District Opportunity Class

Learn about the Mudgee District Opportunity Class and how apply for entry. Opportunity classes are for high potential and gifted students in Year 5 and 6. Parents apply when students are at the end Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4 for placement in Year 5. It is a 2-year program (Year 5 to 6). Parents cannot apply for Year 6 placement only.

Visit Selective high schools and opportunity classes for further information.

How does teaching and learning differ in the OC compared to mainstream classes?

Students in the OC at CVPS have faster acquisition of new information and as a result, require less repetition, and more in depth dives into curriculum content. The learning opportunities are driven by formative assessment to gauge entry points of students and learning sequences are devised to meet the needs of high potential and gifted learners.
The class motto is "making mistakes means we are learning" as every student is challenged at their point of need and it takes courage to embrace new learning challenges.
Differentiation is a deliberate adjustment to meet the specific learning needs of high potential and gifted students, and is used regularly in the OC setting. Adjustments made are:

• content (what is being taught)
• the learning process (how the instruction is delivered)
• product (the evidence of student learning)
• the learning environment.

Ready to apply?

If you are confident to start your application.

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How to apply for entry into our opportunity class

Unlike NSW public schools, there are no intake areas for opportunity classes. Enrolment is by application only. You can apply to up to 4 schools.

Apply online

Steps:

1. View the current  Application Guide
2. Visit Selective high school and opportunity class placement
3. Register to start your application.
4. Verify your email address
5. Log in
6. Complete all sections of the application form
7. Submit the application form
8. Student sits the placement test
9. Family is advised of the outcome.

You must submit a separate application form for each school and list the schools in the same order of preference.

Late applications

The application period cannot be extended. Make sure you submit your application before the closing date. For more information, check key dates.

"The OC class at CVPS was an immensely positive experience for my son and is already proving the same for my daughter who entered the program this year. My daughter comes home every day excited about the new things she’s learnt including complex learning strategies and writing techniques. More important than the academic extension though, the specialised teaching approach addresses the barriers that can prevent talented students from reaching their full potential. Before entering the OC class my son would avoid new activities for fear of failure or embarrassment and my daughter was easily frustrated and would give up on a task if it proved challenging. In the OC class at CVPS my son learnt (and my daughter is already learning) to embrace new challenges instead of fearing the unknown; to focus on improvement rather than results as a measure of success; and to see mistakes not as failures, but as part of the process of acquiring skill and knowledge. This experience has transformed my son’s emotional intelligence, resilience and self-confidence, and I’m excited to watch my daughter’s growth over the next 18 months!"
- Cheryl, Parent of OC students in 2021-2022 and 2024 - 2025.

How are students placed in an opportunity class or selective high school?

Places are offered to students based on their performance on the free placement test.

Research has shown that some groups of high potential and intellectually gifted students experience barriers to entry into opportunity classes. The  Equity Placement Model  is designed to make entry fairer for these students by holding a percentage of places for high potential and gifted students:

·        from low socio educational advantage backgrounds

·        who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

·        from rural and remote areas

·        with disability

How should my child prepare for the placement tests?

Students may like to do some preparation for the placement test. Practise can help students feel confident and prepared. The department of education provides free resources so they know what to expect on test day.

Applying for an opportunity class: Student resource hub

Should you consider applying to the OC?

High potential and gifted students can be found across diverse family, socio-economic, language, cultural backgrounds and geographic locations.

Your child may have high academic potential if they demonstrate some of the following:

·        enjoy learning

·        have intense curiosity

·        display a good memory

·        ask complex questions

·        enjoy learning new and often complex ideas or skills

·        require fewer repetitions when learning new things

·        are creative

·        become intensely focused in their area/s of interest

Note: Not all high potential and gifted students will display all of these characteristics, for example, due to disability, disadvantage or lack of opportunity.

Learn more about the department’s  High Potential and Gifted Education Policy.

If you require more information or are would like to discuss whether your child should apply, contact us to get in touch with the current OC teacher.

Does your child need extra support?

Our learning and support team is here to help. Visit Additional learning support before you complete the enrolment form to learn how we can best support your child.

Learn more