SelectiveTests is a website to help students and their parents with their preparation for various tests for entry into Grade 7 schools. There are different types of tests that SelectiveTests can assist with. These are:

Many students start preparations through private tuitions which can cost $120 for a 3-hour class. Comparatively, SelectiveTests is extremely cost-effective . This implies that SelectiveTests can can either be used stand-alone or as a supplement to any other self-study/tuition program that you are already following.

ENGLISH REFERENCE

When reviewing your English Test answers, look up the meanings of words you are not so sure about.

The aim of Selective High Schools is to provide a scholastically challenging environment for more academically able students. The usual range of subjects is taught at these schools, but they are geared to the needs of gifted and talented students. Students gain places at Selective Schools by competing academically with other prospective students.

Placement at a Selective School means that your child will be in an environment where work is at a more advanced level and is taken seriously by most of their peers. As these children stand a better chance academically than students in other schools, many feel that they are better positioned for future success. Students often form bonds with other academically advanced students in their school as well as may network with others that have been through the same program later in life.

Selective Schools, however, are not for all children. You must try to gauge your child's likes, dislikes and capabilities before sending them down this path. If possible, have a chat with other parents of children who have first-hand experience with Selective Schools. If your child does not qualify for a Selective School, it does not mean that your child is below average or that there is anything to worry about for you as parents. It may be the best thing that could have happened for your particular child's overall growth.

View our Useful Links page for further information and links to Selective Schools.

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To see important dates for Selective High Schools placement, please click here.

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Students throughout the State appear for the Selective High Schools Test in designated test centres on a specified date, usually around March every year. Applications and results are considered by a selection committee, which also take into account circumstances where a child has a sensory or physical disability or is from a non-English speaking background etc.

The selection process involves consideration of academic performance and ability. A student's academic merit is determined by their primary school assessments in English and Mathematics and their results gained in the Selective High Schools Test in:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• General Ability
• Written expression

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• SelectiveTests can be used standalone or alongside any self-study or tuition program.
• Parents MUST be involved in the progress of their child. We try to make this easier for the parents by sending periodic progress reports via email.
• Ideally, one should consider preparation for the Selective School examinations as a marathon, not as a sprint. Start studying well in advance and practice and learn the concepts slowly over time.
• Attempt at least one English and one Maths test every week.
• Identify your weak areas and ask someone to explain them to you.
• You can review your finished tests anytime, so ask your parents and/or coach to help explain the things you don't understand. We have tried to explain the solutions in an easy way, but expect you to know some basic concepts. So if you don't understand some explanations, get someone to help you with them.
• Make the most of our Answer Strategies. Again, if you don't understand them, get someone to explain them.
• When taking a timed test, remember that accuracy and time-management are extremely important. If you are stuck on a particular question, do not waste too much time over it. Mark it for review, and come back to it later. Even if you have answered a question, but are not very sure about the accuracy of your answer, mark it for review. If you have time later on, you can revisit these questions and double-and-triple check your work.
• Always have a sheet of paper and pencil handy and use this for rough work. Sometimes the most obvious-looking answer may not be the correct one. A little work on the rough pad may help remove silly mistakes.
• Remember that you can take unlimited Math and English tests when in Practice mode. Take advantage of this.

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• Drive to the venue a day or two before, just to make sure you know where it is as well as to understand whether traffic will be an issue on the day of the test.
• Try not to study on the day before the test. Relax and try to keep your mind fresh for the test. Sleep early the night before the test.
• If you are like other kids who spend more time in front of the television or in front of a Playstation console - try to start a regular excercise regime a couple of months prior to the examination. Parents, remember that for a sharp mind, excercise is extremely important. Do not overdo it, but just get out and get the blood flowing on a daily basis.

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• Arrive at the examination centre with at least 15 minutes to spare. Last minute rushing can throw your child's mind temporarily off balance, what with the natural nervousness of being in a different environment.
• Always keep a calm mind when taking the real test. Remember you have an advantage over others because you have been praticing similar questions for some time with SelectiveTests!

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