How to Apply for Opportunity Class
How to Apply for Opportunity Class
One of the greatest joys of parenting is helping your child realise their potential and provide them with time and opportunities they need to learn and grow. There are many ways to achieve this that deciding how to help your child may seem overwhelming at first. However, if your child loves to learn and does well in school, then the answer is simple! Why not consider an opportunity class? Do you want to know how to apply for opportunity class?
What Is Opportunity Class?
An opportunity class (also called an OC) is a structured class for gifted and talented Year 5 and 6 students. It offers a growth-rich and intellectually stimulating learning environment for gifted students who might otherwise find the classroom boring and unchallenging. These classes enhance the learning process by grouping together students with similar learning abilities, offering specialised teaching methods and providing an engaging educational environment to help students learn. While there are currently 76 government schools across NSW that offer opportunity classes, that doesn’t mean that there is a place for every student. The enrolment process is highly competitive, involving an initial application (for you, the parent) and a placement exam (for your student).
How to Apply for Opportunity Class
If your student is ready for an opportunity class, your first step is to complete the application process. To do so, simply follow these steps:
- Complete an ‘Intention to apply’ form with your current primary school.
- Familiarise yourself with the current application guidelines found on the NSW education website.
- Register on the ‘application website’ during the available period. Be sure to apply by the due date as late applications won’t be accepted.
- Complete the application by using your access key to log in to your application and complete your contact details.
- Once you complete your application, enter any necessary information concerning disability provisions.
- Submit your application and make a note of your application number.
- Check your details in the confirmation email to ensure they are all correct.
Once your application is complete, your student will be able to take the OC exam, which will help the NSW Department of Education place them in the program.
How to Prepare for the OC Exam
The OC placement test accounts for a majority of the marks that will determine your student’s placement score, which makes it very important. We understand that the application and testing process can be stressful and difficult for you and your student. But, taking the time to prepare for the OC exam can mitigate those feelings.
One of the best ways to help your student prepare is to enrol them in personalised tutoring sessions where they can improve their knowledge, gain confidence in their skills, and where a professional tutor can cater to your student’s specific needs and goals.
MWNS: The Perfect Resource for You (and Your Kids!)
If you’re the parent of a gifted and intelligent student, you can provide your child with a stimulating learning environment that they’ll enjoy through an opportunity class. And when that time comes, we can help you both prepare.
Our family of professional and skilled tutors offers all the resources you need when preparing for the OC exam. With personalised instruction, a safe and friendly environment, and classes designed to help students towards independence and confidence, MWNS provides an ideal place for your child to learn and grow. Let’s work together to help them thrive!
