Selective Schools Placement Test – Changes for 2020
The NSW Government has undertaken a review of the Selective Schools Placement Test. Following the recommendations of the review a number of changes will occur with the first changes taking effect in 2020.
The stated aim of the changes is to ensure a fairer selective process. The current form of the Selective Schools Placement Test (“Test”) was devised in 1991 when there were only 12 selective schools within NSW. The number of fully and partially selective high schools has grown to more than 40 in 2019.
Changes to the Test in 2020 will affect the
• level of difficulty,
• accuracy of measurement and
• predictability of the Test.
For a number of years people have expressed concerns over the weighting of the Maths and English papers. Accusations have been made that the Test favoured mathematically-minded students at the expense of those more literary-minded. It would appear that changes being made will address this perception.
The NSW Government also seeks to ensure students from rural areas and those of low socio-economic status are not disadvantaged.
Will the 2020 Test be more difficult than in previous years? The answer can be quite objective and difficult to truly assess. The Test will always be challenging – one in which the well-prepared, gifted student has the opportunity to shine.
North Shore Coaching College has been in partnership with parents and students since the inception of the current Selective Schools Placement Test. We have the track-record to ensure your child is able to meet the challenges that any changes may bring to the content and format of the Test.
Parents are reminded that applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2021 closed at 10 pm on 11th November 2019. All applications needed to be made online at:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7