Teacher helping students in a bright classroom
Founder-Led Exam Preparation — Sydney

Build the Thinking Skills Selective Exams Reward

Led by a qualified maths teacher and software engineer. A structured, reasoning-first program covering Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, Reading & Writing — including the new computer-based exam format.

🎓 Qualified Maths Teacher
💻 Software Engineer
👥 Max 12 Per Class
🖥 Computer-Based Practice
📍 Sydney-Based
Stuart — Founder of SelectiveCoach

A Maths Teacher and Engineer Who Decoded the Exam

I'm Stuart — a qualified mathematics teacher and software engineer. After years of studying how the OC and Selective exams are structured, I've broken every question type across all four subjects into a set of teachable, trainable skills.

This isn't generic tutoring. I've deconstructed the exam — the mathematical reasoning patterns, the ACER-style thinking skills logic, the reading comprehension structures, and the typed writing demands — into a systematic framework that students can learn, practise, and master.

My engineering background means I build systems: assess, identify gaps, target weaknesses, measure progress, repeat. My teaching background means I know how to make complex ideas click. Together, that's what SelectiveCoach is.

Qualified Mathematics TeacherFormal teaching qualifications & classroom experience
Software EngineerSystems thinking applied to exam preparation
Exam AnalystDecomposed every question type into trainable skills

Every Question Type. Broken Down Into Trainable Skills.

We've deconstructed the OC and Selective exams into the exact skills tested — then built a program that trains each one.

Mathematical Reasoning

40 minutes · 35 questions · 25% of total score

Number & Algebra

  • Operations & order of operations
  • Fractions, decimals & percentages
  • Ratios & proportions
  • Sequences & patterns
  • Algebraic substitution
  • Prime, square & cube numbers
  • Profit, loss & budgets

Measurement & Space

  • Area, perimeter & volume
  • Angles & geometry
  • 3D nets & spatial visualisation
  • Symmetry, reflection & rotation
  • Cartesian coordinates
  • Unit conversions
  • Speed, distance & time

Data & Problem Solving

  • Graph & table interpretation
  • Mean, median & mode
  • Probability & Venn diagrams
  • Multi-step word problems
  • Timetables & calendars
  • Data extraction from text
  • Mental arithmetic strategies

Thinking Skills

40 minutes · 40 questions · 25% of total score · ACER-style

Deductive Logic

  • Drawing conclusions
  • Logical deduction
  • Syllogisms
  • Truth & liar puzzles
  • Data sufficiency
  • Identifying similarity

Argument & Evidence

  • Evaluating hypotheses
  • Strengthening/weakening arguments
  • Detecting reasoning errors
  • Matching arguments
  • Additional evidence analysis
  • Relevant selections

Analytical Reasoning

  • Spatial reasoning & transformations
  • Pattern matrices & figure series
  • Seating arrangements
  • Multi-variable logic puzzles
  • Finding procedures
  • Abstract pattern recognition

Reading

45 minutes · 30+ questions · 25% of total score

Comprehension & Analysis

  • Inference & deduction
  • Main idea & theme extraction
  • Vocabulary in context
  • Author's purpose
  • Fact vs. opinion
  • Identifying bias

Literary Analysis

  • Poetry & figurative language
  • Character motivation
  • Tone & mood analysis
  • Text structure & sequencing
  • Logical text flow
  • Narrative techniques

Advanced Skills

  • Cross-text comparison
  • Synthesising multiple sources
  • Cloze passage completion
  • Sentence insertion
  • Dropdown word selection
  • Information extraction

Writing

30 minutes · 1 prompt · Typed · 25% of total score

Narrative & Creative

  • Story arc & structure
  • Character development
  • "Show, don't tell" techniques
  • Sensory imagery & detail
  • Setting the scene
  • Dialogue formatting

Persuasive & Discursive

  • Thesis statements
  • Argument structuring
  • Counter-arguments
  • Rhetorical devices
  • Emotive language
  • Audience awareness

Execution Under Pressure

  • Typing speed (30–35 WPM target)
  • On-screen editing & proofreading
  • Complex sentence construction
  • Advanced punctuation
  • Brainstorming & planning in 3 min
  • Prompt interpretation

Not a Worksheet Factory. A Thinking Program.

Student developing thinking skills

Reasoning-First Teaching

We teach students how to think, not just what to memorise. Pattern recognition, logical deduction, and structured problem-solving underpin everything.

Analysing student progress and errors

Targeted Error Analysis

After every practice test, we identify exactly which skills are weak — then train those specifically. No wasted time on what they already know.

Students practising on laptops

Computer-Based Exam Practice

The exam is fully digital on the Janison platform. We train on screen-based questions, timed typed writing, and digital navigation — not just paper worksheets.

Small group classroom teaching

Small Groups, Real Attention

Maximum 12 students. Direct feedback, individualised error correction, and the confidence that comes from being seen — not lost in a crowd.

Student writing exam

Strategy Coaching

Time management, question triage, elimination techniques, and staying calm under pressure. We teach exam performance, not just content.

Parent and child reviewing progress reports

Parent Progress Updates

Regular reports on strengths, weak areas, mock exam trends, and focus areas. You always know exactly where your child stands.

The SelectiveCoach Method

A structured, repeatable system — not a pile of worksheets.

Assessment
1

Assess

Free diagnostic assessment identifies your child's current level across all four subjects. We find the gaps.

Small group placement
2

Group

Students placed in the right cohort based on ability and target exam. No one-size-fits-all.

Student training session
3

Train

Structured weekly sessions: concept clarity, pattern recognition, timed practice, error correction, and exam strategy.

Progress tracking and reports
4

Track

Regular mock exams, skill-level progress reports, and targeted adjustments. Improvement you can see in data.

We Work Best With Students Who...

  • Are aiming for OC placement — Year 3 students preparing for Year 4 entry
  • Are targeting selective high schools — Year 4–5 students preparing for Year 7 entry
  • Are capable but need structure — bright kids who haven't had systematic exam prep
  • Are strong in some areas, weak in others — we target the gaps, not repeat what they know
  • Are anxious about exams — we build confidence through familiarity and strategy, not pressure
Students studying together
Teacher guiding students on laptops

Ready for the Computer-Based Exam

Since 2025, the Selective test is fully digital — delivered on the Janison platform with ACER-designed questions. Most tutoring centres still teach from paper worksheets. We don't.

Typed Writing PracticeComposing under timed conditions on a keyboard — because that's what exam day demands.
Screen Stamina155 minutes on a screen requires practice. We build endurance so exam day feels familiar.
Digital NavigationFlagging questions, scrolling passages, dropdown selections — we drill the interface.
Timed Online MocksFull-length practice exams that mirror the real format, conditions, and pressure.

Structured Programs for OC & Selective

All courses include practice exams, take-home materials, progress reports, and computer-based practice.

OC Prep

OC Exam Prep

Year 3 → Year 4 Entry

$450/ per term (10 weeks)
  • Weekly 2-hour sessions
  • Maths reasoning & problem solving
  • Thinking Skills & pattern logic
  • Reading comprehension
  • English & Literacy
  • 2 full mock exams per term
  • Progress reports to parents
Get Started
Intensive

Holiday Intensive

OC & Selective Students

$350/ 5-day program
  • 5 consecutive days, 3 hours/day
  • All 4 subjects covered
  • Intensive timed practice
  • Full mock exam simulation
  • Individual feedback session
  • Exam-day strategies
  • All materials included
Get Started
Online

Online Program

OC & Selective — Anywhere in NSW

$395/ per term (10 weeks)
  • Weekly 2-hour live sessions
  • All 4 subjects covered
  • Small group (max 8 students)
  • Interactive screen-based learning
  • Computer-based practice tests
  • Recorded sessions for revision
  • Progress reports to parents
Get Started

Term 3 2026 Schedule

CourseDay & TimeStartsDurationAvailability
OC PrepSaturday 9:00–11:00 AM19 Jul 202610 weeks4 spotsBook
OC PrepSunday 1:00–3:00 PM20 Jul 202610 weeks8 spotsBook
Selective PrepSaturday 11:30 AM–2:00 PM19 Jul 202610 weeks3 spotsBook
Selective PrepSunday 9:30 AM–12:00 PM20 Jul 202610 weeks6 spotsBook
Holiday IntensiveMon–Fri 9:00 AM–12:00 PM7 Jul 20265 days5 spotsBook
Online ProgramWednesday 4:30–6:30 PM22 Jul 202610 weeks8 spotsBook

Book a Free Diagnostic Assessment

Find out exactly where your child stands across all four exam subjects. No cost, no obligation — just a clear picture of strengths, gaps, and the best path forward.

What's included:

  • Skill-level evaluation across all four subjects
  • Identification of strengths and specific weak areas
  • Personalised course recommendation
  • One-on-one conversation with the founder
Teacher reviewing assessment with parent and child

Request Your Child's Assessment

We'll call you within 24 hours to arrange a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Large colleges optimise for throughput — big classes, generic worksheets, part-time tutors. SelectiveCoach is founder-led by a qualified maths teacher who has personally deconstructed every question type in the exam. You get a systematic, reasoning-first approach in small groups (max 12), with targeted error analysis and progress tracking.

Four equally weighted components (25% each): Reading (45 min), Mathematical Reasoning (40 min), Thinking Skills (40 min), and Writing (30 min) — 155 minutes total. Since 2025, ACER designs the questions and the exam is fully computer-based on the Janison platform.

We do computer-based practice tests that simulate the Janison platform. Students practise typed writing (targeting 30–35 WPM), on-screen navigation, flagging questions for review, and managing screen fatigue over 155 minutes. Most centres still use paper. We don't.

Practice papers tell you a score. They don't tell you why your child got questions wrong or how to fix it. We've decomposed every question type into specific trainable skills — when your child makes an error, we identify which skill is weak and target it directly.

For OC (Year 4 entry): ideally start in Year 2 or early Year 3. For Selective (Year 7 entry): Year 3 or 4 gives the best foundation. Starting later is still viable — our Holiday Intensive programs are designed for quick catch-up.

Anxiety comes from uncertainty. We remove it through systematic practice: when your child has seen every question type, practised under timed conditions, and has clear strategies for each section, the exam becomes familiar — not frightening. We build confidence through competence.

Every component is worth 25% — weakness in any one area can cost a placement. Our diagnostic assessment pinpoints exactly which skills within that subject are the problem. In class, we give targeted attention to individual weak areas.

After your free assessment, if you choose to enrol, you can pay securely online via credit/debit card (Stripe) or by bank transfer. We offer sibling discounts — ask when you enrol.

Questions? Let's Talk.

The fastest way is to call. I'm happy to chat about your child's situation — no sales pressure, just honest advice.

Call Free Assessment