When getting your child ready for the OC test or the Selective High School Placement Test, it’s essential to understand how these exams differ. Even if your child has tackled the OC test before, making it into a Selective High School isn’t a given.
Both tests aim to identify and provide more learning opportunities to academically gifted students but vary in terms of age group, test duration, structure, and competition. Knowing these differences can really help to guide your child’s preparation journey.
Here’s a quick summary of these 4 key differences.
| OC test | Selective test | |
|---|---|---|
| Age group | Taken by Year 4 students for admission into Opportunity Classes for Year 5-6 | Taken by Year 6 students for Year 7 entry into Selective High Schools |
| Exam Time | 1 hr 40 minutes | 2 hrs 30 minutes |
| Test structure | 3 parts in total Reading – 25q in 30mins Mathematical Reasoning – 35q in 40mins Thinking Skills – 30q in 30mins | 4 parts in total – extra writing section Reading – 30q in 40 mins Mathematical Reasoning – 35q in 40mins Thinking Skills – 40q in 40mins Writing – 1 open response in 30mins |
| Competition | Higher competition – less places available compared to number of applicants (1-2 classes) | Lower competition – more places available to match the number of applicants (120-180 spots) |
Age Group:
Preparing students for the OC test or the Selective Test requires understanding the unique needs and abilities of different age groups.
For Year 4 students aiming for the OC test, parents should focus on the fundamentals and exam skills. This is especially important for year 4 students planning on doing the Selective test in the future, as the types of Selective questions will be similar (but harder of course). Consistently completing practice OC exams will also get them used to the fast-paced nature of such exams.
On the other hand, Year 6 students preparing for the Selective Test may benefit from more advanced study techniques and strategies. Since they are older and have more experience with exams, parents can focus on honing their critical thinking skills, time management, and essay writing abilities.
Exam Time
The duration of the exam plays a significant role in students’ preparation strategies.
Year 4 students facing the 1 hour and 40-minute OC test need to practice managing their time effectively to complete each section within the allotted timeframe. This is especially important for the Thinking Skills section, which will be the most unfamiliar to most students compared to subjects like Maths and Reading. Not only will the types of questions in the Thinking Skills part be quite unfamailiar but it will only provide 30 mins for 30 questions, giving students around a minute for each question. Therefore we recommend students to focus on Thinking Skills preparation the most.
In contrast, Year 6 students tackling the 2 hours and 30-minute Selective Test have a longer duration but must sustain focus and concentration throughout. For many students, it will be the first time taking an exam of this length, so it is important to give them plenty of exam practice and provide strategies to maintain focus. Encouraging short breaks during study sessions, practicing mindfulness techniques, and implementing effective time management strategies can help students stay alert and engaged throughout the test.
Structure
Understanding the structure of each exam is essential for tailoring students’ preparation plans.
Both the Reading and Thinking Skills section is 10 minutes longer in the Selective test compared to the OC test. This means time management is even more crucial, requiring students to pace themselves effectively to ensure they can complete each section within the allocated time. For example, in the Thinking Skills section of the Selective test, students should aim to complete approximately 20 questions in the first 20 minutes to stay on track.
As seen below the Selective Test has one additional part – Writing.
This section demands strong writing skills and the ability to express ideas clearly and cohesively within a limited timeframe. Therefore, it is important for students to practice writing under timed conditions, focusing on structuring their responses, utilizing appropriate language and vocabulary, and conveying their thoughts effectively. Additionally, preparing for the Writing section involves familiarizing students with different types of writing prompts they may encounter and equipping them with strategies to brainstorm ideas and organize their thoughts efficiently during the test. As a parent, we recommend you to get familiar with the assessment criteria in this article where we break down key things markers will look for in your child’s writing piece
Competition
Navigating the level of competition in each exam requires careful consideration. The OC test typically faces higher competition, as there are fewer places available compared to the number of applicants. Parents can alleviate some of the pressure by focusing on their child’s individual growth and progress rather than solely on the outcome of the test. For the Selective Test, while the competition may be slightly less intense due to the larger number of available spots, students still need to prepare diligently to stand out among their peers. Encouraging a growth mindset and fostering a positive attitude towards challenges can help students approach the exam with confidence and resilience.
In conclusion, preparing for the OC test or the Selective Test involves understanding the unique demands of each exam and tailoring students’ preparation strategies accordingly. By addressing the specific needs of different age groups, optimizing exam time, mastering the exam structure, and navigating the level of competition, parents can support their child’s academic journey and set them up for success. With the right guidance and support, students can approach the exams with confidence and achieve their full potential.
