Academy One tutoring classroom in Chatswood

Exam preparation · Sydney

Selective school preparation built on skill, not shortcuts.

Structured preparation for the NSW selective school test, covering the reasoning, literacy and mathematical foundations students need beyond a single exam.

98Median ATAR among a senior tutor's students
2017Tutoring students since
ChatswoodIn-person and online tuition

Our approach

Prepare for the test while building lasting ability

Selective preparation works best when it develops the underlying skills the test samples: close reading, controlled writing, mathematical reasoning and flexible problem solving. Practice tests are useful, but only when errors lead to better strategies and stronger foundations.

Academy One tutors calibrate the level of challenge, teach efficient methods and help students become comfortable with timed, unfamiliar questions. The program should remain ambitious without making learning feel mechanical.

What we cover

Support matched to the next learning goal.

Start with the student’s course, current work and assessment priorities.

Reading

Comprehension, inference, vocabulary and efficient evidence-finding.

Mathematical reasoning

Number, patterns, multi-step problems and non-routine applications.

Thinking skills

Logical relationships, evaluation and disciplined elimination.

Writing

Plan quickly, make deliberate choices and control expression under time.

How lessons work

A simple cycle that keeps moving.

  1. 01

    Baseline

    See what the student can already do independently.

  2. 02

    Teach

    Address the reasoning behind repeated errors.

  3. 03

    Time

    Introduce timed work only after methods are stable.

  4. 04

    Reflect

    Keep an error log and revisit weak question families.

Common questions

Before you enquire.

Which parts of the selective test do you prepare for?

Preparation can cover reading, mathematical reasoning, thinking skills and writing. The exact lesson mix should reflect the student’s baseline.

Do students complete practice tests?

Yes, where appropriate. Practice tests are used diagnostically so tutors can teach the skills behind mistakes rather than simply assign more papers.

How early should preparation start?

That depends on the student’s foundations and confidence. An early baseline helps determine whether they need broad skill development or shorter, test-focused preparation.

Tell us what the student needs next.

Share their year, subject, current challenge and preferred lesson times. We’ll help identify a suitable tutor and format.

Contact Academy One