What courses are available?
Matrix offers OC Preparation courses for Year 3 and Year 4 students to help them prepare for the OC Placement Test, which students may sit when they are in Year 4, Term 2.
There are two sets of courses - one set of content-based courses which cover the different question types from the OC Test, and one set of exam practice courses. The two sets are complementary and students may take either or both, depending on their needs.
Content-based courses
There are six courses that go through the different question types used in the OC Test. These help students familiarise themselves with the content of the test and develop their reading, mathematical, and critical thinking skills. In order to prepare for the OC Test in time, it is recommended that students take the courses following the schedule below.
Course | Topic | Matrix Term* | School Term |
Foundations Module 1 | Reading & Thinking Skills | Year 3 Term 1 (October) | Year 2 Term 4
|
Foundations Module 2 | Mathematical Reasoning | Year 3 Term 2 (February) | Year 3 Term 1
|
Foundations Module 3 | Thinking Skills | Year 3 Term 3 (April) | Year 3 Term 2 |
Module 1 | Mathematical Reasoning Part 1 | Year 3 Term 4 (July) | Year 3 Term 3 |
Module 2 | Thinking Skills & Reading Skills | Year 4 Term 1 (October) | Year 3 Term 4 |
Module 3 | Mathematical Reasoning Part 2 | Year 4 Term 2 (February) | Year 4 Term 1 |
*Note that Matrix runs a term ahead of school.
Content-based course format
The OC Prep courses are offered as face-to-face courses and Matrix+ (online) courses. The course content is the same for both, so students can choose the delivery method that best suits them.
Face-to-face courses run during the school Term, over 9 lessons, each 1.5 hours in duration.
Online courses can be taken at any time.
Each course is divided into 3x3 lesson blocks. Each three lesson block focuses on one subset of topics for two lessons, and assesses the students’ understanding in the third lesson, so as to provide feedback.
Note: Course availability may vary slightly each year and term. Refer to the Matrix website or enrolment form for the most up to date information on courses and classes.
Exam practice courses
The exam practice courses offer students an opportunity to sit mock-OC exams under test conditions. Students receive feedback on their performance so as to identify areas that need improvement.
Exam practice course format
Mock OC exam courses are face-to-face courses that run during the school holidays, over four two-hour lessons where each day students undertake a mock test to get more comfortable under test conditions.
These courses are not available online.
Note: Course availability may vary slightly each year and term. Refer to the Matrix website or enrolment form for the most up to date information on courses and classes.
Additional help
Students may also wish to consider the syllabus-aligned Year 3 and Year 4 English and Maths courses to improve their foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
After the OC Test
After students complete the OC Test, they can continue their advanced studies by taking the Critical Thinking for Advanced Mathematics course, which runs in the Matrix Term 3 Term (April) (Year 4 Term 2 at school).
This course is aimed at helping students further develop their skills and prepare for the Selective Test preparation courses, which commence the following term.
Who are these courses for?
These courses are ideal for students who:
Want to prepare for the OC Placement Test
Are looking to better understand the test and focus their efforts.
Are looking for exam practice ahead of the test.