In New South Wales, this week a record number of Year 6 children – nearly 15,000 – sat the exam for selective high schools.
In Victoria, students will sit their selective test in June. In Queensland, there are three specialist state high schools that offer places for the right high-achieving Year 10-12 students.
Urban parent legend has it that if you get your kids into a selective high school, you and your child are SET FOR LIFE.
Firstly, you get a premium education without paying potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in private school fees. And private schooling, not public, is often the other option for exam attendees. The latest research from The University of Technology Sydney, as reported in The Age, finds that in New South Wales, “74 per cent of students attending Sydney’s select-entry schools are from the most advantaged families compared to two per cent from the most disadvantaged.”
Really, does homework make any difference?
Secondly, your child is not only assured a coveted spot at university, they will get into the most prized courses at university.
The ones that will make them doctors, lawyers, dentists, finance wizards, architects, psychologists, physiotherapists et al. The vocational degrees that are commensurate with the highest salaries. No Arts degrees to see here.
So by the age of 11, 12, maybe 13, smart little Alfie or Annie has life all sorted. Mapped out. Done. Tick. Go straight to a very happy, comfortable retirement playing golf and enjoying pilates in The Game of Life.
Except that doesn’t happen, because life isn’t that simple.
Top Comments
My daughter went to a select entry school: she was bored at her local school. It was the best decision for her. Her friends were all academic and focussed on studying. She did well and is now finishing an undergrad at Melbourne university. All her peers have been accepted into the four major universities. Best decision ever. - and yes, she had and still had a brilliant social life.
Things must have changed significantly since I went to a selective high school in Melbourne for years 11 and 12 in the 80s. It was a wonderful experience, the school had a great community feel and there were lots of opportunities to explore the arts and music as well as sport. I fit in there much better than I did in my previous school, where I used to play dumber than I was to fit in. I loved being in an environment where knowledge was valued and being academically gifted wasn't a social handicap. I also met kids from all different backgrounds from all over Melbourne. I certainly wasn't the most studious kid at the school but I didn't find it overly competitive. There were super smart and hard working kids there, but plenty of ordinary kids with balanced lives too. Each to their own - we all try to find a school that will best suit our child. Some kids thrive on competition and relish being pushed by other kids. Some kids prefer a different environment - no right or wrong - you choose to benefit your child.