2024 - Alpha One’s Year in Review
What an exciting and transformative year 2024 has been for Alpha One and our wonderful community of students, parents, and staff! From new milestones to exciting changes, we’ve had so much to celebrate. Let’s take a look back at what made this year special.
Student Achievements
Our students achieved outstanding results once again in 2024. For the Selective Test, 81.4% of students received offers or reserve placements and we had more than 600 subjects rank in the top 10%, showing the effort and dedication of our students and their families.
For our OC students, the results were equally impressive. Over 100 students received offers or reserves, and 242 subjects were in the top 10%. These achievements highlight the strong partnership between students, parents, and tutors.
New Branches and Expanded Facilities
2024 has been a year of growth for Alpha One! We opened a new branch in Tallawong Village, led by our experienced directors, Lesley Zhang and Neya Girithar, making it even easier for families in the area to access our services. We also expanded our Bella Vista branch, adding more space to accommodate the growing number of students joining our community.
Key Changes in Selective Testing
This year saw important updates to the Selective Test format, with equal weightings of 25% introduced for Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing. Writing’s weighting increased from 15% to 25%, while Thinking Skills decreased from 35% to 25%. At Alpha One, we stayed ahead of the curve, updating our test calculators and reports to reflect these changes and ensure students remained confident and prepared.
Transition to Digital Testing
2024 also marked the transition to digital testing for both OC and Selective placement exams, which are now computer-based and scheduled over multiple days. The 2025 OC and Selective Tests are set to take place from May 2-4 2025 at external test centers. To help students adjust to this format, we introduced digital trial test courses, providing each student with a device for practice and review, allowing them to adjust to this new test environment.
New Tools to Support Learning
During 2024, Alpha One also launched several exciting resources to enrich the learning experience for our students. These include:
AI Writing Feedback Tool: Our newly developed AI tool provides instant, detailed feedback on student writing, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This free tool has already transformed how our students refine their writing skills.
Online Selective Test Papers: To support our Year 5 students, we introduced online Selective Trial Test packs, complete with timed exams, instant results, and detailed worked solutions. These resources allow students to practice effectively from home.
Updated OC/Selective Calculator: Our refreshed calculator includes the latest 2024 school rankings and a user-friendly design, making it easier for students and parents to monitor progress.
Live Sessions on YouTube
Alpha One hosted three live sessions on YouTube in 2024, focusing on key topics like choosing the right OC/Selective school, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing effectively for exams. These sessions run by our director, manager and academic advisor reached thousands of parents and provided practical advice to help them support their children’s success. Our lives had extensive Q&A sessions and were a wonderful way to connect with our community and share valuable insights.
Community Engagement
Alpha One’s involvement in community events continued to grow. This year, we participated in the Burwood Lunar New Year Carnival and the Granny Smith Festival. These events were a great opportunity to meet families, answer questions, and share information about our courses. A big thank you to everyone who came to visit and support our stand.
Making a Difference Through Community Engagement
In September, Alpha One proudly took part in the TCS Sydney Marathon to support the Children’s Cancer Institute, a charity dedicated to advancing research and treatment for childhood cancer.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and the dedication of our runners, we raised $1,822 toward this important cause. We’re grateful for everyone who joined, donated, and cheered us on throughout this journey.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
2024 has been a year of positive change and growth at Alpha One. We’re incredibly thankful to all the parents and students who have supported us along the way. Your trust and recommendations mean so much to us.
As we look forward to 2025, we’re excited to continue helping our students achieve their goals and grow their confidence. Thank you for being part of this journey with us – here’s to another great year ahead!
