Selective & Opportunity classes

Alexandria Park Community School caters for the needs of High Potential and Gifted students. We have a dedicated team to identify and differentiate for High Potential and Gifted students learning needs across all domains Kindergarten to Year 12. At Alexandria Park Community School our Gifted and High Potential students needs are catered for in the Opportunity Class (OC), Selective stream and in local classes. ​

The school has an Opportunity Class (OC) in Year 5 and Year 6, with students placed in this class through the High Performing Students Unit after sitting an external examination. Students in the OC class are in the same class across subjects and participate with local classes in programs and extra curricula activities. 

In High School, we have one allocated Selective class in each grade while the other classes are non-selective for local students. In Year 7 students are placed in this class through the High Performing Students Unit after sitting an external examination.

The students in the Selective classes Years 7-10 participate in English, Mathematics, HSIE, Science and PDHPE classes. They join the non-selective students for classes in other subjects, programs and activities. 

In Years 8-10, students at Alexandria Park Community School and outside the school are able apply directly to the School and undergo the School's own selection process for consideration to the Selective stream. 

For further information please see below or visit the NSW Department of Education website:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes

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Applying for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2024

Thinking of applying for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2024?

You must apply online at:

https://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/

Key Dates

30 March 2023                 - Applications open for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2024

15 May 2023 5PM            - Applications close for Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2024. You must apply before this deadline

27 July 2023                      - Opportunity Class Placement Test

20 October 2023         - Placement outcome released (expected)

Parents monitor the Department’s website regularly for updates throughout the application and placement process at:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5#Apply0

Intention to apply for Year 7 placement in a selective high school in 2024

Dear Year 5 Parent/Carer,

Selective high schools cater for academically gifted students with high potential who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic standard. Selective high schools help these students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, and by using specialised teaching methods.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2024, you need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student’s email address).

The Selective High School Placement Test will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Detailed instructions on how to apply and the link to the online form are available at:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7

Applications open on 18 October 2022 and close 16 November 2022

The application site can be accessed at https://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au

You must apply before the closing date. No late applications can be received.

You must submit only ONE application for each student.

For further information about entry to Selective High Schools please see here.

Applications are open between late June and late July each year for placement starting in Years 8 to 12 the following year.

For placement in 2024, applications are expected to open on 20 June and close on 21 July 2023.

If you have any questions about assessments for placement in 2024, please contact the schools directly.

Download a printable version of the application information for Years 8 to 12 entry in 2023 (when available). The application form is available here only while applications are open.

Key Dates

Dates                                                   

June 2022

Application information available on this website.

Check school websites or contact the school for specific application and assessment requirements.

21 June 2022

Application form available on this website.

22 July 2022

Closing date for completed application forms to be submitted to the chosen selective high schools. A separate form must be submitted to each school.

August - September 2022

Selection committees meet and consider applications for entry starting in 2023.

September-October 2022

Outcome advice is sent to applicants by each school for entry starting in 2023.