Selective School Exam Subjects

Subject Breakdown: What’s Included in the Selective School Exam?

For students eager to take their learning to the next level, admission to a selective school can be a great option. These government schools are perfect for academically high-achieving students in Years 9 to 12. Victoria has four schools that offer such opportunities. They include Nossal High School, Suzanne Cory High School, Melbourne High School, and The Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School.

Securing admission in these educational institutions isn’t easy. Students have to pass a selective school exam, which evaluates applicants’ wide range of skills. This means you need to prepare thoroughly and gain strong academic readiness to succeed. If you or your child is aspiring to enrol in a selective school, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ve covered subjects included in the entrance exam and practical tips to prepare for the test.

Subjects Included in the Selective School Exam

Before beginning selective exam preparation, it’s important to understand the various subjects that will be assessed. Each area has its own evaluation method, and knowing what it covers will help students perform confidently in the test. Below is an overview of the subjects included:

  1. Reading:

    This section assesses students’ abilities through passage-based questions. It evaluates their ability to analyse text, interpret meaning, and identify key ideas. The text often includes poetry, prose, cartoons, graphs, and tables.

  2. Writing:

    Students will be prompted to write an essay as per the instructions. This section evaluates their creativity and ability to write effectively. It covers grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

  3. Mathematics:

    This section assesses students’ problem-solving skills and application of mathematical concepts. The exam evaluates their ability to apply mathematical formulas and solve complex equations. It includes key topics like Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics, and Probability.

  4. Verbal Reasoning:

    The students’ ability to interpret and analyse language is tested through multiple-choice questions. They must demonstrate a strong vocabulary to think critically and solve word-based problems. This section includes verbal analogies, synonyms, antonyms, syllogisms, translations, codes, and logical reasoning.

  5. Numerical Reasoning:

    This test overlaps with mathematical reasoning, but focuses more on logical thinking with numbers, pattern recognition, and problem-solving using numerical data. It includes number sequences, missing figures, probability, and reasoning questions that require students to find patterns and solutions beyond straightforward calculations.

The selective school test is divided into 4 sections. Each is designed to assess different skills and knowledge areas. Below is an overview of these sections:

Section Time Limit Number of Questions Types of Questions
Reading 40 minutes 16 Multiple-choice Questions Comprehension and interpretation
Writing 30 minutes 1 Open-ended Question Essay writing
Mathematical Reasoning 40 minutes 35 Multiple-choice Questions Numerical and problem-solving
Thinking Skills 40 minutes 40 Multiple-choice Questions Critical and logical reasoning

Tips to Prepare for the Selective School Exam in 2026

Are you overwhelmed by the selective entrance exam structure and difficult topics? Don’t worry, we have some valuable tips to boost your performance in the test. They include :

  1. Start the Preparation Early:

    There should be sufficient time before the exams to master concepts, try practice past papers, and familiarise your child with the exam format. You can set weekly goals for each subject to ensure steady progress.

  2. Master Core Concepts:

    Every student has their own strengths and weaknesses. Before diving into intensive preparation, have a study plan ready and also assess your child’s academic abilities. This will help in making a personalised plan that focuses on areas where they need the most support.

  3. Time Management:

    This exam is not only about answering questions, but also about answering them quickly so you don’t run out of time. Here are some of the tips that can help with time management:

    1. Do not spend too much time on one question; move on and return later
    2. Allocate time for each section and stick to it. This is how you can distribute time for a 40-minute section:
      1. First 10 Minutes: Answer easy questions quickly.
      2. Next 20 Minutes: Attempt moderate to difficult questions.
      3. Last 10 Minutes: Work on tough questions and review answers.
    3. For multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination.

  4. Practise Regularly:

    Consistent practice is a key to scoring good grades. It boosts your child’s confidence in tackling challenging problems. Attempting selective school practice tests and past papers familiarises children with the exam format.

Get High Scores in Selective School Test with Emu Education

Preparing your child for a selective school exam requires careful planning, dedication, and support. With the right strategy, consistent practice, and confidence, success is within reach. Most importantly, encourage your child to stay calm before the examination and trust their preparation.

If you are looking for expert selective school tutoring in Melbourne, then Emu Education has you covered. We can provide the guidance your child needs to thrive. For more information, call us on 0479 190 958 or email us at info@emueducation.com.au.

FAQs

Selective school tests assess students’ capabilities in four areas, including reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills, and writing.

Identifying your child’s strengths and weaknesses is the first step to preparing them for the selective school test. Then, design a customised weekly study plan. Ask them to attempt timed practice tests, review every mistake, and practice time management per section.

The selective school exam in Melbourne is held annually, usually around mid-June each year.

Yes, proper coaching helps in preparing for the selective entrance exam. It trains your child according to the curriculum. Tutors also assist them with time management, exam format, and valuable materials to perform, helping them get good grades.