How to Prepare Your Child for the NSW Selective High School Placement Test
What are Selective High Schools?
Selective high schools in NSW cater to the gifted and highly academically students. Groups of students with similar abilities are formed, which are then given the benefit of specialized teaching techniques and educational materials.
Along with academic merit, the results of a state-wide Selective High School Placement Test are considered for admission. Here are some helpful resources that highlight key information about the schools, placement process and test, as well as the key dates to start the admission process in the upcoming years -
- https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7
- https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/general-information/key-dates-
- https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7/the-test
As with any other test, preparing well in advance will increase your child’s chances of acing the test with flying colors. Let us have a look at some useful tips to prepare for the Selective High School Placement Test -
Make yourself familiar with the new format
From 2021 and beyond, the test format will also emphasize more on the students’ mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, and thinking skills along with reading and writing comprehension.
Hone your skills through practice papers
There are plenty of practice papers available online so that your child can develop their critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the core mathematical concepts. Here, you can find the samples of the new test for practice.
Form a strategy while solving the papers
In the beginning, disregard any worries about the time limit. Focus on getting the correct answer through logical steps. As you notice questions with similar patterns, come up with a strategy to solve them more quickly with a reduced number of steps.
As you gain more confidence with your answers, start taking practice tests within a time limit.
Read and write more
Expand your child’s reading areas and have them write essays. Getting customized feedback from their language teacher will help them improve their reading and writing skills for the test.
Take practice tests on PACE
PACE (Parent and Child Engagement) is an app that aims to promote and track engagement between parents and child with a multidimensional approach.Download the app on Android or iOS and see how you can -
- Set customized, timed practice tests for your child
- Identify strengths/weak areas through insights from reports and dashboards
- Set custom rewards to motivate your child
These, and many more features, will help you and your child stay on the same page of your child’s educational journey as you work together to make it smoother.
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