OC Exam Preparation: Entry testing open for Term 4 start

Blog post published 23 July 2025

Entry test registrations are now open for Year 3 students wishing to be admitted to our prestigious Opportunity Class Exam Preparation program.

Here is more about the program and how to gain entry.

How does my child gain entry to the OC Exam Preparation program?

Students are invited to join the OC Exam Preparation program after they have successfully completed an entry test that assesses their readiness to tackle the demanding nature of the Swot Shop OC course.

These test dates are currently available for booking:

• Saturday 6th September 1:30 – 2:45pm
• Saturday 6th September 3:00 – 4:15pm
• Tuesday 7th October 11:00 – 12:15pm

How does the program work?

Lessons are held once a week for two hours, starting in Term 4 and finishing in Term 1 in time for the external OC exam at the beginning of May.

Students are graded based on their performance in the entry test to assist teachers in optimising the learning for each student. Students may change class after a regrading test which takes place in lesson 10 of the program.

Classes are taught by experienced qualified teachers who offer problem-solving strategies and deep knowledge of the content and test format.

Computer-based practice and testing is incorporated into The Swot Shop program.

What do students experience during the lessons?

• Reading/comprehension – all aspects of the OC test will be taught to students. This includes poems, main idea paragraphs, cloze passages, meaning of words and drawing conclusions.
• Maths reasoning – all Maths questions will require problem solving and have several stages. Teachers break down various aspects of the problem solving and establish numerical relationships.
• Thinking skills – this is possibly the most difficult area for students. Teachers teach the various types of questions in smaller sections. Aspects taught will be verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, sequences, cardinal points, debates and arguments.
• Testing – most weeks, students will undergo a test. The test papers are marked each week, and scores are collated and ranked. Students receive their mark, and are advised of the highest mark, the lowest mark and their rank within their Swot Shop cohort.
• Trial exam – there will also be a trial exam at the end of Term 1. Here students will sit a test similar to the final exam.
• Students will experience exercises in speed and accuracy, time management and concentration during the program.
• The Swot Shop also offers an OC holiday review program (optional) after Term 1, as final preparation ahead of the 2026 Opportunity Class Placement Test.

Students in the program will also have access to our experienced Education Team who can provide guidance and advice along the way to both students and parents.

Entry testing for the OC Exam Preparation program is now available in Term 3. Register below to secure your place.