Exam Preparation Programs

Importance of Targeted Preparation for Selective Entry

Entry into Merewether Selective High School is highly competitive, with fewer than 10% of applicants gaining a place each year. Focused preparation in exam-specific skills such as Reading Comprehension, Extended Writing, Maths Reasoning and Critical Thinking can significantly improve your child’s chances of success.

Even for students who may not gain a placement, our programs build strong academic foundations in English and Maths that benefit them across all high school pathways, including selective, public and independent schools.

Opportunity Class (OC) Test Preparation

Opportunity Class Preparation Classes are available at a select number of local public schools and cater for high-achieving children in core topics of English and Math within Years 5 and 6. Some independent schools may also offer extended learning classes, e.g. ELAN (Extended Literacy and Numeracy).

Acceptance into these selective classes is usually based on academic achievement in English and Math during Years 3 and 4, as well as a placement test, which is usually conducted in August (Term 2 of Year 4).

The OC placement test involves assessment of:

• English (Reading)
• Mathematics
• Critical Thinking

To improve your child’s chances of Opportunity Class placement, ARRENDELL Education  Newcastle offers targeted Opportunity Class preparation and selective class exam preparation programs delivering the content requirements and skills your child needs to be exam-ready.

Why tuition helps NAPLAN results

One-in-three students fail to meet minimum standards
Widespread performance gaps have been revealed, with recent NSW and Australian reports noting that around one in three students fail to meet the minimum NAPLAN standards for literacy and numeracy—putting nearly 400,000 children behind in foundational skills. Consistent attendance in weekly classes ensure core skills and abilities in English and Math develop to your child’s full potential.
Source: The Australian – Epic fail: students falling fast on NAPLAN

Learning loss from COVID still an impact
NSW tutoring providers report that many students are up to two or three years behind, especially those who began schooling during the pandemic closures. As fundamental learnings are crucial, and, built upon as each child progresses through schooling years and stages, it is imperative their foundational learning is solid – supporting the role tuition plays.
Source: The Australian – Can’t read’: tutors cash in on school failures

Small-group tutoring is evidence-based
State‐funded research from the NSW Department of Education, AERO and the Grattan Institute confirms that structured small-group tuition is the most effective way to close learning gaps, especially when it follows NAPLAN proficiency level. ARRENDELL Education Newcastle offers both small group classes and individual lessons to best support your child’s learning.
Source: Education NSW – Funding boost for small group tuition

Expert research supports Explicit Instruction
A recent study in NSW schools using explicit, direct instruction improved Year 3 and Year 5 reading and numeracy scores significantly—and the gains were sustained over time.
Our English tutoring and Math tuition explicitly guide each child, helping them to fully comprehend literacy and numeracy content, helping them to develop and further refine their skills and understanding, whether they are in ‘catch up’ mode or seeking extra stimulation and growth.
Source: Cornell University – Getting Explicit Instruction Right

Tutors build test performance and confidence
Tutors don’t just teach content—we teach time-management, test techniques, and ways to reduce unnecessary anxiety. Familiarity with NAPLAN questions and formats helps students feel more in control on test day.
Our specialist Literacy and Numeracy tutoring enables the additional time needed to consolidate foundational learning and skills, and with consistency ensures your child reaches their feel academic potential with ease.

When best to start HSC preparation?

Many parents wait until Year 11 to think about the HSC tutoring — but research shows the most successful students start preparing much earlier. According to NESA and HSC markers, the biggest challenges faced by HSC students are:

• Weak essay writing skills
• Poor exam time management
• Gaps in foundational knowledge from Years 7 to 10
• Low confidence in high-pressure assessments

Our Year 7 – 10 tutoring programs are designed to address any gaps when present and equip your child as this transition in their learning journey, meaning your child could:

• Approach senior school with confidence
• Manage elevations in academic expectations with ease as each stage progresses
• Focus on small refinements of core skills to score higher in assessments and yearly reports
• Stand out in HSC-aligned coursework and internal exams

An early investment in education = long-term academic success. Just as practise of any activity or hobby, the more exposure and experience, the greater the opportunity to achieve.