OC Test Prep NSW | Opportunity Class Practice Tests & Simulations

When do I actually need to start thinking about this?

If you’re a parent of a Year 3 student, the autumn and winter is the ideal time to start thinking about Opportunity Class placement for when your child will be in Year 5. You might be thinking:

Current students are only sitting their tests in May for next year’s entry.
Year 5 feels so far away!
Do I really need to start thinking about this now?

Like anything, the sooner you can start getting yourself and your child into the right mindset, the more prepared you’ll be. This blog post will walk you through some of the key dates and the actions we suggest taking.

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Year 3: June - July

Opportunity classes are not a fit for everyone. It’s important to make sure you have a candid and open chat with your child about whether they’re interested. Your child may be nervous about the test, but you should reassure them that that’s not something to worry about now. The most important thing is to make sure that they want to attend opportunity classes that will stretch them in school, emphasis on they want.

Year 3: August - October

Take a practice test, either by using the tests available on the NSW online practice test platform, or by signing up for a product like OC TestPrep. It’s helpful to sit down with your child and talk through the test together. Some key tips:

Ignore the timer - you will get through however many questions you get through
When you see a question, let your child talk about how they would answer it
The approach is far more important than the answer

Taking a practice test can help to set expectations about how much preparation your child needs and is willing to take on.

Year 3: November - December

This is when applications for Year 5 OC entry open. Start gathering the required documents and thinking about which schools to apply to – you can put up to 4 choices. Applying to take the test gets you into the right mindset but it’s not a commitment. It keeps your options open. You’re only applying, not committing to either get in or accept.

Year 4: January - April

Practice and prepare! The best test preparation is tight, consistent and focused. We do not believe that you need expensive in-person coaching for months or years. We believe that with a strong understanding of fundamentals, the most valuable thing your child can do is engage in short, regular targeted practice, especially on the areas where you need improvement. Preparation is not a full-time job, especially for 10 year olds.

Products like OC TestPrep can show them which specific curriculum areas they need to focus on, and allow them to take mini-tests for just that category with full explanations. When they’re ready, they can take real practice tests that simulate the actual test. And all along the way, they have supportive dashboards that can objectively show them how they’re progressing and what they should do next.

Year 4: May

Test weekend is here! The tests are typically held towards the beginning of the month and you’ll receive more detailed information about when and where the test will be held as the date approaches. Students receive their placement results in August, pending appeals and reserve decisions which will happen before the end of the school year.

By familiarising yourself with this timeline and planning ahead, you can help your child approach the OC Test with calm confidence.

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The OC TestPrep platform offers targeted practice, personalised feedback, and tools to help your child identify and work on areas that need improvement. No matter the outcome, by providing your child with the right tools, guidance, and emotional support, you're setting them up for a bright future.

Want to learn more? Grab our free guide, "The Ultimate OC Test Preparation Calendar" packed with practical tips and built to your timeline.