In an Opportunity Class, students read more advanced books, complete more complex projects and will be surrounded by more avid learners than a mainstream class. This environment is designed to encourage their academic development.
The placement test is taken in year 4 at the end of July or early August each year.
The level of English and mathematics questions are much more advanced than school. Thinking skills are not taught in schools.
Previously, the OC test consisted of two parts, each with 35 questions. Students were given 30 minutes to complete each part. The final score was out of 300, which included the results of the OC placement test as well as school performance.
From July 2021, the OC test will consist of three parts:
The exam will be different to previous years, with a greater focus on mathematical problem-solving and verbal English reasoning skills.
From 2021 - 2026, the new test will be written by British company, Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing.
Our practice tests have been adjusted to mimic the style of their tests and the type of questions that will likely be asked.
In 2022 and 2023, the test will be on paper however in future years it may be delivered digitally by local software company, Janison.
The results are entirely from the performance in the Opportunity Class Test. There are no school marks calculated as part of students's results.
The thinking skills section is likely to be the most challenging for students. Thus we recommend that students train as early as possible to give themselves the most time to master this section of the test.
Places are very competitive. Only the top students are successful in gaining placement. In 2019, 14% of applicants were successful across all of NSW. An even smaller percentage were successful in the Sydney Metropolitan area.
The minimum entry score is the score of the lowest scoring student to accept a place there. Minimum entry scores vary from school to school and from year to year. Starting in 2022, entry scores will no longer be published by the NSW Department of Education.
Here are some of the 2021 OC minimum entry scores for schools in the Sydney area:
For the full list, visit: https://data.cese.nsw.gov.au/data/dataset/opportunity-classes-in-year-5-by-minimum-entry-score
Just as a dedicated soccer player or pianist trains for an important game or recital, so can a dedicated student for an important test. To be successful, students must be strong in reading, mathematics, problem-solving, vocabulary, logical and verbal reasoning. They must also be able to manage their time effectively during the test - there is less than one minute to answer each question.
Our OC training classes begin in Year 3 Term 4 all the way up until the date of the OC test (held in Year 4 Term 3).
Each week students are given a practice test under exam conditions.
These mock tests are the same design and format as the OC placement test. The questions are designed to help students develop skills required as well as familarise themselves with the types of questions that will likely be asked.
Each test is fully reviewed with our guidance. This enables students to individually learn from their mistakes, pick up exam techniques and improve their performance over time.
Our practice tests are continually updated to reflect the most recent testing questions, providing students with the best chance to be successful.
Every year our students are successful in gaining a placement into OC. If your child an aspiring student, contact us to learn more about the OC training program.
