Victoria Selective Entry Exam Preparation Guide
This guide offers a comprehensive, all-in-one reference for students preparing for the Victorian Selective Entry High School Exam. It covers every key technique, strategy, and resource, including detailed breakdowns of:
Mathematical knowledge required for the exam
Writing techniques for both persuasive and narrative writing
Recommended textbooks and resources
Spelling word lists
Time management and study strategies
Practice test with clear explanations and techniques
Letter Pattern & Logic Puzzles
Daily study routine to build strong habits
Background on Selective Entry High Schools
Complete Mathematics Knowledge for the Selective Entry Exam
Essential Topics and Techniques
- Arithmetic Fundamentals
Operations with integers, decimals, fractions, percentages
Order of operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS)
Ratios and proportions
Percentage increase/decrease
- Number Properties
Prime numbers and factorization
Lowest common multiple (LCM) and highest common factor (HCF)
Divisibility rules
Square and cube numbers
Estimation and rounding
- Algebra
Simplifying expressions
Expanding brackets
Factorising expressions
Solving linear equations and inequalities
Substitution
Simplifying and evaluating algebraic fractions
Quadratic equations basics
Solving simultaneous equations
Inequality graphing
- Geometry
Properties of angles (complementary, supplementary, vertically opposite, corresponding, alternate, co-interior)
Triangle types and angle sums (180ยฐ)
Quadrilateral properties and angle sums (360ยฐ)
Circle properties (radius, diameter, circumference, area)
Area and perimeter formulas for 2D shapes (rectangles, squares, parallelograms, triangles, trapeziums, circles)
Volume and surface area of 3D shapes (cubes, prisms, cylinders, spheres, cones)
- Measurement
Metric conversions (mm, cm, m, km; mg, g, kg; mL, L)
Time calculations (24-hour and 12-hour clock, elapsed time)
Speed, distance, time formula:
Pythagoras' theorem
Trigonometric ratios (sin, cos, tan basics)
- Probability and Statistics
Probability from simple experiments
Probability scales (0โ1)
Mean, median, mode, range
Interpretation of data from tables, charts, and graphs
Relative frequency
Probability trees
- Graphing and Coordinates
Cartesian plane: plotting points, interpreting coordinates
Gradient and linear equations
Interpreting relationships in graphs
Graphing parabolas, cubics, and basic trigonometric functions
- Problem Solving and Worded Problems
Translating word problems into mathematical equations
Logical reasoning and estimation
Multi-step problem-solving techniques
Recommended Maths Textbooks
Essential Mathematics for the Australian Curriculum Year 7-10 (Cambridge University Press)
Cambridge Checkpoints: Year 8 and 9 Maths Revision Guide
Nelson Maths Year 7-10 (Australian Curriculum Edition)
Excel Mathematics Year 9 Revision & Exam Workbook
Writing Techniques: Persuasive and Narrative
Persuasive Writing Techniques
Strong introductions with a clear contention
Paragraph structure: TEEL (Topic Sentence, Evidence, Explanation, Link)
Rhetorical questions
Emotive language
Repetition for emphasis
Inclusive language ("we", "our")
Statistics and expert opinions
Counter-argument rebuttals
Call to action at the conclusion
High modality words (must, will, always)
Parallel sentence structure
Appeals to logic, emotion, and ethics
Strategic anecdote use
Narrative Writing Techniques
Compelling hook (question, action, or description)
Setting the scene (where, when)
Character development (appearance, motivation, emotions)
Use of dialogue to reveal relationships and move the story forward
Building tension using short sentences and pacing
Strong resolution that ties back to the beginning
Show, don't tell: descriptive imagery and figurative language
Use of varied sentence structures
Internal monologue for deeper character insight
Foreshadowing
Red herrings and plot twists
Use of simile, metaphor, personification, and symbolism
Recommended Writing Resources
"The Writing Book" by Sheena Cameron
"The Student's Guide to Writing" by John Peck and Martin Coyle
"Seven Steps to Writing Success" Program
Advanced Spelling Word List
Acquiesce
Altruistic
Ambiguous
Anachronistic
Assiduous
Benevolent
Capricious
Cognizant
Conscientious
Convoluted
Deleterious
Disingenuous
Ebullient
Egregious
Enigmatic
Esoteric
Fastidious
Fortuitous
Gregarious
Idiosyncratic
Ineffable
Magnanimous
Mellifluous
Meticulous
Nonchalant
Obfuscate
Ostentatious
Perspicacious
Quintessential
Resilient
Sagacious
Superfluous
Ubiquitous
Unprecedented
Vacillate
Vehement
Vicarious
Vindicate
Vociferous
Voracious
Procrastinate
Equanimity
Recalcitrant
Magniloquent
Sycophant
Paradoxical
Incontrovertible
Ephemeral
Precipitous
Letter Pattern & Logic Puzzles
Examples:
If "BQQMF" = "APPLE" (shift each letter back by -1), then "CFF" = "BEE".
If "IFMMP" = "HELLO" (shift -1), then "UIFSF" = "THERE".
If "XJUI" = "WITH" (shift -1), then "NZ" = "MY".
Your Turn:
If "CFTU" = "BEST" (no shift), what is "DJWJ"?
Answer: "CIVI" (shift back -1)
If "FOUFSUBJO" = "ENTERTAIN" (shift back -1), what is "QSPHSBN"?
Answer: "PROGRAM"
If "SPDL" = "QOBK" (shift back -1), what is "UIJT"?
Answer: "THIS"
Daily Study Routine for Success
Morning:
6:30 AM โ Wake up, light exercise (10 mins)
7:00 AM โ 20-minute vocabulary review
7:30 AM โ Breakfast + read one news article
School Hours:
Pay full attention during class
Write clear notes, especially for Maths and English
After School:
4:30 PM โ Review school notes
5:00 PM โ 45 minutes focused Mathematics practice
6:00 PM โ Break / snack
6:30 PM โ 30 minutes reading advanced fiction or non-fiction
7:15 PM โ Writing practice: 1 essay (persuasive/narrative) every 2 days
Night:
8:30 PM โ Light review of spelling or letter puzzles
9:00 PM โ Sleep
Why Selective Entry High Schools Are Good
Selective Entry High Schools in Victoria โ such as Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson Girls' High, Nossal High, and Suzanne Cory โ are academically rigorous institutions that offer:
An enriched and challenging curriculum
Access to highly motivated peers
Greater focus on STEM and the arts
Experienced teachers with deep subject knowledge
Advanced study resources and learning environments
Preparation for university-level thinking and critical analysis
Improved chances for scholarship opportunities and competitive university placements
These schools provide not only academic excellence but also strong extracurricular programs and leadership development.
Note: This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Education or any official selective entry program. It is an independent resource designed to support students in their preparation.
