Background
Opportunity “OC” classes have a long history in NSW dating back to 1932. The classes were established to bring together a cohort of high potential and gifted (HPG) students from different primary schools for the purpose of delivering a differentiated curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of HPG students. Research has shown that when HPG students are grouped together and the curriculum is appropriately differentiated for their needs, learning progress and achievement for these students can be significant.
Students in OC classes are selected based on their ability in the intellectual domain. OC students often display high potential in the other domains (creative, social-emotional, and physical). As such, while the primary focus of the OC program is academic, students are also offered talent development opportunities across all domains of potential.
Neutral Bay Public School hosts two Opportunity Classes - one in Year 5 and one in Year 6. Each class has 30 students. Our aim is to provide students with a diverse and rich range of learning experiences aimed at helping them reach their full potential. In this stimulating learning environment, students are encouraged to excel in all aspects of academic, social, sporting and artistic endeavour. They develop positive relationships with like-minded peers and learn alongside others of similar ability.
Applications are submitted online when the student is in Year 4. Please click the link for further information regarding key dates in the application process.
For information on the selection procedures and dates for this year's exam, please contact the High Performing Students Unit.
- Postal Address: Locked Bag 53, Darlinghurst NSW 1300
- Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au
- Phone: 1300 880 367
- Website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes
Resources:
- See a list of NSW primary schools with opportunity classes
- Go to the map of opportunity classes to find a school nearby
Opportunity Class Placement
Offers for opportunity class placement will be made on the basis of the opportunity class placement test, school assessment and other evidence of academic merit. This process is administered centrally by the High Performance Unit of the Department of Education.
Neutral Bay Public School is not involved in the selection of students for the Opportunity Class program, nor are students currently enrolled in mainstream classes at Neutral Bay Public School advantaged in any way in the selection process.
Following an offer of a position in the Opportunity Class program at Neutral Bay Public School, parents and carers will be invited to visit the school. Many OC students tell us that they experience a connection with like-minded students in an OC class and that this creates a sense of belonging, which can be a transformational educational experience for HPG students.
Opportunity Class Program at Neutral Bay
At Neutral Bay, students are afforded the opportunity to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding in a range of individual and group activities and projects. Lessons may include:
- Individualised work through the use of contracts or modules, independent research or online learning.
- Flexible grouping options, so that students can proceed through the curriculum at their own pace.
- Open-ended questions, activities and assignments
- Higher-order thinking skills and opportunities for creative problem solving
- Investigation of real world problems and issues
All students enter the Opportunity Class with different strengths and areas of relative weakness. Our classroom program provides support for students where needed, at the same time permitting students to be involved in enrichment and extension activities in areas of mastery.
Beyond the classroom, students have a breadth of opportunity open to them through the extension programs offered. Competitions, challenges, workshops, camps, performance showcases and training are offered.
Students in the Opportunity Class participate fully in the life of our school here at Neutral Bay. This includes whole school programs such as peer support, buddy classes, extra-curricular activities, assemblies, sport and creative arts.
What are opportunity classes, you ask?
