Test Information
Note: The 2020 Opportunity Class Placement Test has been postponed until November. Accordingly, SWAT 2020 will follow the OC test format for Years 3/4, and the Selective test format for Year 5.
Years 3 and 4
For Year 3 and 4, SWAT follows the current format of the OC Test, testing in English (Reading), Mathematics and General Ability. Students will complete two full-length OC papers (each consisting of Paper 1 and Paper 2 with a mixture of English, Maths and GA questions).
Year 5
For Year 5, SWAT 2021 will follow the current format of the Selective High School Placement Test, which consists of a 30-minute writing test and three 40-minute multiple-choice tests in:
- English (Reading) (30 questions)
- Mathematical Reasoning (35 questions)
- Thinking Skills (40 questions)
No marks are taken off for incorrect answers in the multiple-choice tests.
Students are given a stimulus for the writing test; it will be in the form of an image, statement, heading, narrative or question. Three pages are provided for students to respond to the writing stimulus. Assessment for the writing test is based on:
- Appropriateness to the stimulus topic. No marks will be awarded if the writing is not based on the topic
- Quality of thinking about a topic
- Clear organisation of ideas
- Interesting and imaginative ideas
- Use of language
- Correct use of punctuation, grammar and spelling
Note: No marks will be awarded if the writing shares major similarities with other published works.
Schedule for Sunday 9 August 2020
| Time | Schedule (Students) |
| 1:30pm | Students arrive at exam venue |
| 1:45pm | Welcome to candidates |
| 2:00pm | SWAT exam commences |
| 3:25pm | Break [20 min]. |
| 3:45pm | Examination recommences |
| 4:50pm | Collection of papers for Year 3 and Year 4 |
| 5:00pm | Year 3 and Year 4 students are dismissed |
| 5:20pm | Collection of papers for Year 5 |
| 5:30pm | Year 5 students are dismissed |
| Note: | At no time will parents be permitted to enter the exam rooms. |