Years 1 to 6 · Camperdown & Online

The academic habits that determine HSC outcomes are formed long before Year 11.
We start early. On purpose.

Whether your child needs targeted support, a confidence boost, or serious preparation for the OC or Selective School tests — we meet them where they are and take them further than they thought they could go.

General Academic Support — Years 1 to 6

Mathematics, English, and Science. Built on understanding, not memorisation.

Years 1–6

Mathematics

From number sense and place value in Years 1 and 2, through to fractions, decimals, and introductory algebra in Years 5 and 6. We build mathematical fluency at the pace each student needs — focusing on understanding the logic of Mathematics rather than memorising procedures. Students who understand why an operation works can apply it to problems they have never seen before.

Years 1–6

English

Reading comprehension, writing craft, grammar, and vocabulary — developed progressively across the primary years. For Years 1 and 2, we focus on decoding, fluency, and early writing. For Years 3 to 6, the emphasis shifts to analytical reading, structured writing, and precise expression. Students who develop a strong relationship with language in primary school arrive at high school with a durable advantage.

Years 1–6

Science

Primary Science is where curiosity either gets encouraged or quietly discouraged. We take it seriously. Working across the Living World, Physical World, Earth and Space, and Material World strands of the NSW curriculum, we teach Science as a way of thinking — asking questions, designing investigations, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Selective School Preparation

OC Test & Year 7 Selective School.
Strategic preparation. Early start.

We understand this pathway — because we teach the students at the other end of it.

Year 4 Students

OC Test Preparation

Approximately 12,000 to 13,000 students compete for around 1,840 OC places across NSW. The test is fully computer-based: Reading (30 min), Mathematical Reasoning (40 min), and Thinking Skills (30 min). No writing component.

We begin OC preparation ideally from Year 3 — giving sufficient time to develop the reasoning fluency and test-taking stamina the exam demands. Not just familiarity with question types, but the ability to think quickly and clearly under timed conditions.

Reading · Mathematical Reasoning · Thinking Skills

Year 6 Students

Year 7 Selective High School Test

In 2026, the test will be held from 1 to 3 May. Around 15,000 students compete for approximately 4,300 places — a 27% acceptance rate across the state, with significantly lower rates at the most sought-after schools.

The test assesses four areas of equal weighting: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills, and Writing. The Writing component is where well-prepared students most consistently differentiate themselves. We recommend beginning structured preparation in Term 3 or Term 4 of Year 5 at the latest.

Sydney Boys High · Sydney Girls High · James Ruse · All Selective Schools

A Fair Question

Why a PhD-qualified tutor for primary students?

The depth of subject knowledge a tutor brings to primary teaching directly affects the quality of explanation, the range of examples, and the ability to meet a student exactly where their misunderstanding begins. A tutor who truly understands Mathematics can explain place value six different ways until one lands. A tutor who understands Science can turn a child's natural curiosity into structured thinking.

We do not overload primary students — we calibrate carefully. But the depth is always there when it is needed.

Our Approach

Primary students are not small HSC students. We treat them accordingly.

We adjust our approach completely for younger learners — shorter focused segments, more varied activities, regular consolidation, and an environment where asking questions is always the right thing to do. Sessions at the Camperdown studio are relaxed and purposeful. For online students, we use digital tools that keep engagement high and distraction low.

Primary & Junior Secondary Specialist

Carol Ough

English · Mathematics · All Primary Curriculum Subjects

Bachelor of Education, University of London. Thirty years teaching in England and Hong Kong before arriving in Sydney in 2000. Carol brings an instinctive understanding of where a young learner's difficulty actually begins — and the patience to meet them there. She takes particular pride in turning reluctant learners into confident ones.

✓ Qualified Teacher  ·  ✓ 30+ Years Experience  ·  ✓ WWCC Cleared

Ready to begin?

15 minutes. No obligation. Just a conversation.

Tell us where your child is and where you'd like them to be. Invoice arrives after the first session — never before.