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Selective School FAQs

What are Selective high schools?

Selective high schools are government schools that cater for high-achieveing, academically gifted students. According to the NSW Department of Education, selective high schools help such students learn by grouping them with classmates of similar ability, and use specialised teaching methods to support their development.​

What is the Selective High School Placement Test?

Students seeking Year 7 entry into a selective high school must sit the Selective High School Placement Test during Year in the month of May. The test requires students to demonstrate their abilities in reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing.

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How is the Selective High School Placement Test Held?

The selective High School Placement test is a computer based test. It will be held outside of your child's school - at an external venue. 

Reading

The Reading Test assesses a range of reading and comprehension skills. Questions are based on various genres such as non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazine articles and reports.

40 minutes

30 questions

Multiple choice

Mathematical Reasoning

The Mathematical Reasoning Test assesses the student's ability to apply mathematical understanding and knowledge to problems drawn from a range of mathematical content areas.

40 minutes

35 questions

Multiple choice

Thinking Skills

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.

40 minutes

40 questions

Multiple choice

Writing

The test assesses the student’s creativity of ideas and ability to write effectively for a purpose and audience. The test will also assess grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary.

30 minutes

1 question

Open response

How can Pre-Uni help?

Our college offers two programs that focus on Selective Exam readiness:

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  • Our WEMT course places a stronger emphasis on developing foundational abilities in Writing, English, Maths, and Thinking Skills.

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The roadmap on the right shows the schedule of courses offered throughout the year.

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How can we prepare for the Selective Test?

Students will be more comfortable with the test process if they are familiar with the format of the test, the types of questions they might encounter, and what the answer sheet looks like. Outside of the STTC course, we recommend that students attempt the practice papers that the NSW Department of Education have made available. These include a sample paper and the full 2021 exam.

2021 Sample Test

Reading

Mathematical Reasoning

Thinking Skills

Writing

2021 Selective High School Placement Test

Reading

Mathematical Reasoning

Thinking Skills

Writing

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