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With the 2023 Selective School Placement test (NSW) being just around the corner, we know that there are lots of anxious parents and students who are spending many waking moments thinking about the big day. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of tips that have helped countless students in the build-up to their exams.

1. Reflect on your journey and progress
   Often, we are so critical of ourselves, and so concerned with the mistakes we have recently made, that we forget to think about how far we’ve come since the beginning of our journey. The most important part of the journey is seeing the progress. Look back at your work and scores from when you first began your journey. Read the first few pieces of writing that you did. Revel in the knowledge that you have progressed so far, and be proud of yourself for pushing your boundaries and learning new things.



2. Do light revision in the week leading up to the test
   Now is a good time to look over the work you’ve done, and to redo the questions you’ve gotten wrong before. This way, you’ll remember the types of mistakes you’ve made before, and this will help prevent you from making those same mistakes in your actual exam.



3. Do not start on any new content in the last 3 days before the exam
   You have already put in the hard yards and done the hard work. You are as ready as you will ever be for this exam. Trying to solve new types of questions in the few days before the exam will usually just exacerbate stress and cause unnecessary panic.



4. Go for a walk or do something you enjoy the day before the exam
   The day before the exam is when the nerves usually start to get really bad. If you’re stressed about the exam, the last thing you should be doing is looking at things related to the cause of your stress. Instead, you should do some light exercise to get your blood flowing, which helps gets fresh oxygenated blood cells to your brain. Otherwise, do things you like. Watch your favourite movie, play your favourite game, or read your favourite book. Maybe take a bubble bath, or do something that helps you relax.



5. Have anything you need to take to the exam ready the night before your exam
   To avoid any last-minute confusion or issues, make sure you have your admission sheet and anything else you may need packed and ready the night before. There should be a list of things to bring on your admission card. Don’t forget yummy and filling snacks for your break too!



6. Go to bed earlier than usual, especially if you usually have trouble falling asleep the night before big events
   Many people find it difficult to sleep the night before a big event such as an important exam. If you know you’re one of those people, you should make a conscious effort to get to bed earlier, so you can wake up feeling rested. Otherwise, it’s still a good idea to get to bed earlier, to make sure you wake up feeling good. Remember that children need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night.



7. Eat an enjoyable and healthy breakfast
   The last thing you want to do is eat something that you don’t like. Make sure you eat a meal that will keep you energised and focused during your exam. It’s going to be a long exam, so you don’t want to start feeling hungry during test time. It’s always good to get in some brain foods such as berries and nuts.



8. Make sure you have been to the bathroom before the exam begins.
   You don’t want to waste precious exam time in the bathroom, simply because you forgot to go beforehand. Lots of people get fidgety before exams, and some people handle it by drinking more water than they really need. Obviously, keep yourself hydrated, but don’t overdo it by drinking lots of fluids because you’re feeling fidgety.



9. Avoid any nervous friends whilst waiting outside the exam hall
   There are always going to be people who get really nervous before exams, and some people cope with it by projecting their fear and anxiety onto other people. If you know or see people like that outside the exam hall, avoid them. Parents, try not to stress out your children or give them last-minute tips, they are already as prepared as they will ever be. If you fear you may interfere with their mindset, it is best to leave your child/ren by themselves so they can just have some peace and quiet.



10. Mindset is important. Believe in yourself
    We know there are lots of butterflies and nervous faces, and a little bit of nervousness is never a bad thing. However, the most important thing is that you think about how much you can do, and focus on the positive. Now is not the time for criticising yourself or talking down to yourself. Your mind is like a parrot, you can convince it of things just by repeatedly thinking that they are true. Tell yourself that you are ready, and believe that you will do well!! That self-confidence can be the difference between a decent mark and a great one.
    And lastly, know that we’re all here to support you. Your friends, your family, and the team at Hey Guru all know that you have worked hard in the lead-up to this exam, and we’re sure that your efforts will be rewarded. Good luck to our 2023 selective students, our whole team is rooting for you!!

The New South Wales education department states that opportunity classes, or OC classes as they are commonly known, were created with the intention of catering for ‘academically gifted Year 5 and Year 6 students with high potential.’ As such, these classes were created to group high achieving students together and cater to their needs in order to stimulate growth in a way that wouldn’t be feasible within the confines of a standard classroom model.

OC classes are notorious for being difficult to get admission into, primarily due to the fact that there are only 76 schools which have OC classes, and because each class generally has around 30 available positions. Thus, some parents decide to push their children to perform well from a very young age in order to gain admission to these prestigious classes, whilst others decide to wait a few years and start preparing their children to perform well in the Selective exam instead.

Whilst there is merit to both of these methods, there is certainly benefit in encouraging students to prepare for the OC test, regardless of the outcome. Instead of viewing the goal of OC preparation as the attainment of a position in an OC class, it would be far better to view this preparation as the development of vital skills necessary for becoming a well-rounded individual. Furthermore, these skills will be vital in achieving a position in a Selective school.

With the sweeping new changes to the structure of the OC and Selective exams, their structure, and question style have become more aligned than ever. The selective exam has the same style of questions but is slightly more difficult than the OC exam. The major notable difference is the addition of a writing component in the selective exam. Rather than suddenly introducing students to the more difficult and arguably more important selective exam, introducing them to the OC exam and using this as a stepping stone is generally the best course of action.

Whilst positions in OC classes are highly limited, there are far more positions available for selective students due to the intake of an entirely new cohort of students at most schools. However, many gifted students fail to get an offer to a selective school, much to the surprise of their parents. One major factor that influences student outcomes is their familiarity with the process and comfort with the style of questions. Because students who have studied for the OC test are far more familiar with the unique style of questions presented in this exam, they often adapt seamlessly to Selective preparation and on average, achieve far higher outcomes than those who have not done so. Moreover, the actual process of sitting a high-stress exam can be a major ordeal, and students who have sat one such exam are usually far more relaxed and poised to do their best due to familiarity with the process.

As such, it is worthwhile to consider encouraging students to prepare for the OC exam, whilst keeping in mind that it paves the way for entrance to a Selective school.

And lastly, know that team Hey Guru is always there to support you. Check out the courses and help available at Hey Guru to get your child started on the path to OC and then the Selective School Examination! Please contact us for more information, and we will do our best to assist you in all possible ways.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Australia. The exam is designed to measure the literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9.

The NAPLAN exam consists of four tests:

1. Language Conventions Test:
   This test assesses a student's knowledge of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.


2. Writing Test:
   Students are given a writing prompt and are asked to write a persuasive, narrative or informative text.


3. Reading Test:
   Students are given a set of texts and are asked to answer multiple-choice and short answer questions based on their understanding of the texts.


4. Numeracy Test:
   This test assesses a student's mathematical skills, including problem-solving, number, measurement, geometry, and statistics.


5. The NAPLAN exam is usually held in May each year, and the results are reported on a scale from band 1 to band 10. The results are used to identify areas where students may need additional support and to provide feedback to schools and teachers to improve teaching and learning practices.
   


6. More detail about NAPLAN is available on official website https://www.nap.edu.au/

Here are some key tips that can help you succeed in the NAPLAN exam:

1. Practice regularly:
   Practice is the key to success in any exam. Regular practice will help you become familiar with the types of questions asked in the NAPLAN exam and build your confidence.


2. Understand the exam format:
   It is important to understand the format of the NAPLAN exam, including the types of questions, the time limit for each section, and the instructions. Knowing what to expect will help you to manage your time effectively and answer the questions accurately.


3. Focus on the basics:
   The NAPLAN exam is designed to test your literacy and numeracy skills, so make sure you have a good understanding of the basic concepts in these areas. Focus on improving your spelling, grammar, reading, and mathematical skills.


4. Use study materials:
   There are many resources available online (e.g. Hey Guru ) and in books that can help you prepare for the NAPLAN exam. Use these materials to practice your skills and identify areas where you need to improve.


5. Manage your time:
   Manage your time: The NAPLAN exam is timed, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Make sure you allocate enough time for each section of the exam and don't spend too much time on any one question.


6. Stay calm and focused:
   On the day of the exam, try to stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared well for the exam. Don't get too anxious or nervous, as this can affect your performance.

Remember, the NAPLAN exam is just one measure of your academic progress. While it is important to do well, don't let the exam define you or your abilities. Keep working hard, stay positive, and believe in yourself.

All the best from Hey Guru team to all the students who are appearing for NAPLAN exam this year.

Learning styles have had a significant impact on schooling. For almost 30 years, educators and students alike have heard from the Association for Psychological Science (APS) that most people are visual or auditory learners. However, while this concept fascinates many individuals, it frequently leads to conclusions that are not research-based.

“We’re more similar in learning than we are different in styles,” said writer and learning expert Dr. Hong. This is because specific topics can only be taught in a certain way.

Dr. Hong also says that no matter what type of student you are, tasting salt is more likely to help you learn the taste than going through lectures, visual presentations, or anything else. Learning diverse subjects can require a wide range of teaching methods.

When it comes to learning, you may discover that you favour specific methods of absorbing knowledge. You may already be aware that when you study alone, you retain more information. Or that walking through the steps of an experiment with a friend helps you understand it better.

Small insights like this can help you excel in school. Continue reading to find out how you can use different learning styles to improve your academic experience.

What exactly are learning styles?

We know that our learning styles are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. However, studies have shown that students who believed they were visual learners, for example, did not necessarily perform better when presented with more graphic material.

When it comes to studying habits, students may not necessarily be better when they adjust their study sessions to match their perceived learning style. Learning styles should be called learning preferences or learning familiarity.

Dr Hong believes that typical teaching strategies, such as pictures in geography and geometry or rhythm and music in memorizing, indicate how most students will learn those subjects best.

Learning styles can still substantially impact your experience as a student. If staring at a list of important historical dates is not working, try turning them into a song. Teachers may not always provide tunes for material that needs to be memorized, but if you know what works best for you, you can study that way.

What are the many kinds of learners?

1. Auditory Learners
   Auditory learners are always listening. They like to hear information rather than read it or see it illustrated. Auditory learners may talk and read at a slower pace. They are usually linear thinkers who may repeat things they hear aloud.
   
   When learning, an auditory learners may retain content better if they discuss it with someone else because spoken words are easier to recall than written words.


2. Kinesthetic Learners
   Kinesthetic learners are the most hands-on kind of learners. They learn best by doing, and if made to sit for longer durations, they may become fidgety. Kinesthetic learners thrive when they can engage in activities or find solutions with their hands. Being physically engaged might sometimes help kids retain things better. They tend to remember what they are good at.


3. Reading & Writing Learners
   Reading and writing students are at ease with the written text. They prefer to gain knowledge by reading, which they can further absorb by compressing and rephrasing. For the reading/writing learning style, the standard academic textbook, and annotation method works effectively.


4. Visual Learners
   When visual learners can envision relationships and ideas, they absorb material more effectively. Visual learners benefit from maps, charts, diagrams, and even writings. Visual learners may better retain material when teachers illustrate or diagram their lessons on a whiteboard.When it comes to courses like geometry, graphics or pictures are critical for all learners. This approach is an excellent way to prevent making mistakes.

What are the different methods by which a person learns?

Here are a few examples of ways you can try learning to figure out your familiar learning style:

1. Express ideas in your own words.
2. Make a recording of lectures to listen to later.
3. Make a song to help you remember something.
4. While studying, trace words with your fingers.
5. Use flashcards to study for tests.
6. Transform visual information into sentences.
7. To check the presentation slides, print them out.
8. While reading your notes, take a walk around the room.
9. Join a study group to share your perspectives with other students.
10. While doing a task, go over content with someone verbally.
11. Read printed material aloud to yourself.

And lastly, know that team Hey Guru is always there to support you. Check out the courses and help available at Hey Guru to get your child started on the path to OC and then the Selective School Examination! Please contact us for more information, and we will do our best to assist you in all possible ways.

A discussion by Hey Guru team on New Pattern for Selective School Placement Test (NSW) 2021. Also discussing some Exam Tips and how to handle prepare yourself before Selective Exam. It briefly discuss Opportunity Class / OC's new pattern. Visit www.heyguru.com.au for courses related to OC and Selective Examination.

With the 2021 Selective School Placement test (NSW) being just around the corner, we know that there are lots of anxious parents and students who are spending many waking moments thinking about the big day. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of tips that have helped countless students in the build-up to their exams.

1. Reflect on your journey and progress
   Often, we are so critical of ourselves, and so concerned with the mistakes we have recently made, that we forget to think about how far we’ve come since the beginning of our journey. The most important part of the journey is seeing the progress. Look back at your work and scores from when you first began your journey. Read the first few pieces of writing that you did. Revel in the knowledge that you have progressed so far, and be proud of yourself for pushing your boundaries and learning new things.


2. Do light revision in the week leading up to the test
   Now is a good time to look over the work you’ve done, and to redo the questions you’ve gotten wrong before. This way, you’ll remember the types of mistakes you’ve made before, and this will help prevent you from making those same mistakes in your actual exam.


3. Do not start on any new content in the last 3 days before the exam
   You have already put in the hard yards and done the hard work. You are as ready as you will ever be for this exam. Trying to solve new types of questions in the few days before the exam will usually just exacerbate stress and cause unnecessary panic.


4. Go for a walk or do something you enjoy the day before the exam
   The day before the exam is when the nerves usually start to get really bad. If you’re stressed about the exam, the last thing you should be doing is looking at things related to the cause of your stress. Instead, you should do some light exercise to get your blood flowing, which helps gets fresh oxygenated blood cells to your brain. Otherwise, do things you like. Watch your favourite movie, play your favourite game, or read your favourite book. Maybe take a bubble bath, or do something that helps you relax.


5. Have anything you need to take to the exam ready the night before your exam
   To avoid any last-minute confusion or issues, make sure you have your admission sheet and anything else you may need packed and ready the night before. There should be a list of things to bring on your admission card. Don’t forget yummy and filling snacks for your break too!


6. Go to bed earlier than usual, especially if you usually have trouble falling asleep the night before big events
   Many people find it difficult to sleep the night before a big event such as an important exam. If you know you’re one of those people, you should make a conscious effort to get to bed earlier, so you can wake up feeling rested. Otherwise, it’s still a good idea to get to bed earlier, to make sure you wake up feeling good. Remember that children need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night.


7. Eat an enjoyable and healthy breakfast
   The last thing you want to do is eat something that you don’t like. Make sure you eat a meal that will keep you energised and focused during your exam. It’s going to be a long exam, so you don’t want to start feeling hungry during test time. It’s always good to get in some brain foods such as berries and nuts.


8. Make sure you have been to the bathroom before the exam begins.
   You don’t want to waste precious exam time in the bathroom, simply because you forgot to go beforehand. Lots of people get fidgety before exams, and some people handle it by drinking more water than they really need. Obviously, keep yourself hydrated, but don’t overdo it by drinking lots of fluids because you’re feeling fidgety.


9. Avoid any nervous friends whilst waiting outside the exam hall
   There are always going to be people who get really nervous before exams, and some people cope with it by projecting their fear and anxiety onto other people. If you know or see people like that outside the exam hall, avoid them. Parents, try not to stress out your children or give them last-minute tips, they are already as prepared as they will ever be. If you fear you may interfere with their mindset, it is best to leave your child/ren by themselves so they can just have some peace and quiet.


10. Mindset is important. Believe in yourself
    We know there are lots of butterflies and nervous faces, and a little bit of nervousness is never a bad thing. However, the most important thing is that you think about how much you can do, and focus on the positive. Now is not the time for criticising yourself or talking down to yourself. Your mind is like a parrot, you can convince it of things just by repeatedly thinking that they are true. Tell yourself that you are ready, and believe that you will do well!! That self-confidence can be the difference between a decent mark and a great one.

And lastly, know that we’re all here to support you. Your friends, your family, and the team at Hey Guru all know that you have worked hard in the lead-up to this exam, and we’re sure that your efforts will be rewarded. Good luck to our 2021 selective students, our whole team is rooting for you!!

Everything you need to know about Opportunity Class Tests

What is an Opportunity Class?

Academically gifted Year 5 and Year 6 students with promising prospects are provided opportunity classes in government primary schools. These classes assist students in learning by combining them with students of similar aptitude, utilising specialised teaching methods, and providing educational resources at the correct pace.

Parents generally apply when students are in Year 4. Students who are placed attend an opportunity class full-time in Years 5 and 6 at a primary school with an opportunity class. It is a two-year programme. Students who accept a position in an opportunity class usually leave their current school to attend the institution that offers the opportunity class.

There are 77 schools in New South Wales that have Opportunity Classes. A total of 1840 places are available in these 77 schools across New South Wales out of which 30 places are reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and about a 100 places are available for a virtual Opportunity Class for students enrolled in regional public schools that do not have an Opportunity Class provision.

Dates and Test Structure

Opportunity Class Test will be held on Thursday, 28th July 2022.

The Opportunity Class Placement Test will be paper-based and is held once every year.

There are three tests conducted on the same day that test the student’s Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Thinking Skills. These tests are designed to measure the student’s ability and not academic performance.

Question Type	Number of Questions	Time
Reading	25 questions	30 minutes
Mathematical Reasoning	35 questions	40 minutes
Thinking Skills	30 questions	30 minutes

Test Day

1. Dress Code: School uniform + jumper and hat if it is a cold day.


2. Timings: Each student should be at the test centre by 9:00am.


3. Location: Students should sit the test at their own primary schools or at an external test centre if assigned to them.


4. Late entry: Students who arrive late to the test centre may be allowed to sit the test but will not be given extra time and will complete the test the same time as the other students.


5. Disqualification: Students found cheating will be disqualified.

Selection Criteria

Students are ranked according to their intellectual ability based on their performance on the placement test.

Special consideration will be given to students from low socio-educational advantaged backgrounds, Aboriginal students, students from rural and remote areas, and gifted learners with disabilities to promote fair and equitable access for all high potential and gifted students.

If a student missed the exam for a legitimate reason, alternative academic merit evidence would be used to determine the student's ranking. The selection committee will then review this rank and decide where to place candidates.

Outcome of the Test

The outcome of the test will be given by the evening on Friday, 7th October 2022 This can have three outcomes. The child can get a place in their school of choice one, or placed in the waiting list of school of choice 1 or 2 or either based on rank, or unsuccessful for both schools of choices or a combination of option one and two.

If your child is offered a place at your first school of choice and has a high enough ranking to be offered a place at your second choice school, the second choice school will be marked as 'not applicable.'

A response form is included with the offer for students who have received offers. Revert back to the Examination Team by the deadline specified on the form.

If you accept an offer or reserve a spot, you will receive a 'Placement outcome information bulletin' that explains the terms used and the next steps in the placement process. A response form is not required for the reserve list only.

The selection committee may need additional research for a small number of applications. Those applicants will be informed as soon as possible.

Responding to the Offer

Complete, sign and return the form within two weeks if you receive it by email. If you get an offer by phone, you may need to respond within 24 hours. If you do not respond to your offer, the Team may assume you do not want the offer.

If you change your mind about accepting an offer, please notify the Team as soon as possible via your application dashboard. The position can then be offered to the next person on the reserve list.

If you will not be able to access your email account for more than a week, such as when on vacation without internet access when outcomes are due, you can notify the Team in advance by sending a message in your application dashboard that you will accept any offer if your child qualifies.

And lastly, know that team Hey Guru is always there to support you. Check out the courses and help available at Hey Guru to get your child started on the path to OC and then the Selective School Examination! Please contact us for more information, and we will do our best to assist you in all possible ways.

For updated information about opportunity classes, please visit NSW education website.