• Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on your results!
    Let us know how you went here
    Got a question about your uni preferences? Ask us here

Question about partially selective high schools in NSW? (1 Viewer)

GolfGirl97

back from the dead
Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
300
Location
on the moon
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
and im not sure if you are planning to take 14 units, because I've been told you can not take more then 13 units at NSGH'S

so that may be something to bear in mind
im not sure of how many units i will take, i think the subjects i wanted added up to 13 units i think but by then i may change my mind about wht subjects i want to do.
 

nerdasdasd

Dont.msg.me.about.english
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
5,353
Location
A, A
Gender
Male
HSC
2012
Uni Grad
2017
im not sure of how many units i will take, i think the subjects i wanted added up to 13 units i think but by then i may change my mind about wht subjects i want to do.
I think that 13 units is good, but 14 is too much to take on.

Besides you always have the opportunity to drop one or two subjects :)
 

GolfGirl97

back from the dead
Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
300
Location
on the moon
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
I think that 13 units is good, but 14 is too much to take on.

Besides you always have the opportunity to drop one or two subjects :)
yeah. i actually dont know anything about year 11 subject selection yet. our school hasnt told us anything about it really. im pretty sure ill stick to 13 units ^^
 

nerdasdasd

Dont.msg.me.about.english
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
5,353
Location
A, A
Gender
Male
HSC
2012
Uni Grad
2017
yeah. i actually dont know anything about year 11 subject selection yet. our school hasnt told us anything about it really. im pretty sure ill stick to 13 units ^^
Ah, good choice (y).
 

GolfGirl97

back from the dead
Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
300
Location
on the moon
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
So is Macquarie fields and Tempe definitely mixed in year 11 and 12? There's no separate selective and non selective streams?
 

Aidejay

Member
Joined
Nov 17, 2011
Messages
62
Gender
Female
HSC
2013
oh ok. thanks. so do you think it would be like that at sefton? (grading the classes)
All the classes are mixed except for English Advanced and Standard which are graded with only one top class and the rest are mixed.

Make sure you have a stunning report and a lot of extra curricular activities because there's no entrance exam. It'll help you stand out. :D

Also for my year, Sefton didn't accept any new people in year 11 unless they lived in the area. =\

But aim for your top 3 schools :D

Anyways, best of luck! :)
 

fishrushed

Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2012
Messages
96
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
Also OP,
Sefton only allowed us to do 12 units within our school. No more. No less. Unless you choose to do them outside of school at another institution.
And with non-selective and selective, although it may be mixed, the subjects that are chosen by us will kinda separate us, like as what Cinndy said.
I don't think you should worry too much about non-selective and selective though because what's more important is yourself and how you perform in the subjects you choose. Whichever school you do end up going to, I reckon it'll boil down to just yourself. Sure the cohort would affect you, but I doubt there'd be a major difference.
In the lower grades for us, we actually have been mixed in some classes and I'll admit, the major difference for me between the mixed classes and the fully selective classes is the environment. The teachers seemed pretty much the same with teaching. But you tend to have more competition amongst selectives and this, for some people, will compel them to work harder.

Hope this helps and good luck OP with whichever school you end up going to :)
 

GolfGirl97

back from the dead
Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
300
Location
on the moon
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
All the classes are mixed except for English Advanced and Standard which are graded with only one top class and the rest are mixed.

Make sure you have a stunning report and a lot of extra curricular activities because there's no entrance exam. It'll help you stand out. :D

Also for my year, Sefton didn't accept any new people in year 11 unless they lived in the area. =\

But aim for your top 3 schools :D

Anyways, best of luck! :)
hey, thanks.
idk how my report will be..... not feeling very confident any more. i do a few extra curriculars like duke of ed, representative sports, student leadership.....
oh i see. i live less than 10 minutes from the school..so idk if id be in area or not.. im around bankstown.
thanks! i need all the luck i can get :3
 

GolfGirl97

back from the dead
Joined
Feb 26, 2013
Messages
300
Location
on the moon
Gender
Female
HSC
2015
Also OP,
Sefton only allowed us to do 12 units within our school. No more. No less. Unless you choose to do them outside of school at another institution.
And with non-selective and selective, although it may be mixed, the subjects that are chosen by us will kinda separate us, like as what Cinndy said.
I don't think you should worry too much about non-selective and selective though because what's more important is yourself and how you perform in the subjects you choose. Whichever school you do end up going to, I reckon it'll boil down to just yourself. Sure the cohort would affect you, but I doubt there'd be a major difference.
In the lower grades for us, we actually have been mixed in some classes and I'll admit, the major difference for me between the mixed classes and the fully selective classes is the environment. The teachers seemed pretty much the same with teaching. But you tend to have more competition amongst selectives and this, for some people, will compel them to work harder.

Hope this helps and good luck OP with whichever school you end up going to :)
thank you!
i see... well i was planning on 13 units.. damn..i dont think im applying for a partial anymore anyway.
well i guess anywhere is better than my school because my grade is just horrible. ive never seen a bunch of more immature and idiotic girls than the people at my school :/
i am looking for a better environment, with more competition and stuff too.
thanks! :) :) I hope i make it somewhere! if i dont, i shall have to find another school to go to because there is no way i will stay at my school. :L :L
 

Rainbowlollipop

New Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2013
Messages
22
Gender
Female
HSC
N/A
hellooo!
It is coming up to that time of year again! when i have to try and figure out what schools im applying for!!!
Soo, Ive decided these are the schools i am going to apply for:
1. St George Girls
2. Sydney Girls
3. Hurlstone Agricultural
4. ......

I was going to consider putting down a partially selective school as my fourth option. I was thinking Sefton because it is close to home...untill I found out it isnt selective in years 11 and 12.... So then I thought I should try Tempe..
All I would like to know is, does Tempe High School have a selective stream and non selective stream in years 11 and 12, or is it mixed as sefton is?
Thanks. And if anyone could give me some more tips and info about applying for year 11 at a selective school that would be great! :D
Did u get in ? :)
 

SIRSIR

New Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2012
Messages
2
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
2000
Note: Partially selective high school has majority of students from the mainstream, hence if they were to segregate their students in Yr11/Yr12, the selective stream of students (max 60) will have very VERY limited choices in subjects to choose from. Thus, the only way is to combine all students to allow for as many subjects to run as possible in Yr11/12.
 

elemental hero

New Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
12
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
Guide to applying for a selective high school 2nd edition
Please Note- This guide is similar to that of another member called RivalryofTroll.Check out that guide on this link. http://community.boredofstudies.org/showthread.php?t=272364
This is my own guide , a slightly different take and story. I hope that you will draw inspiration from my advice and story.
What is a selective high school: A selective high school from my perspective is a school where a student is presented with challenges, opportunities and resources and environment needed to enhance learning and perform to his/her maximum academic potential in a like minded environment.
Note: The guides target audience constitutes of students applying for selective high schools yr8-11 entry but is also relevant to those doing the year 6 selective test.
Applying for a selective high school: In year 6, students take a selective test where they are tested on logic, problem solving and comprehension. The student preferences their school and is successful or unsuccessful depending on whether their results have met the cut off. However in year 8-11, it’s a slightly different story.
Applying for a selective high school yr8-11: Applying in years 8-11 vastly varies upon schools where some schools require tests whilst others only require reports and other specific documents. Visit the Matrix education website for more information: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learni...sampletest.php
Introduction
The main reason, which inspired me to write this guide is for me to contemplate upon my story and hopefully inspire you as well as give tips/hints to successfully achieve a placement at a selective high school. Any person who is reading this guide is someone who shows initiative and aspires to get into a fully/partially selective high school.
My Story
I started of doing the selective test in 2009. I had foolishly applied for schools such as Sydney Boys , which I knew deep down, I had no hope of getting placement. I ended up accepting a newly partially selective school which required s 170-180 cut off in selective. However this by no means instigates a bleak future. I found that my year's cohort was extremely intelligent and many of whom I saw improve so much over one year. I tried for SBHS, Hurlstone and Sydney tech throughout years 7 to Year 9. All these years being unsuccessful. This bleak prospect was upsetting but not the end of the world. Things started to change when I reached the epitomy of my academic potential in year 9 and 10 as after putting in more hours of study, I achieved straight A reports. This was coupled with a balance of music and sport outside school. IT’S POSSIBLE AND I STILL HAD A SOCIAL LIFE. Finally, I put all my eggs in one basket and tried out for 3 schools for year 11 entry and I knew this was my final shot. All of which I was given an offer. The schools: Both Hurlstone and Sydney Technical High School. I declined Hurlstone and Sydney tech and accepted another school which is fully selective ranked in the top 10 in NSW.
Strongly recommend trying for Hurlstone, Sydney Technical High School. Sydney Boys/Sydney Girls, St George Girls and Fort Street High School if you don’t already go there.
Advice and Recommendations
The moment you gain entrance to a selective school, JOIN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. For example, I did Karate, Cricket, swimming and Piano. Try to balance out your lifestyle and do your best every year even if you are not successful as eventually you will be rewarded with a satisfactory outcome. Co-curricular activities are highly valued in selective schools and the depth of an individual’s extra curricular's could influence whether you do or do not get a seat into a selective high school.SELECTION COMMITTEE’S LOVE STUDENTS WHO GET GREAT IN ACADEMICS WHLST ALSO DOING INNUMERABLE extra curriculurs(TRUST ME!).
A good chance vs a bad chance: A student who demonstrates active participation in co-curriculars and sport whilst performing well in his/her academic report has the best chance of getting into any school. A decent report in my opinion is about 5A's and 2B's out of a possible 7 subjects. A 'C 'will substantially lower your chances of getting into a school. Furthermore, a great report does not necessarily relegate to a successful outcome as it is important to be succinct in your application, especially when applying for schools like Sydney Boys, Sydney Girls or Sydney technical high school where you have to list anything and EVERYTHING that you think MAKES YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR APPLICATION.
Applying for Specific Selective Schools from my experience or knowledge(Tips/Hints)
Macquarie Fields High School: This school, to my knowledge having friends who applied, involves doing a test and handing in reports. The test is supposedly based on logic, comprehension and your year level extension mathematics. Same entry process from Years 8 - 11 entry.
Sefton High School: Involves handing in any recent half-yearly or yearly reports, awards or any extra-curricular achievements. Then you may be selected to go onto the next stage where you will attend an interview with the principal or deputy principal from what I've heard. Same entry process from Years 8 - 11 entry.
Sydney Technical High School : Sydney technical high school is consistent in application till year 10. From years 8-10, it involves handing in academic reports and filling out a form highlighting achievements as well as handing in certificates. If successful then an interview is offered. Normally 2 spots available. Then when applying for yr 11 it involves handing in reports and DOING A TEST followed by an interview. In yr 11 for Syndey Tech there is between 20-30 SPOTS!!!!!!!. Furthermore, what many people DON"T KNOW IS that only the TOP 30 applicants from yr 11 applicants every year get to do the test. NOT EVERYONE!!!!!. SO GET A GOOD REPORT AND TRUST ME ITS SUPER EASY TO GET PLACEMENT IF U GET TO THE TESTING STAGE. The test is on a creative writing or essay writing piece. Just read books and learn good vocabulary words to practice. Then the math is on WESTPAC/ICAS style hard questions and learns your entire year's yr 10 mathematics content 5.3 Math. When I did it, the tests were only half an hour each and interview was with TWO PEOPLE. YR 11 is the best and easiest time to get into ANY SCHOOL AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS VACANCIES . Normally from 20-30 depending on the school.
Hurlstone Agricultural High School: This SCHOOL IS ALL ABOUT HOW WELL U DO ON THE TEST. There is a test for every year and ENSURE you submit both reports required as well as at least 5 extra curricular activity certificates with the application. I cannot recall specifics of whats in the tests but here's advice. Advice: Each hurlstone test constitutes of SCIENCE, Math and English in that order. For years 8 and 9 entry the tests it is mainly logic but study Australian Mathematics Comp(Westpac) tests for the math and practise writing a letter or interview transcript for writing.For years 10 to 11 entry, learn all of the 5.2/5.3 math textbook content if doing the yr 10 test and learn the 5.3 content from the yr 10 textbook if doing the yr 11 entrance test. In addition, just study some agricultural jargon and language to use in your writing piece . Once again in YR 11 there is roughly 20 spots or MORE!!!!!. GO FOR IT. I was unsuccessful every year till yr 10 and finally for yr 11 I was earned an interview. Do not get disheartened if you don't get in as eventually you will, with the right amount of hard work. If successful, an interview will be offered. I would assume, the application is mainly 70% test and 20% report and 10% interview. They care heaps more about the test but still get a good report.
The GIrls Schools e.g Sydney Girls, St George Girls.Hornsby Girls and North Sydney Girls: I'm not a girl , hence have not applied for these schools. However, I strongly recommend trying for St George Girls and Sydey Girls if you have strong co- curriculurs and a good almost straight A report as there are 20 spots in yr 11. I believe in Hornsby and North Sydney Girls there is a test.
North Sydney Boys, North Sydney Girls, Sydney Boys, Sydney Girls,Fort Street, Ruse and Baulko: These higher end schools are definitely more competitive and normally about 100-200 people try out for these schools each year from each year group. I strongly recommend trying out for FORT STREET EVERY YEAR from Year 7.All you have to do is write an essay and hand in a decent report and your in. There is only 2 spots but if your essay is excellent (you do it at home) then you get accepted after an interview. In yr 11 entrance for Fort Street and most other schools listed above requires a challenging test.
Test-Related TIPS:
- It is important to cover all your years content and the year before in order to ace the tests given in selective school.
-Start studing a novel at the start of the year at home and use spark notes as it is crucial to improve essay writing and improve VOCABULARY. Recommended books) Frankenstein(hard to read but my personal favourite) and Animal Farm(Most probably will do at school)Lovely book.
-Any exam with multiple choice should be answered carefully and use the elimination method. If you don't know the anwer, guess the best possible answer that you firmly believe makes sense. This is my way.
-Any test with essays or writing is vital to complete. E.g Hurlstone test- save time for the writing question at the end. Allow at least 30 minutes to write a decent writing piece at the end. My favourite quote from RivalryofTroll," Keep writing till pens down and quantity and quality both equal good writing."
-Eat healthy before the test, drink water and go toilet before test starts. REMINDER: If doing Hurlstone test, go toilet at the nearest Maccas beforehand as it won't be possible to go at the school as you are not given an opportunity.
Application TIPS:
- Good marks reflect a academically talented student.However remember( Selective schools have innumerable nerds, thus committees also look for students who are good in sport and co-curriculars)
- If you achieved brilliant results in something such as NAPLAN or competitions then include those in application
- Finally, TELL THE TRUTH. Cannot emphasise enough as all EVIDENCE will have to be produced in the Interview and you can't lie to the interviewer.
Interview TIPS:
- Practise with your friends!
- Make a MOck Interview Questions list
Questions that Most PROBABLY will be ASKED IN INTERVIEW- I personally did 2 interviews: Sydney tech interview Example Below.
- What do you do at a weekly basis?
- Why Sydney Tech/why do you want to attend sydney tech?
- What can you do for STHS?
- If a teacher were to write a reference, what would he/she write about?
- Did you take the selective test in Year 6?
-what can you bring to our school?
-what are your hobbies?
-what are your aspirations in life?
-Do you have a Back Up plan?(important)
-how do you think you went in your test/comments on your report
- Possibly something regarding your subject selection ...
- Make sure you ask questions about the school (Pretty much anything, even if you don't really care) because that shows you have an interest at this school, as well as some sort of curiosity.
- MAKE SURE YOU KEEP EYE CONTACT ON THE TEACHER(S) AT ALL TIMES. Shows that you are confident in front of them.

GOOD LUCK. Hope this helped :)
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top