The Must-Know Changes in the 2025 Selective Writing Marking Scheme!

Summary

The video explains the 2025 changes to the NSW Selective Exam writing assessment, now worth 25% of the total score, split into Set A (15 marks) for content, structure, and style, and Set B (10 marks) for sentences, punctuation, and spelling. It highlights the importance of original, cohesive responses, online typing practice, and well-rounded skills for student success. The marking process involves double-marking by expert teachers and senior reviewer oversight to reduce subjectivity. The video also addresses gender balance, AI usage, and preparation tips, including the free Selective 2025 Horizon program, emphasizing practical strategies to maximize marks and excel in the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The NSW Selective Schools writing assessment in 2025 is now worth 25% of the overall exam score, a significant increase from previous years.
• 📚 The writing assessment is divided into two sets: Set A (15 marks) and Set B (10 marks), focusing on different aspects of writing.
• ✍️ Set A criteria assess content, form, structure, organization, vocabulary, style, and level of formality.
• 📝 Set B focuses on spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure, linked to assessment objectives (AOS 5 and 6).
• 🎯 Set A requires originality in writing, avoiding memorized responses or previously used stories, to score well.
• 📊 Writing is now an essential component for achieving a balanced skill set, which is required for top selective school entry.
• 💻 The exam is now conducted online, emphasizing the importance of typing skills for students preparing for the writing portion.
• ⚖️ The new structure aims to address gender imbalances in selective school admissions, as females tend to perform better in English-based assessments.
• 🔎 AI usage in student writing isWriting assessment takeaways being actively monitored, with AI detection implemented to ensure originality in responses.
• 👨‍🏫 Writing assessments are marked by two expert teachers, with a senior reviewer stepping in if there is a large discrepancy in the marks assigned by the initial markers.
• 📅 The Horizon program offers free preparation for the selective exam, providing weekly practice tests and feedback to help students prepare effectively.

Q & A

What is the total mark allocation for the writing component of the 2025 NSW Selective Exam?

The writing component is worth a total of 25 marks, with Set A contributing 15 marks and Set B contributing 10 marks.

What are the main focuses of Set A in the writing assessment?

Set A focuses on content, form, structure, organization, vocabulary, style, and level of formality. It emphasizes originality, coherence, paragraphing, and the use of cohesive devices.

Which assessment objectives (AOS) are linked to Set B?

Set B is linked to AOS 5 and 6, which focus on sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling.

Why has the weighting of the writing component increased over the years?

The weighting increased to 25% to address gender imbalance, ensure balanced skill development, and encourage students to focus on writing alongside mathematics and general ability.

How does typing proficiency affect student performance in the 2025 exam?

Since the exam is online, students who practice typing can write more words, articulate more detail, and perform better than those who lack typing practice.

What measures are in place to prevent the use of AI in the Horizon program?

Students’ writing is analyzed for AI use, and any detected AI-generated content is not allowed. This ensures students learn and practice their own skills.

How is the writing marked to ensure fairness and consistency?

Each writing response is double-marked by two expert teachers. The average score is used, and if there is a large discrepancy, a senior reviewer intervenes to determine the final mark.

What strategies can students use to maximize marks in Set A?

Students should provide original content, organize ideas coherently, use appropriate paragraphing, include a range of vocabulary, and maintain the appropriate level of formality according to the text type.

Why is writing now equally important compared to other exam components?

With all exams now worth 25% each, writing is emphasized to identify well-rounded students who perform well across all areas, rather than only excelling in mathematics or general ability.

What is the purpose of the Selective 2025 Horizon Program?

The program is a free 10-week preparation course where students complete all four selective exam components, receive immediate scores, and practice online typing to improve writing skills for the May exam.

How does originality in responses impact scoring in Set A?

Original responses that meet the question requirements and follow text type conventions score higher, while memorized or generic stories that lack originality may result in lower marks.

What should students without easy access to computers do to prepare?

They should try to gain typing practice using available resources, as lack of access may limit their ability to articulate detailed responses in the online exam format.