[Transcript of video animation: ‘What are the benefits of selective education’ (2 minutes 39 seconds)]

Selective education creates a unique opportunity for high potential and gifted students and has the potential to have a positive impact on their educational outcomes and to open new pathways for their future.

Deciding whether to apply for a place in an opportunity class or selective high school is an important choice for your child's education.

Here are some questions to help you decide:

What is selective education and what are the benefits?

Opportunity classes and selective high schools deliver the New South Wales curriculum using specialised evidence-based teaching methods that are proven to support the learning and wellbeing needs of high potential and gifted students. Students will learn at a faster pace and explore concepts of increasing difficulty in greater depth.

Students will learn alongside peers who have similar ability and interests because research shows that grouping high potential and gifted students together is good for their wellbeing.

Like all New South Wales public schools, academically selective education schools provide access to a wide range of extra curricular groups and activities.

What are some of the challenges your child may face?

Some students may feel anxious about going to a school where they might not know anyone. Don't worry, the schools know this and they plan activities to help students get to know each other.

Some students and parents are worried that the school will be overly competitive. Like all New South Wales public schools, our academically selective schools and classes encourage students to focus on learning and wellbeing, not competing.

Students are provided with a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to challenge and expand their understanding of concepts and develop their skills.

If you feel that an academically selective school would be a good fit for your child, we encourage you to apply.

The introduction of the equity placement model has made these settings more accessible for students from a broad range of backgrounds. To learn more about selective education and how to apply for placement, visit the NSW Department of Education selective education web section.

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Because all students in a selective high school have high potential or are gifted, teachers can set more challenging and complex tasks to ensure that they are engaged and excited by their learning. There is also often a strong focus on problem solving and independent thinking.

Teachers also help students to develop independent learning strategies and time management skills. For example, students might set the direction of their own learning and be responsible for its completion. They can learn important skills needed for high school and beyond.

In some selective high schools students may have the curriculum accelerated and complete school work that is desinged for students in higher years.

Grouping gifted and high potential students together benefits their education, social development and wellbeing.

Selective high schools attract a large number of students from many different schools, bringing together high potential and gifted students into the one classroom.

A local school's enrichment class may find it difficult to form a class with students who have similar levels of ability to those found in selective high schools.

[Transcript of video animation: ‘Is selective education the right fit for your child?’ (1 minutes 59 seconds)]

It's important to consider:

Your child's characteristics:

• Does your child enjoy learning?
• Are they curious and creative?
• Do they ask complex questions?
• Or do they have a well developed memory and deep focus on their areas of interest or passion?

Your child's personality and temperament:

• Are they more motivated when challenged?

Students who worry too much about not being the 'best' or are regularly comparing themselves to other students and their achievements, may not find an opportunity class or selective high school is the right choice for them.

Your child's preference:

Does your child want to attend an opportunity class or academically selective high school? If you feel that an academically selective school would be a good fit for your child, we encourage you to apply.

The introduction of the Equity Placement Model has made these settings more accessible for students from a broad range of backgrounds.

Remember, opportunity classes and selective high schools are not the only option for high potential and gifted students.

High potential and gifted education is part of every school, and there are many specialist New South Wales public schools, in the areas of sport, music and performing arts, that may also be good options for your child, and your local school may also offer enrichment programs.

No matter which New South Wales Public School your child attends, their learning and well-being needs will be met.

To learn more about selective education and how to apply for placement, visit the NSW Department of Education selective education web section.

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[Transcript of video animation: ‘The Equity Placement Model: Making access to opportunity classes and selective high schools fairer’ (1 minute)]

The Equity Placement Model helps make access to opportunity classes and selective high schools fairer for students from:

• communities of low socio-educational advantage
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
• students in rural and remote locations
• and students with disability.

We know that these students are currently under-represented in opportunity classes and selective high schools.

The Equity Placement Model holds up to 20% of student places in each opportunity class or selective high school for students from these groups based on their performance in the placement test.

Equity students may be considered for equity placement if their test performance is within 10% of general applicants’ first round offers for each school.

Visit our website to learn more.

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