Ignite and scholarship tests in SA, without the hype.

South Australia doesn't run a statewide selective high school exam like New South Wales or Victoria. What it has is a handful of separate routes, each with its own test and timeline. The two most families ask about are the Ignite gifted program in public high schools and academic scholarships at private schools.

Ignite, the public gifted program

Ignite is a program for gifted students that starts in Year 7. It runs at three public high schools: Aberfoyle Park High School, Glenunga International High School and The Heights School.^[1][2][3]

The test

These details come from the schools' published information.^[2][1] Check the current year's page before registering, because fees and dates change.

Two things are worth knowing. First, the February date means the test lands only a few weeks into Year 6, so most of the work behind it is Year 5 work. Second, an Ignite offer can bring a place at the school even if you live outside its zone; The Heights, for example, guarantees entry to students selected for Ignite.^[2]

Specialist academic programs

A few public high schools run their own small academic intakes. Adelaide Botanic High's STEM pathway for Year 7, for instance, offers up to about 20 places, with applications closing in February of Year 6.^[4] These programs are separate from Ignite and set their own selection steps.

Private-school scholarships

Many independent schools in Adelaide award academic scholarships, mostly for entry in Year 7, and some for earlier years. Many use ACER's scholarship tests. Prince Alfred College, for example, uses ACER's Level 1 test for Year 7 entry and a Primary test for Year 5 entry.^[5] Westminster School bases its academic scholarships on the ACER exam too.^[6]

Scholarship tests are usually sat in Year 6 for Year 7 entry, and each school sets its own registration dates. Some schools use other test providers, so check each one.

What these tests have in common

• Reading: longer, harder passages than most children meet at school.
• Maths reasoning: problem solving with Year 5 and 6 content, often in unfamiliar wording.
• Writing: a timed piece, judged on ideas and control as much as length.
• Abstract reasoning: patterns in shapes and sequences. It's the part school doesn't teach directly, and the Ignite test includes it.

How to prepare, honestly

• Make Year 5 maths solid. Fractions, decimals and multi-step problems come up again and again. Closing gaps beats doing more papers.
• Read every day, and talk about it. Asking "Why did she do that?" or "What's the writer trying to make you feel?" builds the comprehension these tests reward.
• Write to a clock a few times. A plan, a clear opening and a strong finish in limited time is a skill on its own.
• Try a little abstract reasoning. A handful of practice puzzles stops the format being a surprise. A lot more rarely helps.
• Think about fit. A gifted program suits children who love being stretched. Coaching a reluctant child in can make Year 7 harder, not easier.