EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VICTORIAN  SELECTIVE EXAM 

Our comprehensive 40-week program provides everything you need to support your child throughout their test preparation journey.

MEET JORDAN

 Jordan just started Year 7.  

He wants to sit the Victorian Selective Entrance Examination next year because he  is looking for a more challenging environment surrounded by like-minded peers.

 He wants to understand the entire selective exam process to help him maximise his chances of success.

We are going to answer some of Jordan's questions about the Selective Exam below:

WHAT ARE THE SELECTIVE SCHOOLS?

There are currently four select entry high schools in Victoria:

  • Boys only
  • South Yarra
  • Accepting approximately 260 students
  • Girls only
  • Melbourne
  • Accepting approximately 225 students
  • All genders
  • Werribee
  • Accepting approximately 200 students
  • All genders
  • Berwick
  • Accepting approximately 200 students

There are approximately 1000 places available across the 4 schools. Every year, approximately 4000 - 5000 students apply for one of these places.

Find out more about the top performing Victorian schools for 2022 here.

WHY ATTEND A SELECTIVE SCHOOL?

1.

High Academic Standards

Selective schools often have a strong emphasis on academic excellence. They may offer more challenging coursework, specialised programs, and access to advanced classes. This environment can motivate students to perform at their best and excel academically.

2.

Connect with like-minded peers

Being surrounded by high-achieving and motivated peers who share a passion for learning can create a competitive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. This can encourage students to push themselves beyond their existing capabilities. 

3.

Access to preferred University courses

Selective schools often have students achieving the highest ATARs which can improve the chances of students getting into the university courses and careers of their choice  

4.

Quality Teachers and Resources

Selective schools often attract experienced and highly qualified teachers. Additionally, they may have better funding and resources, allowing for improved facilities, technology, and extracurricular activities.

5.

Diverse extra-curricular activities

Selective schools often provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, debate clubs, and community service opportunities that they may not otherwise have access to. Engaging in these activities can help students develop leadership skills, build friendships, and explore their interests beyond academics.

6.

Character Development

Many selective schools prioritise character development and the promotion of values such as discipline, integrity, and responsibility. These values can positively impact a student's personal growth and contribute to their overall development as individuals.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY?

HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED FOR ENTRY?

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXAM?

WHAT SCORES ARE NEEDED TO SUCCEED?

Jordan must reach an acceptable standard across all sections of the Entrance Examination

Aggregate scores are ranked amongst Jordan's peers according to the following:

WHAT IS THE  4% RULE?

Let's look at some examples:


The year 8 cohort at Jordan’s school has 100 students

The maximum number of students to gain entry is 4  


Jordan’s cousin Anna attends a P-9 school that only has 50 students in Year 8

The maximum number of students to gain entry from Anna’s school is 5



Once this quota has been reached, the Principal’s Discretionary category cannot apply. However, the equity consideration category is not subject to the source school cap policy.

In the equity consideration category, candidates are eligible if they are have parents with a Commonwealth Health Care Card of a Pension Card, and who qualify for income support benefits OR identify as an Aboriginal of Torres Strait Islander person.

Eligibility for the equity consideration category is verified at the application stage. 

WHAT IS THE PRINCIPAL'S DISCRETIONARY CATEGORY? 

Principals can identify the following candidates to submit an application: 

These applications, including the due dates for submission, are handled by the individual schools

 Principals will shortlist and interview candidates from the applications received and make offers directly to candidates

Principal's Discretionary Category Eligibility Requirements

This could vary across each school, however, Jordan may need to:

Our 40 week course contains a dedicated week to helping students prepare for this situation and we also have titles in our digital bookstore to assist 


WHAT IF I DON'T GET IN?

Though most students enter the School in Year 9, each of the four selective school enrols a minimum of 28 students into Year 10

This additional enrolment will enable students with high academic achievements and demonstrated commitment to co-curricular and sporting involvement to enter the school

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Though most students enter the School in Year 9, each of the four selective school enrols a minimum of 28 students into Year 10

This additional enrolment will enable students with high academic achievements and demonstrated commitment to co-curricular and sporting involvement to enter the school

SELECTIVE SCHOOLS TIMELINE

The Selective schools examination is challenging for many students because they are tested on concepts that they may not have seen before in the regular school curriculum. We recommend that students start preparing early so that they can approach the examination in a systematic and thorough way. Our 40 week Selective program begins supporting students one year before the exam.

Term 3 - July

The First Term 

Term 4 - October

The Second Term

Term 1 - January

The Third Term

Term 2 - April

The Final Term

HOW DOES SPECTRUM TUITION PREPARE STUDENTS? 

To be successful, students must:

Be able to apply their knowledge in new situations

Have a consistent study schedule

Have strong content knowledge across all areas of reading comprehension mathematics, verbal reasoning and writing

Spectrum Tuition classes:

1.

teach students concepts up to a Year 9 standard by the time they sit the exam in Year 8

2.

help students find links between related concepts and guide them to adapt questions to new situations

3.

help students save time by teaching effective techniques to answer questions that may appear on the exam  

4.

build on students' existing knowledge while helping students develop positive study habits and valuable exam techniques

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO A ATTEND A SELECTIVE SCHOOL? 

Click on the video below to find out from one of our tutors what it is REALLY like to attend a Selective school!


HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU GET IN OUR 40 WEEK PROGRAM

Complete the entire program or select the options that suit your child's specific needs

Step 1: Start Your Free Online Assessment

Our free assessment is designed to help us discover where your current strengths and weaknesses are. This information will be used to tailor a program that suits your specific needs and to assess your suitability for our programs. 

Step 2: Enrol in Term 1 For Our Selective 40 Week Program

This program commences in Term 3, targeting students currently in Year 7 in July each year, and offers the flexibility of in-person or online completion.

 Our comprehensive 40-week course guides your child through all aspects of the selective exam.

Across four terms, we progressively enhance their knowledge, interlinking relevant topics, and preparing them to comfortably reach a Year 9 level by the time they take the exam in the middle of Year 8.  

To ensure understanding, we've incorporated built-in mechanisms such as weekly quizzes, with results promptly communicated to parents online.

Our well-defined class structure follows a refined program that has been perfected over 20 years, facilitating efficient learning and revision for the students.  

Embark on the journey by starting the free online assessment for our July intake today.

Step 3: Enrol In The Full 40 Week Course

At the end of the first term, you have the option to enrol for the full year to get up to one term FREE

Step 4: Enrol in The Selective Revision Course

Following the second term, students have the option to enrol in our 6-week online Selective Revision Course, which prepares them for the mock exam classes scheduled for Term 1 of the subsequent year.  

Having completed two terms of the Selective course, we have expertly condensed the regular 40-week program into just 6 weeks.

This allows students to review recently covered content and become acquainted with the topics they will encounter in the final two terms.  

Through this approach, your child's understanding will improve significantly, with accelerated learning and enhanced memory retention.  

Students can complete this course on its own before completing exam packages or as effective revision for the 40 week course.

Step 5: Enrol In The Mock Exam Classes

During the initial two terms, the focus was on accumulating knowledge. However, Term 1 marks the commencement of intensive exam preparation.  In our mock exam classes, students engage in full-length exams on a weekly basis and receive instant feedback on their performance.

 These classes begin in Term 1, catering to Year 8 students, and extend over a period of 20 weeks.

Step 6: Join the Online Selective Membership Community 

By enrolling in our weekly membership program during Term 1, your child will have the opportunity to partake in live, timed practice exams every week, simulating real exam conditions.

These sessions are facilitated by online tutors who provide valuable guidance.  The membership duration spans up to 24 weeks, offering ample time for your child to enhance their exam time management skills and build confidence in tackling exams.

It's an excellent opportunity for your child to prepare effectively and excel in their exams. 

Step 7: Enrol In The Full Live Mock Exam Experience

Experience the ultimate test preparation with Spectrum Tuition's Selective Schools Live Mock Exam!

Get ready to challenge yourself approximately 6 weeks before the actual exam and gauge your readiness for the real selective schools exam.

Join us for this interactive and time-bound mock exam that replicates the actual testing environment. Under the guidance of expert tutors, you'll receive valuable feedback to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

Prepare with confidence and boost your chances of success! Don't miss this opportunity to excel in the Selective Schools Live Mock Exam by Spectrum Tuition. 

Step 8: Complete the Ultimate Package

Introducing "The Ultimate Package" – a comprehensive exam preparation resource comprising 6 full practice exam packages.

With a total of 24 full-length multiple-choice exam papers, each accompanied by fully explained answers, this package offers an extensive 950-question practice with detailed working out.  

In addition to the practice exams, "The Ultimate Package" includes our best-selling narrative and persuasive essay writing packs.

These resources will aid in honing your essay writing skills, and we recommend beginning this practice ideally from Term 1 to master your timing.  Prepare for success with "The Ultimate Package" and be well-equipped to tackle the exams with confidence!

Step 9: Enrol In The Online Mock Exam

The final step is our comprehensive online mock exam bundle, designed to optimise your revision in the final week.

This bundle includes essential resources to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence.  

Practice with our full-length 2.5-hour mock exam, to simulate the real exam experience.

The bundle also offers detailed worked solutions for all multiple-choice sections, enabling you to thoroughly review and understand the concepts.  

Enhance your essay writing abilities with a sample analytical and creative essay based on the prompts provided in the bundle.

Additionally, access our exclusive mock exam workshop recording, featuring 7 hours of valuable video content, to gain expert insights and strategies for tackling the exam effectively.  

Maximise your preparation with our online mock exam bundle and be fully ready to excel in the Selective exam!

A PARENT REVEALS WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO PREPARE FOR THE SELECTIVE EXAM

HERE'S WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE SAID

This Selective School Course has been really useful as it helped me with revising everything I needed to remember before the exam. The instructor explained everything thoroughly, with questions for students to try so they can apply the knowledge they just learnt to see if they understand. There were even videos uploaded so students could rewatch the lesson anytime.

Nupur Chourse
Selective Revision Course Student

 This course was way better than my expectations. The instructor was very knowledgeable and articulate, she did a fabulous job pacing the work and addressing student questions. Moreover, the course was detailed, interactive, and professional. I learned a lot.

Jessie Yang
Selective Revision Course Student

 The Selective Revision Course has been truly incredible for me and I am sure it has been amazing for others as well because of how engaging the learning is and how every single important sub-topic has been split into one lesson with in the session!!!

Lat Yung Hpauyu
Selective Revision Course Student