Preparing students for success in the OC Placement Test. We have many success stories.
There are two main reasons why an opportunity class is a good option for your child. OC class enriches and academically challenges students. Students are kept engaged and stimulated, which may result in a higher level of mathematical skills and a more advanced level of English ability, which may lead to better chances of getting an offer for a selective school and being better prepared for high school.
There are many academic and non-academic advantages to being in a selective school, such as possible higher HSC results and being surrounded by like-minded peers.
Prepare your child for the Opportunity Class placement test with personalised, research-based coaching and without overwhelming them with tons of homework.
In our course, students learn not only Maths, English and Thinking skills. They learn the foundations of problem-solving and systematic thinking. They also learn critical thinking, which includes inductive and deductive reasoning. Our course teaches students how to think and how to apply their thinking skills under exam conditions.
Opportunity Class (also known as OC) is a program in government schools in NSW that caters to academically gifted and talented children in Years 5 and Year 6.
The class provides a rich and intellectually stimulating educational environment. Students who wish to be placed in an Opportunity Class in Year 5 need to sit the test in Year 4, which is usually in July of each year
Entry into OC is determined by two factors:
Global Education Academy encourages students to start their preparation as early as possible to improve their school results and enhance their skills, in addition to the actual preparation for the OC Placement Test.
Sessions at Global Education Academy are conducted in a supportive, friendly and engaging learning environment where the academic development of each student comes first. We offer our students many hours of extra support.
The course exposes students to all genres of texts. It includes all levels of Reading Comprehension and all types of questions that are required for the OC test:
Standard questions for a passage or poem that requires deep and inferential understanding.
Fill in the gaps questions that not only require high level of understanding the content but also understanding the structure of the text.
Extracts questions that require understanding the main idea and the angle of each extract.
In addition, in our tutoring classes, students are exposed to various types of texts. We also make sure students expand their vocabulary and learn grammar and punctuation in a structured environment.
The OC Maths test has moved from Maths to Mathematical Reasoning. Mathematical reasoning is subtly different to maths. Students need to not only know formulas and perform some calculations. They need to problem-solve, analyse and reason correctly.
Our unique strategy of problem solving, the UPSLTM strategy (understand, plan, solve and learn), gives students an advantage and a higher level of knowledge that can be applied to any setting or situation. Our tutors make sure that students understand each topic before moving to the next.
Thinking skills has two main components: problem-solving and critical thinking.
Problem solving consists of mathematical or logical problems embedded in a practical context. To solve them, students need mathematical knowledge, analytical skills and the ability to differentiate between redundant and essential information.
Critical thinking – when we analysed these questions, we found that they consisted of inductive and deductive reasoning.
Our tutors who teach the deductive reasoning are mathematics teachers, usually high school mathematics teachers who are also trained how to teach primary students
The program runs from Term 1 (10 weeks), Term 2 (10 weeks) and 5 days over the July School Holidays.
Each term, your child will receive their own GEA Selective Program books.
The program includes 5 mock tests spread throughout the entire program and each test is accompanied with comprehensive feedback.
However, many of our students start tutoring from year 3. In Year 3 we strengthen their maths and English and bring to an advanced level of both subjects.
Cognitive Load Techniques
Dear GEA staff and teachers, I can’t believe Ema’s Year 6 journey is over. The last 2 years were very difficult in many ways and obviously made Ema’s preparation for selective and scholarship exams quite challenging. I have to thank all of the GEA staff and teachers from the bottom of my heart as even though there was a lot of “unknown” in our kids’ lives they made Ema’s study journey so much easier. Clear communication, very approachable staff helping us to navigate with online learning and most of all dedicated teachers helping our kids with their preparation for the exams and overall progress in their studies…
I cannot Thank Global Education Academy enough, I thought by enrolling my son to a private school he is receiving the best education possible. I was so wrong. Since kindergarten, his report was not that great, and I was a super concern, and whenever I raised my concerns with his class teacher I was told not worry, every kid is different and that he was doing well.
After reaching out to Global Education Academy within the first two weeks I could see the difference.
I am not sure what magic spell Kate is using on my son, but it is working! Thank you, Kate, for making my son believe in his ability, I am super confident that he is in good hands. I cannot wait to see his school report.
“Hello, I thought I’d share some positive feedback on my son, Zac, tutoring experience from GEA Kogarah. He thoroughly enjoys his lessons with Ms Caroline each week so much so he looks forward to them. He finds learning fun even being on zoom. I have to say that if it wasn’t for her tutoring “pro-ess” and ability to keep him engaged he would definitely be further behind with the impact of COVID / homeschooling. Please pass on thanks and kudos. Cheers”
“Just so you know yesterday I observed Aidan doing his online tutoring classes and I must say I was impressed. Your platform is much better than what his school is currently using and I actually think he enjoyed the work which is great! He seemed quite focused and engaged with what the class is doing which was good to see.”