Strategic preparation advice for the final weeks leading to the Opportunity Class test
The Opportunity Class (OC) test is a competitive examination offered by the NSW Department of Education for high potential and gifted students seeking placement in Years 5 and 6. Applications are made when students are in Year 4, with testing typically occurring in the middle of the year.
â ī¸ Important: The OC test is likely to be the most challenging examination your child has experienced thus far, surpassing the difficulty of NAPLAN and ICAS tests.
NAPLAN - Low Difficulty
ICAS - Moderate Difficulty
OC Test - High Difficulty
The OC test serves as the first major "reality check" for many students. Unlike other assessments where most students can achieve satisfactory results, the OC test is highly selective and competitive, with a clear pass/fail outcome.
Develop your child's tolerance for extended test conditions. Many students struggle during the exam because they haven't built sufficient mental stamina to maintain focus throughout the full test.
Rather than using standard OC practice materials, use Selective School level questions or ICAS Year 6 questions. This provides necessary exposure to more challenging material and prevents shock on test day.
Gradually increase the length of daily focused study sessions to build endurance. This prepares students for the mental and physical demands of the full test.
Conduct a minimum of 3â4 complete trial tests weekly. This helps develop exam readiness and stamina while familiarising students with the test format and timing constraints.
The current OC test difficulty is comparable to what the Selective Schools test was approximately five years ago. Preparing with materials above your child's current level will help them adjust to the challenge.
The preparation intensity required varies significantly depending on which OC schools you're targeting. Below is a breakdown of recommended daily study hours based on school ranking:
The competition is most concentrated in the top 10â15 schools. If you're targeting schools outside the top 20, the preparation requirements are significantly less intensive as fewer students are competing for these positions.
â Do not take a holiday during this period
â Do maintain consistent, intensive practice
â Taking a holiday is acceptable
âšī¸ Last-minute preparation will not significantly impact results if preparation has been minimal throughout the year
The video mentions several top OC schools. Here is verified information about these schools:
| School | Location | Ranking (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beecroft Public School | Beecroft, NSW | 1 | One of the most competitive OC placements in NSW |
| Matthew Pearce Public School | Baulkham Hills, NSW | 2 | Located in north-west Sydney, highly sought after |
| North Rocks Public School | North Rocks, NSW | 4 | Consistently ranks among top OC programs |
| Ermington Public School | Ermington, NSW | 3 | One of the more accessible top-tier OC schools |
âšī¸ Note: School rankings may vary year to year. The NSW Department of Education offers approximately 1,840 places across 77 primary schools with Opportunity Classes.
The OC test represents a significant challenge and milestone in your child's academic journey. Success requires thoughtful preparation, mental resilience, and a strategic approach tailored to your specific goals.
While the preparation advice in this guide may seem intensive, it reflects the competitive reality of gaining placement in top OC schools. Adjust your preparation strategy according to your target schools and your child's current preparedness level.
đ Remember that the OC experience should ultimately be positive and enriching. Balance rigorous preparation with maintaining your child's enthusiasm for learning and confidence in their abilities.