OC Test 2021

OC Test 2021

The Opportunity Class Placement Test or OC Test was postponed due to covid 19. Now the test has been rescheduled to 6th October 2021 (Wednesday). This is to the bigger health and care risks which avoid large groups of outside students socializing with local school students.
Mid-September 2021, the parents will receive their child’s ‘Test authority’ information which will authorize where the child will sit for the test.
Link for current advice for families.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
Opportunity Class Placement Test or OC Test modification in 2021 for placement in 2022 is like the new test will consist of thinking skills, mathematical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
These variations are in response to the findings of the 2018 Analysis of Selective Education Access description, commissioned by the NSW Department of Education.

The Opportunity Class (OC) Placement Test is a critical assessment in New South Wales (NSW) that determines placement in specialized classes designed for high-achieving Year 5 and 6 students. Originally scheduled for 2021, the OC test was postponed due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. This decision was made to protect students, educators, and their families from potential exposure to the virus, which could occur when large groups of outside students congregate with local school students. Consequently, the OC Test has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

In preparation for the upcoming test, parents and students will receive a “Test Authority” notification in mid-September 2021. This document is essential, as it provides details on the exact location and time where each child will sit for the test. The NSW Department of Education advises parents to ensure their children are familiar with these details to avoid any confusion on test day. For ongoing updates, parents can consult the current advice for families on the NSW Education website here.

Changes to the OC Test Format in 2021

In response to a comprehensive analysis of selective education access across NSW, the OC Test underwent several modifications. The 2018 Analysis of Selective Education Access recommended these changes to make the test more reflective of skills essential for student success in a selective academic environment. The modified OC test now focuses on three core skill areas:

1. Thinking Skills: This section assesses logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking. Students will need to demonstrate flexibility in thought and the ability to analyze complex information.
2. Mathematical Reasoning: Instead of merely testing rote arithmetic skills, this section challenges students’ mathematical understanding, applying math concepts to real-life scenarios.
3. Reading Comprehension: To evaluate language skills, this section tests students on their ability to read, understand, and interpret text passages. The focus is on extracting meaning and analyzing the writer’s intent.

These changes reflect a broader understanding that successful students possess diverse, adaptable skills that go beyond basic memorization.

The OC test format for 2021 will remain paper-based, ensuring that all students, regardless of their technology access, have an equal opportunity to perform their best. The Department of Education has outlined that these updates aim to align testing standards with real-world applications of critical thinking, a skill crucial for lifelong learning.

Preparing for the Test: Tips for Parents and Students

Parents are encouraged to help their children prepare for the test by focusing on practice exercises related to thinking skills, mathematical reasoning, and reading comprehension. Additionally, practice tests can be a valuable tool, providing students with insight into what types of questions to expect and how to manage their time effectively. Given that the test is paper-based, students should practice writing answers manually, rather than relying solely on digital practice.

The NSW Department of Education’s Review of Selective Education Access: Findings and Action Plan underscores these modifications as part of a larger initiative to make selective education more equitable and reflective of diverse skill sets. For further insights, the Department’s full report is available here.

Health and Safety Considerations for the Test

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NSW Department of Education has implemented several health protocols to ensure the safety of all test participants. Parents are encouraged to stay informed about these guidelines and to review any specific health measures required on the test day. It’s essential that parents monitor their children’s health leading up to the test date, ensuring that students showing any symptoms stay home to prevent the spread of illness.

The Department of Education’s current advice for families also includes guidance on safe travel to and from the test centers. Families should consult the NSW Department of Education’s COVID-19 advice for families webpage for the latest updates and recommendations.

In summary, the 2021 OC Test represents a blend of traditional testing with modern skill assessments. By adapting to these changes, students have the opportunity to showcase a broader range of abilities, preparing them for future academic challenges in NSW’s selective education system. With adequate preparation, attention to test-day logistics, and a focus on health and safety, students and their families can approach the OC Test with confidence and clarity.

In 2021 the placement test will remain in a paper-based format.
Link for Review of Selective Education Access: Findings and Action Plan.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/our-reports-and-reviews/review-of-selective-education-access