Selective Placement Test

Fact Sheet

While pencils will be provided for the selective high school test, parents are allowed to send with their child two pencils (preferably 2B) and an eraser and sharpener.

This is a change from the test information already sent to parents.

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For more information:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7/the-test

How to Apply

How to Apply

Test Information

Students are NOT to bring pens, rulers, note paper, or books. Smart watches, phones or other devices that compute, photograph, communicate or make a noise will not be allowed at or near the student's desk in the test centre.

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Students MUST bring a printed copy of their Test authority letter with their application number.
Students bring their own 2B lead pencil, sharpener and eraser. Students can bring a clear bottle of water to keep under the desk during the test.

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For more information:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5/the-test#Test2

Note: 2021 OC Exam will remain paper-based.

 Multiple choice tests are marked by computer 

RReading Test

The questions are based on a diverse range of texts and assess a range of reading skills. The reading test questions are based on different genres such as non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazine articles and reports.

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Mathematical Reasoning Test

The mathematical reasoning test assesses the student’s ability to apply mathematical understanding and knowledge to problems, with questions drawn from a range of mathematical content areas. Calculators are not used in the mathematical reasoning test.

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Thinking Skills Test

The thinking skills test assesses the student’s ability in critical thinking and problem solving. There are a range of different question types in the test. No previous knowledge is required for this test.

General Information

RSelection process

The placement score is calculated by adding the scaled test scores to the moderated school assessment scores.

The calculated placement score will be out of a total of 120 (previously 300).

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The calculated placement score will be derived as follows:

RTest Component

Reading: 33.3

Math Reasoning: 33.3

Thinking Skills: 33.3

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Total: 100

RSchool Assessment Scores

English: 10

Maths 10

Total: 20

When Applying:

Applicants can choose up to two opportunity classes. Choose the opportunity class and the order of the classes carefully and list only those schools you would like your child to attend and in your preferred order. You can change school choices without explanation before 6 August 2021 by logging in to your application dashboard and making the changes.

School Assessment Scores:

Public schools

NSW primary schools give school assessment scores to show each student's achievement in English and Mathematics in 2021 relative to other candidates from the same school. If school assessment scores from a NSW school cannot be provided, students will be considered on their test scores alone.

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Non-government schools

NSW non-government school applicants complete the online application form. When applying, by accepting the Privacy Notice, parents indicate their acceptance that the Department may need to contact the non-government school regarding a student’s assessment information (such as school assessment scores) to assist with the placement process.

Parents of students at non-government schools receive the 'Principal's page for provision of school assessment scores' with the email confirming that the application was submitted. The Team will send a notice to parents when the principal's page has been processed.

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