam conditions and if the student is stuck on a problem try these strategies out, if they are effective for the student it is an extra edge they can bring to the exam.

By Shomik Dutta, an Alchemy tutor

The selective school test is hard – but having a great tutor makes it easier. Our selective school preparation program gives your child the one-on-one support they need to succeed in the selective school exam. The beauty of individualised learning is that the program can be customised to your child’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that all core abilities are where they need to be for the selective school test. Get in touch today and see how an Alchemy tutor can make all the difference!

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

It is important for an adult who is helping a child prepare for the selective school examination to understand that not all children study the same way, and most children find different ways of studying effectively. For example some students might be comfortable and study effectively by sitting at a desk for a long time and practicing questions. However every student is different and especially at a younger age, students might not study effectively for long periods at a time as concentration could start to wane. 

It is crucial that an in-home tutor or parent helping the student understands the way the student does effective study, for example if a student doesn’t enjoy sitting for long periods of time at first, a good approach would be to let the student study for fifteen minutes at a time with short breaks allowing for effective study rather than forcing the student to study for lengthy periods of time. Over time concentration will improve and most importantly the student begins to study effectively rather than being distracted and losing concentration if they struggle to focus for long periods of time. 

Study techniques are key to students being more successful in their study and therefore providing benefits in the long run, especially for when they sit their selective school tests. Good study habits are also integral to success in the long run. This means going back to the basics, ensuring the student is not tired, having a good open study space – a comfortable desk which allows for maximum concentration for the student. Creating routines and study habits ensures the best possible focus on the study from the student in addition to creating best practice for their academic success beyond the test. 

It is important for the adult assisting to understand how the child learns, as a result it is good to have an open communication with the student’s teacher as they are best positioned to provide guidance on which way the student responds well when learning in a classroom environment. 

Understanding your student’s study techniques and creating study habits allows for the effective revision and study for the selective test and their learning beyond it. Creating these habits and knowing your child’s way of learning sets them up for success and this has been proven by many studies over time. Study techniques and habits that are effective provides confidence for the student to approach the test that they can do well on this examination. 

By Shomik Dutta, an Alchemy tutor

Are you trying to help your child prepare for the selective school exam, but getting frustrated or seeing few results? We know how hard it can be – which is why the support of an Alchemy tutor is invaluable! Partner with an experienced selective school tutor and watch your child make progress – giving you less stress and more quality family time. Our lessons are flexible and affordable, meeting in your home or online at a time that suits you. Get in touch today and explore how an Alchemy tutor can bring out the gold in your child.

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

With almost endless options available for High School education selecting the right school to enrol your child in can feel very daunting. The school you choose will be a place where they spend a large portion of every day for six years and develop friendships that could blossom into lifelong bonds. What they learn there, both academically and socially, will carry on with them throughout their entire lives. So, when we look at a question like ‘Is a Selective School right for you?’ We should take the time to consider multiple elements of the high school experience.

If you are someone who loves a challenge and really enjoys succeeding at school, then Selective Schools are the place for you. These schools offer challenges every day that will help you grow and develop self-confidence and resilience. If you are a parent of such a child, I would highly recommend looking into Selective School enrolment. Additionally, if you have a child who can perform very well academically but simply lacks the motivation to apply themselves then Selective Schools might be the right option as they provide a controlled amount of external pressure whilst fostering intrinsic motivation to help get your child engaged instead of coasting by.

You should also consider what your personal interests are. For example, do you love to play music? Perhaps you should have a look at the arts programs available at the schools. Selective Schools often offer extensive music and performing arts programs. Do you really enjoy maths or coding? Selective Schools often offer high quality learning opportunities as well as competition opportunities in these fields, as well as debating opportunities for their English focused students. Or does your passion lie in sports? Not every school has the same commitment to their sports program, and if you believe you are a talented sportsperson you might need to look at what schools will offer you the best training and competition opportunities. Every child needs to opportunity to develop their unique talents and interests, so making sure that your chosen school has programs that can support them is a key element in selecting a high school.

You should also consider the social and emotional elements affecting your decision for enrolment. Does your child have any friends also applying for that school? Will they welcome the opportunity to make tonnes of new friends when they arrive, or is it important they stay close to their best buds from primary school? For many students the opportunity to meet lots of new people with shared interests can be both nerve wracking and exciting. In a Selective School you’re bound to find many students who have overlapping personalities and interests, meaning their lifelong best friends might be just beyond those gates! On the other hand, if you think your child might find the process of fitting into a school with no friends from primary school around for comfort too daunting then you might need to consider a more appropriate school so they don’t withdraw socially.

Additionally, Selective Schools come with their own unique set of stressors designed to keep their students motivated and engaged. If you have a child who is resilient and can cope with a bit of pressure, then enrolling them into a Selective School is a good idea as these skills will be developed further over time and these stressors tend to help them thrive. However, if your child tends to withdraw from stressful environments and has negative emotional reactions to academic pressure then you might find they will thrive in a non-selective school environment.

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

The Selective School Test is an exam that students take to gain entry to a selective high school. The main intake occurs in year 7, with limited numbers being accepted from years 8 to 10. The below content is for the test taken in year 6 for year 7 entry.

When is the 2021 Selective School Test?

The exact date of the 2021 Selective School Test is yet to be confirmed by the NSW Department of Education, but it will take place in mid-March of 2021 and is open to students in year 6 in 2021.

Despite the disturbances of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, we expect the 2021 Selective School Test to go ahead as normal.

What is in the test?

The 2021 Selective School Test is made up of 4 separate test papers:

• Reading
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Thinking Skills
• Writing

All 4 components add up to give a total mark out of 200. An additional 100 marks come from internal school marks, giving a grand total out of 300.

With the exception of writing, all papers are multiple choice, and range from moderate to very difficult. The test is not negatively marked – so students do not lose marks for incorrect answers. Papers are written by hand and marked electronically.

The total testing time will be about 2 and a half hours with breaks in between each paper.

Once a mark out of 300 is assigned to a student, that mark will then determine the eligibility of that student to gain entry to a selective school. The minimum mark varies each year and by each school – in 2019 the lowest minimum score was 161 (Gorokan High School) and the highest minimum score was 250 (James Ruse Agricultural High School). You can view all minimum entry scores here.

How do you succeed in the Selective School Test 2021?

A comprehensive preparation program is crucial to succeed in the selective school test. It is very rare to see a student get in on natural talent – even the brightest students will work with tutors in the lead up to the test.

At Alchemy, we have been helping students get in to selective high schools for more than a decade. Our selective school preparation program has proven successful for thousands of students across the state.

Our program is one-on-one; so every lesson is tailored to your child’s needs based on their unique learning profile. Our research shows that one hour of one-on-one tuition is more effective that 4 hours in a classroom – as your child receives undivided attention through the entire lesson.

Your tutor can meet in your home, online or at a library or school at a time that works for you – giving you complete flexibility and ease; no battling after school traffic or fighting for parking.

Read our reviews from parents just like yourself here and see why we have more 5-star reviews than anywhere else. You can learn more about our program here or book your first lesson here and get your child started on the journey to selective school success!

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

All High Schools have their elements of stress. Can you, reader, honestly tell me there was never a moment in your high school life where you weren’t cramming for a test, or sweating on a mark, or simply feeling anxious about high school drama that you thought would quite-possibly-very-literally ruin your life? If your answer is yes then you, my friend, are one exceptionally lucky soul. But if your answer is no, then you fall within the majority of people who did at some point feel the stress of high school environments press down upon you.

There is no beating around the bush that the high school system causes stress for its students, with a huge emphasis on high stakes testing (starting all the way back in year 3 with NAPLAN right up until the final HSC examinations), and the exceptionally daunting question of “What on Earth do I want to do with my life once I graduate?” leading up until that final goodbye handshake with your principal. I personally found that I experienced stress in both the High Schools I attended (my local public school until year 9, then Manly Selective from year 10 onwards), and majority of it was centred around academic marks. And Selective Schools do have extra pressure, as everyone inside is bright and hardworking, and you need to apply yourself if you want to keep up.

That being said, the teachers are attuned to the emotional experiences of their students. They are aware that students in their schools often feel the pressure to succeed as they are now competing against students as advanced as themselves. They generally have visits from studying skills companies as well as mental health seminars to help students learn successful coping techniques for stress. For many students, stress in schools comes from workload and expectations. The best way to help your children learn successful stress management skills is to teach them time management skills, study techniques like chunking, personal scheduling, and make sure they still have some down time with their friends and family.

Furthermore, throughout my University Education courses we learnt that applying controlled degrees of stress to students helps bring out the best in them. The scholarly studies on the effects of correctly applied stress on optimum performance are numerous (have a look at the Stress-Performance bell curve if you’re interested), and a students’ sense of achievement is much stronger when they succeed in a stressful environment rather than in a relaxed one. Gifted and talented students will often take the pressure off themselves and go into cruise mode, putting in low effort for good marks and failing to reach their full potential. An environment in which they feel expectations are high and slaking will not get them by, like a Selective School, can be the perfect environment for encouraging them to reach their full potential.

As I’ve said, controlled stress assists in developing students social and emotional skills as well as encouraging consistent application to their work as students rise to the challenge. But be aware that not all children will thrive in a stressful environment, and it’s important to consider your child’s personality before you enrol them into a school that might be overwhelming so they can thrive in the educational environment that’s the right fit for them.

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

There is no way to pin down one single word or quick answer to this question. Selective Schools, depending on where you are in your educational journey, are different every term, every year. They recognise that students need a well-rounded education to assist them in blossoming into successful adults and are constantly throwing challenges at their students to keep them on their toes. Before I go further, I should say I speak from experience, as both my brother and I graduated from Manly Selective Campus and have since gone on to university and started very successful careers. The Selective School experience is something that I feel truly did give us a flying start into our adult lives.

What I would first like to note is that, no matter your passion or talent, a Selective School will always strive to make sure that you have a space to grow and thrive. Not only do they offer a broad subject selection but usually have very strong arts programs for writers, artists, musicians, actors, singers, and design students but they offer well rounded sports programs, often making extra effort to ensure their students have access to high calibre competitions and receive the praise they deserve for their successes. For those more academically competitive there are frequently competitions in various fields such as maths and coding challenges and debating competitions. Selective Schools also focus on fostering a sense of community through buddy programs and peer tutoring, and volunteering opportunities both local and abroad. If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that any student at a Selective School will be spoilt for choice with opportunities for enrichment.

Selective Schools are incredibly supportive environments. It is often true that gifted and talented students feel anxious about school, particularly towards their HSC years when University entry is on the horizon. For junior students starting year 7 and facing the realisation that they are once again a small fish in a big pond, they will instantly feel welcomed into a community of likeminded learners  where instead of feeling awkward about being a high achiever they find their talents and skills are truly valued. As they move into their senior years and are reaching towards the freedom lying just beyond year 12 graduation the staff and teachers will be consistently supportive. They will encourage resilience, patience, and self-confidence as they guide their students towards their full potential. Often the teachers at Selective Schools went to them themselves and are well attuned to the journey their students are passing through. They will go above and beyond to make sure their students are appropriately challenged and supported, encouraging them to be confident, independent thinkers.

I know everything that has appeared thus far has been a glowing report of the Selective School system so you might be thinking my account is a little biased. Students in Selective Schools still face challenges as they progress through puberty, and the academic side is no walk in the park. But the personal growth that comes from teachers having high expectations is exceptionally rewarding, and if I were to redo my High School years I would remain in a Selective School as it offered me the opportunity to thrive where other schools couldn’t.

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!

People might tell you your child is the crème de la crème of their primary school, that they are gifted and talented, that the world is their oyster! And chances are very high that all these facts are true. These thoughts, along with glowing teacher report cards and endless wondering about your child’s future, may have brewed the idea that a selective school is the place for your child’s progression through high school. If you are thinking these thoughts, that is fantastic! Your child being nurtured and encouraged towards a bright future, and at Alchemy we know that academic success always starts with support at home. Now with your sights set on a selective school you can begin the entry process.

About now you might notice that an entrance exam plays a very large part in your child’s entry into a selective school. This exam is very challenging, it tests a wide range of skills in literacy, numeracy and problem solving. Not only that, but it asks them to complete four papers in only 2 hours and 20 minutes in a hall full of other kids just as talented and focused as they are. I know what you’re thinking – “My child’s a super star, there’s no way they’ll fail this, they’ve never failed anything before!” And that might very well be true, but getting into a selective school is, honestly, hard.

You can trust me on this judgement. I had my sights set on starting Year 7 at Manly Selective and though I tried my darndest to prepare I missed out on entry. But this piece of advice I am about to give you is by far more important than my placement failure. I kept applying myself, I kept working hard for top grades, I kept doing extracurricular activities, and when I tried the test again… success! I moved to Manly Selective for year 10 onwards, graduated in 2016, and I am about to graduate university as a High School English and History teacher.

What do I think sets a student apart from the others as one deserving of a place in a Selective School? They must be passionate about their learning. They must love to be challenged and thrive when a little bit of pressure is applied. They should not only be critical thinkers but also creative ones who can see ideas and possibilities where others cannot. Most importantly, they need to be determined to push themselves. There are many things you can do to increase your child’s likelihood of acceptance. Teach them to be resilient, to be intrinsically motivated, to take pride in the skills that set them apart from the rest. Enrol them in extracurricular activities if you can and encourage them to pursue leadership opportunities in their primary school. Teach them some time management skills and encourage them to see failure not as something detrimental, but as something they can use to spur them on to improve.

At Alchemy we know just how challenging this process can be. Many of our talented tutors, including myself, have passed through selective schools and are eager to pass on our knowledge to your children to guide them towards promising futures. We are committed to helping our students develop the skills that allow them to tackle the entry exams and we hope we can help your children experience the high level of education and support they deserve.

Looking for practice papers to prepare for the selective school exam? We’ve got them! Download your Thinking Skills & Mathematical Reasoning papers today and get practicing. Check out a free sample here!