Scholarship and entrance exams are comprised of Ability tests and Achievement tests.

Please note that John Monash Science School (JMSS), and Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences (EBS), have different styles of entrance examinations.
Please read the statements from both schools, at the bottom of this page.

 

The Ability tests

Ability tests are designed to measure a child's ability to think, reason and solve problems, without necessarily relying on prior knowledge. Ability generally predicts how quickly a child will be able to learn and the level of complexity that they can comfortably deal with.

1.	Verbal Reasoning	30 minutes long Multiple choice format
	Measures the ability to think and reason using words and language. This includes vocabulary, word relationships, classification and deduction.

 

2.	Numerical Reasoning	30 minutes long Multiple choice format
	Measures the ability to think and reason using numbers. This includes series, matrices, arithmetical reasoning and deduction.

 

The Achievement tests

Achievement tests are designed to measure actual achievement or performance in some key academic areas. Achievement scores are influenced by a child's ability, as well as the application and practise of knowledge that has been learned.
 

3.	Reading Comprehension	30 minutes long Multiple choice format
	Measures the capacity to read and interpret meaning from written passages, as well as correct, complete and punctuate sentences.

 

4.	Mathematics	30 minutes long Multiple choice format
	Measures year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge, including items tapping numbers, measurement, algebra, space and data.

 

5.	Written Expression	15 minutes long
	This is a writing test that assesses the ability to convey ideas clearly in written form.  Any of the following modes of writing may be assessed: creative, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, expository or informative. Students will be assessed on a range of criteria, including: Relevance to the topic, accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, proper sentence structure and paragraphing.

Please note:

Careful reading of and listening to instructions is a very important part of the test taking process.  Should a student discover, after the testing has been completed, that they have lost their place, or got their answers on the multiple choice answer sheet/s out of order, Edutest is not able to manually score the test or adjust the position of answers.

NOTE: Calculators, dictionaries, working out paper, mobile phones, rulers and digital watches, mobile phones and watches that are capable of storing, receiving or transmitting information or electronic signals such as smart watches and fitness trackers are not permitted in the examination room.    

Results

Results are categorised, based on a comparison to results returned by thousands of other students in the same year level across Australia.  These results reflect your child's performance on that particular testing occasion only and are not necessarily prescriptive.  Please remember that more than half of the students who take these test will get scores on any one test in the 'average' or 'normal' range.  Around one quarter of students will get scores higher than the average range and around one quarter will score lower than the average range.  Keep in mind results can vary from one time to another - they can be affected by things such as fatigue, limited test-taking experience and anxiety, and it is possible a test result may be an under-estimate of a child's true abilities or achievements in a particular area.

Results are categorised into two sections: Ability and Achievement.  The Abilities tests (Verbal Reasoning and Numeral Reasoning) estimate a child's potential to learn, and apply reason and logic.  The Achievement tests (Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and Written Expression) give an indication of what has been learned and execution of learned skills.

John Monash Science School (JMSS)

Statement on Entry Tests

John Monash Science School has received a number of enquiries about the format and content of the tests which will be administered by Edutest to determine entry to the school. In response to these requests, the following statement has been prepared. Please note that to ensure that integrity of the testing process, and equity for all applicants, no further information about the tests will be provided prior to the administration of the tests.

John Monash Science School is a specialist school which focuses on science, mathematics and associated technologies. The students who will benefit most from attending the school will be proficient in mathematics, be able to express themselves clearly in English, to apply scientific reasoning to problems and to think logically and coherently.

Therefore, there will be tests assessing the following:
• Academic potential
• Literacy
• Scientific aptitude
• Mathematics and numeracy
Some practice material is available on the Edutest website.
In relation to the test(s) of scientific reasoning, JMSS and Edutest, are not supplying any specific details of the format or content. JMSS does not want students to rote learn previously prepared responses, and therefore will change the format of tests regularly to ensure that the process is fair to all applicants.

What we have found, as a result of the tests, is that those who are successful are curious about science, interested in the world around them and well grounded in Mathematics and English, and although these are not specific criteria for entry, they expect that this will also be true of those offered places for the coming year.

We hope that there is a wide range of applicants for places at the school, and we wish you every success in the tests.

Peter Corkill (Principal)
Andrew Chisholm (Assistant Principal)
Jeremy Mackinnon (Assistant Principal)
 

 

Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences (EBS)

Statement on Entry Testing

As the Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences has a focus on Mathematics and the Sciences, the testing will be designed to select students that are passionate and proficient in these areas, as well as demonstrating a high level of literacy.

The testing will be designed to assess the following:

• Academic Potential
• Literacy
• Scientific aptitude
• Mathematical aptitude

Practice material is available from the Edutest website that covers most of these areas.

As with other Science schools that Edutest provides the testing service for; no specific details will be given about the format or content of the Scientific aptitude test to prevent rote learning from occurring. This will ensure that the process is fair to all applicants.

We encourage all Year 10 students that have a passion and aptitude for Mathematics and the Sciences to apply.


Ciar Foster (Principal)
Gaby Fejes (Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences Coordinator)