Selective Test Study Plans — Pick Your Monthly Timeline

1. How to choose your timeline

Start with three questions:

• How many months are left before the selective test?
• How confident is your child across Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing?
• What routine is realistic for your family each week?

The best plan is not the most intense plan. It is the plan your child can sustain while improving the areas that matter most.

2. Types of selective practice

Mini-tests

Short targeted sessions that focus on one skill area. These are ideal for weekdays.

Single-section tests

A full timed section for Reading, Maths or Thinking Skills. These build pacing inside one component.

Writing sessions

These can be short planning sessions, paragraph practice, feedback sessions or full 30-minute tasks.

Full simulations

Useful for stamina and test-day rehearsal, but they are demanding. Use them as milestones, not as the main form of practice.

3. Timeline tracks

9+ months to go: steady

• Build foundations gradually.
• Rotate through all four components.
• Introduce writing without pressure.
• Use diagnostics to guide practice choices.

4–8 months to go: accelerated

• Use a consistent weekly routine.
• Prioritise weaker sections.
• Add regular timed writing.
• Use section tests to measure progress.

Final 8–10 weeks: focused final prep

• Use targeted practice and review.
• Complete occasional simulations.
• Practise writing under full timing.
• Reduce intensity in the final week.

4. Where writing fits

Writing needs a different rhythm from multiple-choice practice. It improves through planning, drafting, feedback and repeated refinement. A child does not need to write a full response every session, but writing should appear every week once selective preparation is underway.

• Early stage: planning and idea generation.
• Middle stage: paragraphs, structure and language control.
• Final stage: complete 30-minute responses and quick self-checking.

5. Download: monthly calendar placeholder

Add the selective monthly calendar PDF here once it is ready. This page is structured to mirror the OC study plans page, so the download block can use the same component and styling.

For daily and weekly routine details, see the selective weekly practice schedule.

• Which timeline should we choose?

  Choose the calmest plan that still gives enough time for all four components. A child with clear gaps or low confidence usually needs a steadier runway.
• How often should my child do writing practice?

  In most plans, writing should appear weekly. It can be a short planning or paragraph session; it does not always need to be a full 30-minute task.
• How often should we do full simulations?

  Use full simulations as checkpoints. They are useful, but too many can be tiring and demoralising.
• Should every section get equal time?

  Not necessarily. The test components are equally weighted, but your child may need more time in weaker areas.
• What comes after choosing a monthly plan?

  Build a weekly routine that turns the plan into specific practice sessions.

Sources & acknowledgements

• NSW Department of Education — Selective high school practice tests and test structure: education.nsw.gov.au/.../selective-high-school-practice-tests
• NSW Department of Education — Placement test dates and logistics: education.nsw.gov.au/.../placement-test