Now fully updated for the 2021 exam format – mathematical reasoning and thinking skills included!
Our results speak for themselves.
92% percent of our students gained successful entry to a selective school in 2018.
Our selective school preparation program: everything your child needs for the selective school exam.
A one-on-one preparation program that will give your child the best opportunity for their future.
The selective school test is really hard – which is why a comprehensive selective school program is absolutely crucial to succeed.
With a success rate of only 30%, even the most naturally gifted students need to take the time to prepare – and with many students starting to work with a tutor from as young as third grade this is only getting more and more competitive.
The Alchemy preparation program is designed to familiarise each student with the exam content, show them strategies to confront the most challenging questions and ultimately walk in to the exam with confidence that they know what they are about to face.
Because what we do is one-on-one, every program is unique. After the initial assessment, your tutor will know exactly what your child needs to focus on and build the program around these core skills – something you won’t find in a classroom environment.
We work with students of all ages – for those aiming to take the test in year 6 for year 7 entry and even those looking for later entry up to year 10. Lessons can take place at your home, in a local library or even online – and we work around your schedule to find a tutor that matches your busy week.
To give your child the best support in the selective school exam, get them started with an accredited Alchemy tutor.
Award-winning support that works around your schedule
In your home
Comfortability enhances learning and no where will be more comfortable for your child than at home! Your tutor will come to your home at a time that works for you – no fighting for parking or braving the after school traffic – and work one on one with your child, giving them the skills they need to find success in the selective school exam.
At a school or library
If the home isn’t ideal or there are too many siblings or distractions around, your tutor can meet you in your local library or school – as long as you can get permission from your principal or teacher. Sometimes being in a public space can increase focus and motivation. Drop them off at the library and go get the grocery shopping done for the week – what a win!
Online
For students in rural areas or who just cannot accomodate face to face sessions we can pair you up to one of our gold level tutors that can work in our custom built online classroom. Our online tutors are those that have completed at least 100 face to face lessons and are the best of the best – giving you unmatched expertise without leaving the house.
When you book, you simply let us know the best day and time for the lessons to be and we will organise a tutor to match. Easy and convenient!
About our program:
Now fully updated for the 2021 exam format – mathematical reasoning and thinking skills included!
Download our detailed prospectus here.
Our program will give each student the the skills and knowledge they need to walk in to the selective school exam with confidence.
Our program is all about familiarisation – familiarising the student with the question types and format of the exam. By identifying trends of questions and knowing what to expect, your child will know how to respond to the questions and when they donât, they will know how to choose the next best answer.
Please note that our selective school preparation program is designed for high performing students. If your child struggles at school, we would suggest you get in touch to organise an English or Maths tutor first. Foundational skills are not the focus of the selective school preparation program – it is all about the test and each lesson will centre on the test.
In the first session your tutor will assess your childâs current abilities and identify their strengths and weaknesses. From there, they will design the program around their unique needs ensuring adequate time is given to each core skill.
All components of the test will be covered; reading, writing, mathematics and general ability. Homework will be assigned (if appropriate) and progress will be tracked every 10 weeks.
We use all our own materials that we have developed over more than a decade of supporting students.
Please view our prospectus for further information and a sample 10 week program.
An investment into your child’s future
At Alchemy we give you complete freedom. Unlike coaching colleges, there are no contracts, prepayments or penalties for missed lessons.
We simply charge your debit or credit card 24 hours after each lesson occurs. No paperwork, joining fees or payment processing fees.
Whilst most students do one hour per week, we can work around what you need. Left things a bit late and only have a few months until the exam? We can organise a tutor who can do 2 or 3 lessons a week up until the exam. Just getting started on the journey in 3rd of 4th grade? Weekly lessons should be plenty.
Whilst we give you flexibility, we strongly encourage regular weekly lessons. Consistency is so important and missing just a few weeks can really get in the way of progress. Holiday lessons are optional, but in most cases your tutor will happily continue through to ensure we keep moving forward week after week.
We offer discounts for prepaid packages of 10 or 20 lessons. Please visit our pricing page for details and pricing in your suburb.
Frequently asked questions