With the recent changes in the Selective High School Placement Test, students and parents should be aware of the adjustments to subject weightings that could significantly impact preparation strategies. The NSW Government has made a notable shift, giving equal importance to each test section. This means that Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing will all carry equal weight in the test, requiring students to adopt a balanced approach to ensure strong performance across all subjects. In this post, we’ll explore what these changes mean, discuss their impact, and offer steps to support your child’s success under this new structure.

What Are the Changes to the Subject Weightings?

For 2025, the subject weightings for the Selective High School Placement Test have been updated from their previous distribution—where Reading and Mathematical Reasoning each held 25%, Thinking Skills 35%, and Writing only 15%—to a uniform 25% for each section. This even weighting means that each subject will now have an equal effect on the final score, making it crucial for students to excel in all areas rather than focusing primarily on one or two.

How Will These Changes Impact Student Preparation?

Under the previous structure, many students focused intensively on Thinking Skills and Mathematical Reasoning, while often giving less attention to Writing due to its smaller weighting. Now, with Writing weighted equally, it becomes a vital part of test preparation. Students who excel in any one area can achieve a stronger overall score, but likewise, lower performance in any section will weigh equally on the final result. Consequently, students should be ready to dedicate appropriate time and effort to each subject to maximise their outcomes.

Strategies for Parents and Students

To support your child’s balanced preparation for the Selective Test, consider the following strategies:

• Allocate Study Time Strategically: Rather than dividing study time equally across subjects, focus more on areas that need improvement. This approach can help lift weaker scores, ensuring all subjects are strong.

• Strengthen Writing Skills: Writing is a common area of challenge for many students. It’s essential to practice both the technical aspects (like grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation) and the structural elements needed for different text types, including persuasive essays, narratives, and speeches. The Writing section is now equally important, so students should spend adequate time refining these skills.

• Use Timed Practice Tests: Practicing under test conditions can be beneficial for managing time effectively across all sections, especially for Writing, where timing is key to completing a well-structured response.

Phoenix Education Courses to Support Balanced Preparation

At Phoenix Education, we offer tailored courses designed to help students succeed across all sections of the Selective Test:

• Writing Course: Our course focuses specifically on Writing and Reading Comprehension, helping students build core skills in vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Each class includes targeted writing exercises under timed conditions to build confidence and skill in crafting strong written responses.

• Selective Preparation Classes (School Term and School Holiday): For students seeking well-rounded preparation, our Selective Preparation classes cover each of the four subjects. These classes equip students with the tools they need to tackle the test confidently, from mastering math reasoning to strengthening analytical and writing skills.

• 1-on-1 Tutoring: For those looking for personalised support, our 1-on-1 tutoring sessions provide tailored assistance in any of the test areas, focusing on individual needs and adapting strategies to address specific strengths and weaknesses. This focused approach ensures that students get the customised help they need to boost their performance.

By understanding the implications of these changes and following a balanced, focused approach, students can develop the skills needed to excel under the new Selective Test weightings. For further guidance and support, contact us at Phoenix Education to learn more about how our courses can help your child succeed.