Opportunity class

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Opportunity Classes (OC) are government primary classes in New South Wales for gifted and talented students. They run in public schools for students in years 5 and 6 and are entered by a test in year 4. OC is similar to selective streams and selective high schools, and the first OC classes began in 1932.

Results of attending OC vary. Some students have negative experiences, while others feel a strong sense of community and wellbeing. Some parents see OC as a pathway to selective high schools, but not all OC students gain entry. Not all OC students apply to selective high school because it can mean long travel or living away from home. Entry to OC and to selective high schools is through standardized tests that measure maths, English, and general ability. OC has about 1,800 places, compared with about 4,214 places for selective high schools in 2015, so it can be harder to gain entry to OC. Many OC students go on to selective high school or win scholarships to private high schools. The process starts with an 'Intention to Apply' form at the school, followed by an online application. Applicants take an aptitude test in maths and English, and the school principal sends assessment scores based on the student’s performance in Years 3 and 4. Several NSW primary schools offer OC admission in years 5 and 6.