Selective School entry into Year 12? (1 Viewer)

[the-derivative]

Hey Guys!

I was wondering if anyone on BOS moved to a Selective High School for Year 12 (applying whilst you're in Yr 11). If so, maybe you could share your thoughts on how it was like adjusting, was it better than your old school and is it really worth it for the three terms or so?

Also I was wondering if people could give me a rough indication of my chances getting in a selective high school with this information that if I am applying, I would submit to the school:
- Yr 10 Yearly report - All As, except PDHPE where I got a B
- Yr 11 Half Yearly report - not too sure with the marks, but I've got a rough indication from teachers that they'll all be over 90 except for a few subject which will be over 85.
- Also I do Accelerated maths, currently in the Top 20 within the Year 12s at my school.

N.B - I currently go to a Catholic School, ranked 126 and I'm considering moving, not because I don't like my school or that it's a bad school, however I've heard it would be better to be at a selective school, because of scaling and the competiveness of the students. I was going to try out last year, but I didn’t because my parents said it wasn’t necessary and I did not want to sacrifice my accelerated maths program.


Thanks Guys!

 

[lyounamu]

UPON WRITING THIS, I SWEAR TO BE HONEST IN WHAT I AM SAYING.

I was wondering if anyone on BOS moved to a Selective High School for Year 12 (applying whilst you're in Yr 11). If so, maybe you could share your thoughts on how it was like adjusting, was it better than your old school and is it really worth it for the three terms or so?

I was able to change from my current school to Selective High Schools (Normanhurt High School or Gosford High School). However, I chose to stay at my school after long consideration based on few reasons:

1. I am undertaking Acceleration Program like you. However, Gosford and Normanhurst could not cater for my Acceleration Program (both Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1).
2. I had an issue of distance with Gosford High School.
3. I was afraid that I would find it difficult to adjust to the entirely new school environment which may have negative effect on my academic progress.
4. I personally know few guys who changed from their schools to NSBH and other Selective High Schools. Their current ranks are shockingly low & terrible compared with their last ranks at their former schools. With those ranks, they would not take the advantage of scaling. Scaling works FOR you when your ranks are relatively high. On the other hand, it will definitely work AGAINST you if your ranks are low.

Also I was wondering if people could give me a rough indication of my chances getting in a selective high school with this information that if I am applying, I would submit to the school:
- Yr 10 Yearly report - All As, except PDHPE where I got a B
- Yr 11 Half Yearly report - not too sure with the marks, but I've got a rough indication from teachers that they'll all be over 90 except for a few subject which will be over 85.
- Also I do Accelerated maths, currently in the Top 20 within the Year 12s at my school.

Considering your marks & ranks, you have a good chance. However, it depends on what Selective High School you wish to attend. Having said that, you may not be unsuccessful as there are schools that do not permit Year 12 enrolments like NSBH.

As I said my application was successful in both Selective High School last year. Both Selective High Schools which I initially applied for have relatively high ranks (I think it is 20 to 25 for both Gosford & Normanhurst). In my application form, I sent two reports (one for 2nd semester of Year 9 and the other one for 1st semester of Year 10).

I must have been successful since I came first in 3 subjects (Commerce, Mathematics and Religious Education). I had low ranks in English in both Year 9 and 10 but I still got in due to other ranks (3rd for Science, 2nd for Geography, 8th for History, B for PD/H/PE).

The fact that you are doing Acceleration Program may help you as it is an indicator that you are a student who can handle the contents that are of higher complexity and sophistication. Your rank all seems quite reasonable but the ranks of 20 would hold high degree of persuasion & advantage as it may be deemed average (you should mention how many people there are in total).

It will be better if you indicate in your application how well you performed (be specific and don't forget to mention the ranks of the subjects if you did well). I think Selective High Schools tend to look at specific subjects like Science, Maths, English and other subjects (they would not care about PD/H/PE).

N.B - I currently go to a Catholic School, ranked 126 and I'm considering moving, not because I don't like my school or that it's a bad school, however I've heard it would be better to be at a selective school, because of scaling and the competiveness of the students. I was going to try out last year, but I didn’t because my parents said it wasn’t necessary and I did not want to sacrifice my accelerated maths program.

Then, why did you change your mind? If you truly are an academic student you would not need the competitive nature of Selective High Schools to perform well. In my opinion, scaling is a retarded (excuse my language) system that addles our brains and influences the ways in which our brain makes decisions. Scaling will hardly affect you if you were the top 5% or 10% at your school. If you consider being less than that, you should not even consider moving to Selective High School as your ranks will miserably suffer. When it comes to issue of scaling, follow your heart rather than brain (even though scaling is something to consider, it shouldn't be a determining factor). You should weigh both advantages and disadvantages.

In the end, it's going to be you who will evaluate yourself whether you made the right decision or not.

Advantages:
[*] You may be able to take advantage of scaling system.
[*] School environment may work for you.

Disadvantages:
[*] You may fall as a victim of the scaling system due to highly competitive nature of Selective High Schools.
[*] Your Acceleration Program may be jeopardised.
[*] You may find it difficult to cope at school (socially).

 

[the-derivative]

Firstly, I'd like to say an uber big thank you to lyounamu! Man your responses are so detailed and man I can't thank you enough! You truly are a legend!

(you should mention how many people there are in total).

Well there are 120 people who sat the exam. For most of the other subject I;m currently either coming first or if not, then within the Top 10. Last year I was 1st in Commerce and equal first in Geography.

Then, why did you change your mind? If you truly are an academic student you would not need the competitive nature of Selective High Schools to perform well.

I only changed my mind, because heaps of people were telling me the benefits of selective schools, and how going to a catholic school would scale me down (however after reading your reply, Im pretty sure thats a load of bs)

In my opinion, scaling is a retarded (excuse my language) system that addles our brains and influences the ways in which our brain makes decisions.

True that =]

Thanks again lyounamu!

 

[lyounamu]

Disregarding what I said above, you should choose whatever really suits you. Looking back at what you wrote, you seem to be an academic student who can handle anything that are thrown at you.

If you believe that you can take advantage of scaling system at your preferred Selective High School, there is no reason why you shouldn't go. However, if you can take advantage of that at your own school, there would be no need to change school.

I am currently ranked first in all my subjects (except Chemistry) including my own Acceleration Program. I will be dropping Chemistry (or think about it) so I won't be affected by anyone who is doing my subject. What I get is what I will get. Make a right decision that you won't regret. I have made so many wrong decision in the past (in regards to academic program) that I regret and those wrong decisions still have lasting effect on me.

No one is perfect. Sometimes, mistakes are inevitable. However, it would much better to make the right ones in the first place than making the wrong ones and suffer from them, right? All it takes is little time to think that involves weighing out pros & cons.

 

[the-derivative]

True =]
I reckon you made the right decision, because you seem really smart and i think you'll probably do really well (but by saying that, I'm pretty sure if you went to a selective school you would still do really well).

Thanks again, your signature is right, you are really helpful and I really respect you buddy! =]

 

[Aplus]

Not many selective schools accept entries in Year 12 though.

 

[lyounamu]

Not many selective schools accept entries in Year 12 though.

That's a true statement. He probably knows as I already mentioned it.

 

[wuddie]

i'd personally suggest you to stay put at your current school for the main reason that you will not have to re-adapt to the new environment and make new friends. you may think that is not going to be a big factor, but when you lose all the sense of security around you (eg. knowing your friends will be school, knowing who to ask or talk to when you have problems, knowing what your teachers are like), things will sparrow really quickly, and before you know it it is hsc.

after all, if your school is so bad that you're desperate to leave, then you would have done it in the earlier years. the fact that you're still means you are in good hands.

 

[lyounamu]

can i bring in the "its only the hsc" line?

Hahahahaha...

I'd love to see everything that way. :uhhuh:

BUT (it's a big BUT), majority of people attending Selective High Schools see HSC as a serious business.

 

[the-derivative]

Yep, I'm aware not many selective schools accept entries in Year 12, thats why I'm not really expecting to get in (if I try out).

after all, if your school is so bad that you're desperate to leave, then you would have done it in the earlier years

That's a really good point. It's not that I'm not happy with my school (because honestly I am really happy with my school and I am proud to be a student at my school) however its the benefits of Selective schools which I have heard from people, which is making me consider changing.

can i bring in the "its only the hsc" line?

LOL thats true in a sense, but I've got asian parents.. so it's a little bit more significant.

 

[the-derivative]

http://community.boredofstudies.org/showthread.php?t=169003

LOL no no its nothing like that! My parents want me to do well, but they don't pressure me! They just want me to do my best.

 

[Continuum]

Hey Guys!

I was wondering if anyone on BOS moved to a Selective High School for Year 12 (applying whilst you're in Yr 11). If so, maybe you could share your thoughts on how it was like adjusting, was it better than your old school and is it really worth it for the three terms or so?

Also I was wondering if people could give me a rough indication of my chances getting in a selective high school with this information that if I am applying, I would submit to the school:
- Yr 10 Yearly report - All As, except PDHPE where I got a B
- Yr 11 Half Yearly report - not too sure with the marks, but I've got a rough indication from teachers that they'll all be over 90 except for a few subject which will be over 85.
- Also I do Accelerated maths, currently in the Top 20 within the Year 12s at my school.

N.B - I currently go to a Catholic School, ranked 126 and I'm considering moving, not because I don't like my school or that it's a bad school, however I've heard it would be better to be at a selective school, because of scaling and the competiveness of the students. I was going to try out last year, but I didn’t because my parents said it wasn’t necessary and I did not want to sacrifice my accelerated maths program.


Thanks Guys!

I basically agree with everything that lyounamu (damn, I can't seem to remember your name ). Don't change high schools in Year 12, not worth it. Some say that it's not worth changing even in Year 11 and I can agree to some extent, selective schools are so much different from what you expect it to be - I changed to one this year.

Patrician Brothers isn't so bad by the way, I know some people who go there and they find it pretty good. Also, ignore scaling at the moment - just focus on your own studies. The only reason that I moved to a selective school is because I wanted be taught better and faster, which is kind of the case. The truth is however, is that you'll most likely get some good and some bad teachers. That said, once you get used to your new school, it really isn't that bad.

PS. You're really lucky not to have accepted your offer for NBHS lyounamu, very overrated in my opinion - particularly due to its selective nature.

 

[lyounamu]

PS. You're really lucky not to have accepted your offer for NBHS lyounamu, very overrated in my opinion - particularly due to its selective nature.

I know. I am glad to have stayed at my school.

 

[foram]

I know. I am glad to have stayed at my school.

i'm glad everybody thinks normanhurst boys is bad.

 

[lyounamu]

i'm glad everybody thinks normanhurst boys is bad.

It's not too bad. It was ranked 14th 3 years ago and around 23rd last year. It is just that I did not wish to mix with certain kids at that school.

 

[midifile]

If you are still unsure after reading everything on this post I would advice trying out anyway. Even if you get in you don't have to go, but at least you have the option.

Like everyone else has said, I think it would be better to stay where you are. Changing schools means that you will have a lot of extra pressures apart from the pressures of studying (ie, making new friends, adapting to school life etc). In year 12 you really want to be decreasing these pressures so you are not completely stressed out rather than increasing them.

But it would still be good for you to try out. When I changed schools in year 9, I tried out for selective schools and got in, but then ended up going to a private school which I was offered a scholarship to, and do not regret the decision at all. Yes, you do not have as much competition overall, but I find that there is still competition betwen the top few students at my school, even if the bottom end of the year is idiots. Even if you do not realise this now, in year 12 there is a lot of people who suddenly start working, and it does become a lot more competative. Plus, coming first or second in all your subjects in a non selective school will probably be more benefical than coming midway down the cohort in a selective school.

 

[the-derivative]

Patrician Brothers isn't so bad by the way, I know some people who go there and they find it pretty good.

Yeah, as I've said a few times, it's not that I'm not happy with my school, it's just I've been hearing what selective schools might be able to offer.
However by saying that, I am still very happy with my school, we're ranked 126, and Top 3 systematic catholic schools (meaning we don't pay excessive amounts) and I am proud to say I go to Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield and if I do try out, and fail to gain a position, I will not at all be disappointed or regret anything.



I'd like to thank everyone for their guidance! Especially, lyounamu, Continuum and midifile, for their very detailed and very helpful responses.

 

[lyounamu]

However by saying that, I am still very happy with my school, we're ranked 126, and Top 3 systematic catholic schools (meaning we don't pay excessive amounts)

At our school, we pay about $4000-5000 and scholarship people only pay $500. Can my school be called systematic catholic school?

I'd like to thank everyone for their guidance! Especially, lyounamu, Continuum and midifile, for their very detailed and very helpful responses.

You're welcome.

 

[Continuum]

At our school, we pay about $4000-5000 and scholarship people only pay $500. Can my school be called systematic catholic school?

Woah... those one scholarships get a really good deal. I should've applied for one in the earlier years and see how it went.

 

[the-derivative]

At our school, we pay about $4000-5000 and scholarship people only pay $500. Can my school be called systematic catholic school?

I'm going to try and make my answers detailed like your answers are =]

I'm basing this answer on my assumption on your profile that SPX is St. Pius X College, Chatswood. Your school is not systemic, it is independent (I checked on the website). This means that your school is owned and operated by a religious order - in your case - the Christian Brothers.

Therefore, the fees are generally higher because the school only gets a certain amount of government funding, however because your school is independent, it is allowed to choose who it accepts, and give scholarships to students it deems as academically gifted. So basically, to summarise, your school is like any other private school.

Let me explain what systemic catholic schools are. Systemic catholic schools are schools which are run, not by a religious order, but instead are under control by a 'Catholic Version' of the DET, called the Catholic Education Office. These schools, therefore have less control, and are run like public schools where the Education Office has the overall control.

The main difference is that systemic schools run like Public Schools. We get our teachers from the Catholic Education Office, our principal was appointed by the Catholic Education Office (however the Patrician brothers would still be given priority to provide their own principal and will have a say in the appointment of a principal).

Another difference is the funding. The Catholic Education Office collects all the government funding of each student and shares it around to all schools, as well as getting funds from the church - therefore each school would get enough funding, therefore we pay less (For K-10, it's less than 2K, for 11-12, I think it’s about 2.5K).

More Info: http://www.ceosyd.catholic.edu.au/cms/Jahia/pid/3330

Hope that explains everything.