Melbourne High School (MHS) is a selective entry school, along with Mac Robertson Girls’ High School and Nossal High School. Most students enter Melbourne High in year 9 and 10 through a selection process that involves a test and an interview. The test is conducted and regulated by the Department of Education and Training (DET). The enrolment policy and procedures, including conducting the entrance exam and allocation of offers, is also conducted by the DET.
This blog will help with important information, key dates and preparation tips regarding 2019’s entry test and selection process.
Key dates and information
Applications for year 8 students going into year 9 will be open on 15th of February 2018. Enrolments can be made from the 15th of February through the DET here. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/secondary/Pages/apply.aspx.
The applications will close on Friday 11th May 2018.
The entrance exam is to be held on Saturday 16th June 2018.
Examination outcomes and offers will be sent on Thursday 9th August 2018.
An information pack on the application process to Melbourne High School can be accessed online here http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/parents/secondary/SelectiveEntry_InformationPack.pdf.
Selective Entry Exam Preparation
To prepare for the academic portion of the application process, it is important to know exactly what the test contains. The test will involve verbal and numerical reasoning, mathematics, reading comprehension and both creative and analytical writing. To prepare for these tests, practice and familiarity with questions is crucial.
- Become familiar with the tests
It is important for the student to become very familiar with the test format and test styled questions. Regular practice of tests and test styled questions will help the student become comfortable and familiar during the actual test.
- Develop a time plan
Develop a time plan and strategy to tackle the test. This could mean categorising similar questions and solving them together, and dividing up your time before the test begins to ensure you know how many seconds to spend per question.
- Regular practice
The most important step is to practice all areas of the test regularly. This means polishing up on mathematical concepts, regularly doing practice questions and timed tests and developing a regular reading and writing program. This will aid in confidence and speed during the real exam.
Interview Preparation
For the interview portion of the application process, confidence and preparation are key.
- Ensure the student is confident in themselves
Ensure that your child knows about their favourite subjects, are passionate about their hobbies and enjoy their extracurricular activities. They will be asked about this in their interview.
- Practice
Go through practice questions with your child to ensure they don’t have any hiccups or awkward moments during their final interview. Possible questions can include
- What is your favourite subject and why?
- What do you expect to get out of coming to Melbourne High School?
- What will you bring to our school?
- What do you read outside of school?
- What has happened recently in current events that interests you?
- Why are you interested in our school?
- Tell me more about what you do outside of school.
How Lynn’s Learning can assist with selective school preparation?
Lynn’s Learning offers a specialised program to coach students for the entry examinations to selective entry schools. After an initial assessment to gauge any gaps or weaknesses, a tailored program is developed to advance and cement knowledge leading up to the examination date. The selective entry program consists of individualised programs plus practice examinations with one-on-one explanations. We encourage and guide students during their academic preparations, as well as provide help and coaching for the interview component of the selection process.
Find out more about the Lynn’s Learning Selective Entry Coaching program here <https://lynnslearning.com.au/individualised-programs/scholarship-selective-entry-tuition/>
To receive more information, tips or practice tests and questions get in touch with us on (03) 9796 8779 for a discussion about your child’s academic needs.
