--- title: "Victorian Selective Entry Exam Maths Practice | Year 8" description: "Victorian selective entry exam maths: the 60-minute Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning test in Year 8, ACER's own advice, and unit-analysis practice." canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/victorian-selective-entry-exam-maths-practice source: src/pages/victorian-selective-entry-exam-maths-practice.html --- > Victorian selective entry exam maths: the 60-minute Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning test in Year 8, ACER's own advice, and unit-analysis practice. In short The Victorian selective entry high schools exam is sat by Year 8 students seeking a Year 9 place. Its first test, Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning, lasts 60 minutes and is answered in a paper booklet; calculators are not permitted. The Victorian Government says required knowledge will not exceed the Year 8 curriculum. ACER runs the exam and says there is no need to practise or revise. Maths worth having ## Three courses for strong Years 7 and 8 students Chosen for rates, ratio and reasoning, which matter in Year 9 regardless of school. [![Middle School Mathematics Mastery course thumbnail](/images/middle-school-maths.webp) VSE / 01 Years 7 to 9 maths Rates, ratio, algebra, measurement and geometry, taught with reasons. Open the syllabus →](/courses/comprehensive-middle-school-mathematics-mastery)[![Algebra Foundations course thumbnail](/images/algebra-foundations.webp) VSE / 02 Algebra foundations Expressions and equations as tools for reasoning. Open the syllabus →](/courses/algebra-foundations-masterclass)[![Maths Olympiad & Competition Course course thumbnail](/images/olympiad-competition-maths.webp) VSE / 03 Competition maths Unfamiliar problems for students who enjoy a challenge. Open the syllabus →](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) The exam, from ACER and the government ## Sixty minutes of maths and quantitative reasoning Read at selectiveentry.acer.org and vic.gov.au on 7 October 2026. | Part | Time | | --- | --- | | Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning | 60 minutes | | Break | 20 minutes | | Reading and Verbal Reasoning | 55 minutes | | Short break | 5 minutes | | Writing (two tasks) | 40 minutes | | Exam tasks in total | 2 hours 35 minutes, about 4 hours with registration and breaks | ACER describes the two halves of the first test separately. Mathematics "assesses year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge and reasoning, as well as the application of Mathematics to real-world contexts". Quantitative Reasoning "assesses the ability to think and reason using numbers, patterns, and shapes, in both abstract and real-world contexts." The Victorian Government adds that "The required knowledge in any section will not exceed that found in the Year 8 curriculum." The four schools are Nossal High School in Berwick and Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee, both co-educational, The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School in Melbourne and Melbourne High School in South Yarra. The government says approximately 1,000 Year 9 places are available across them each year. For Year 9 entry in 2027, ACER's dates were: applications from Monday 2 March 2026, closing Friday 24 April 2026, and the exam on Saturday 20 June 2026. Sources: [ACER, Prepare: exam format](https://selectiveentry.acer.org/vic/prepare); [ACER, Victorian Selective Entry High Schools](https://selectiveentry.acer.org/vic); [vic.gov.au, Selective entry high schools](https://www.vic.gov.au/selective-entry-high-schools). Checked on 7 October 2026. We have no link with ACER or the Department. What ACER says about preparing ## No need to practise or revise, in ACER's words This is the most useful paragraph on the page for any family considering paid help. From ACER's Prepare page "There is no need for your child to practice or revise for the exam." ACER offers a set of sample questions so children can see the style and format, and notes that they are not necessarily reflective of the exam's difficulty. ACER also sets expectations honestly: "It is not unusual for candidates to only answer half the questions correctly and many do not finish." The exam is designed to identify high-ability students, so not finishing is normal, not a failure. Its tips for parents are about calm: a good night's sleep, no unnecessary pressure, and realistic expectations. There is a further point families should know. ACER's exam rules list, among examples of misconduct, discussing exam content with tutoring companies, coaching colleges or other candidates. Any honest teacher will refuse to collect or share exam questions, and so do we. Our classes teach the Years 7 and 8 mathematics a strong student benefits from anyway: rates, ratio, algebra and problem solving. We are not exam coaching, and we will say so in the free trial. Sources: [ACER, Prepare](https://selectiveentry.acer.org/vic/prepare); [ACER, Exam day: rules and misconduct](https://selectiveentry.acer.org/vic/exam-day). Checked on 7 October 2026. Problems we wrote ## Unit analysis: let the units cancel Write every quantity with its unit, and treat units like numbers that can be multiplied and divided. When the unwanted units cancel and the wanted one remains, the calculation is set up correctly. ### Rates are fractions 12 litres per minute is 12 L over 1 min. Written as a fraction, it can be multiplied or flipped like any other. ### Cancel what you do not want To find minutes from litres, divide litres by litres per minute. The litres cancel and minutes are left. ### Convert by multiplying by one 1,000 m over 1 km equals one, so multiplying by it changes the unit without changing the amount. | Problem | Set-up with units | Answer | | --- | --- | --- | | A tap fills a tank at 12 litres per minute. How long to fill 300 litres? | 300 L divided by (12 L per min): litres cancel | 25 minutes | | A car uses 7 litres per 100 km. How many litres for 350 km? | 350 km times (7 L per 100 km): kilometres cancel | 24.5 litres | | Convert 72 km per hour into metres per second. | 72 km per h times (1,000 m per km) times (1 h per 3,600 s) | 20 metres per second | | A printer prints 18 pages per minute. How many pages in 2.5 hours? | 2.5 h times (60 min per h) times (18 pages per min) | 2,700 pages | | Walking at 5 km per hour, how many minutes to walk 1.5 km? | 1.5 km divided by (5 km per h) gives 0.3 h; times 60 min per h | 18 minutes | | A recipe uses 250 g of rice for 2 serves. How much rice for 7 serves? | 7 serves times (250 g per 2 serves) | 875 grams | The third problem is the one students most often get wrong by guessing whether to multiply or divide by 3.6. With units written in, there is nothing to guess: kilometres must cancel, so the 1,000 metres per kilometre goes on top; hours must cancel, so the 1 hour per 3,600 seconds goes on top as well. The arithmetic then reduces to 72,000 divided by 3,600, which is 20. The walking problem shows a second advantage. Dividing 1.5 kilometres by 5 kilometres per hour leaves hours, because kilometres cancel; the answer 0.3 is therefore 0.3 of an hour, not 0.3 of anything else. Students who drop units often write 0.3 minutes or stop at 0.3 altogether. Keeping the unit forces the last conversion, 0.3 hours times 60 minutes per hour, which gives 18 minutes. The same discipline protects every multi-step rate question in Years 7 and 8, from fuel use to flow rates to speed. Unit analysis also works as a check in a multiple-choice test. If an option is in the wrong unit, or would need the units to multiply into something meaningless such as litres times minutes, it can be ruled out before any calculation. A paper exam ## Shading answers in a booklet Unlike the computer-based tests in some other states, Victoria's exam is answered on paper. ### What ACER describes Candidates record every answer in the supplied answer booklet. For multiple-choice questions they shade in their answer, following the instructions so machine scanners can read it. Before the exam begins, the administrator goes through practice examples of how to use the booklet, and students may ask questions if unsure of a task. ### Habits worth building Work out on paper, then shade carefully. A misaligned row of answers costs more than any hard question. Move on from a question that is taking too long; ACER says many candidates do not finish. Write units next to numbers in working, so a rushed calculation still carries its own check. ACER publishes a set of sample questions for families to download. They are there to show the style and layout of the exam rather than its difficulty, and a single calm look at them, with the answer booklet procedure explained, is all most Year 8 students need before the day. Quantitative reasoning ## Four rungs across Years 7 and 8 Strong students usually climb these through ordinary, good maths teaching. | Rung | The student can | Secure when | | --- | --- | --- | | 1. Rates as fractions | Write a rate such as 12 L per minute as a fraction | Sets up the tank problem without guessing | | 2. Single conversions | Multiply by a fraction equal to one | Converts 2.5 hours to minutes in one line | | 3. Chained conversions | Link two or three conversions | Converts km per hour to m per second confidently | | 4. Checking by units | Rule out answers with impossible units | Explains why litres times minutes cannot be an answer | ### Keep it in proportion ACER asks parents not to place unnecessary pressure on children and to keep expectations realistic. We agree. One or two lessons a week of genuinely interesting maths is plenty for a Year 8 student. ### Related Victorian pages For Melbourne families interested in AI and coding, see [vibe coding and AI agents in Melbourne](/vibe-coding-and-ai-agents-classes-in-melbourne). NAPLAN for Years 7 and 9 is covered on [NAPLAN Year 7 numeracy](/naplan-year-7-numeracy-practice). Courses for Years 7 and 8 ## Maths courses for capable middle-years students Grouped by focus. Each card opens a full syllabus. I ### Core Rates, ratio, algebra VSE / C / 01 #### Middle years maths The Years 7 to 9 curriculum in depth. [Open the syllabus](/courses/comprehensive-middle-school-mathematics-mastery) VSE / C / 02 #### Algebra foundations Equations for real problems. [Open the syllabus](/courses/algebra-foundations-masterclass) VSE / C / 03 #### Statistics and probability Data and chance with reasoning. [Open the syllabus](/courses/statistics-probability-maths-course)II ### Reasoning Unfamiliar problems VSE / R / 01 #### Competition maths Problems that reward clear thinking. [Open the syllabus](/courses/olympiad-competition-mathematics-mastery) VSE / R / 02 #### Problem solving Patterns and logical steps. [Open the syllabus](/courses/problem-solving-and-computational-thinking-for-kids) VSE / R / 03 #### Maths through coding Rates and patterns modelled in code. [Open the syllabus](/courses/maths-through-coding)III ### Ahead For students ready for more VSE / A / 01 #### High school maths Years 9 and 10 content. [Open the syllabus](/courses/complete-high-school-mathematics-mastery) VSE / A / 02 #### Mental maths Accurate calculation without a device. [Open the syllabus](/courses/mental-maths-mastery-kids) VSE / A / 03 #### Vedic maths Quick methods with checks. [Open the syllabus](/courses/vedic-maths-course-speed-calculation-mastery) How our lessons run ## Live classes for Victorian students Our teachers are based in India, which is behind Melbourne. During daylight saving a 5 pm Melbourne class starts at 11.30 am India time, so after-school times are easy to keep. Weekday evening After school and sport, for most Year 8 students. Weekend For families with busy weeknights. Holidays Short blocks on rates or algebra. ### Units in every line Students write units beside numbers until it becomes automatic. ### Reasons out loud Each answer comes with an explanation of the set-up. ### Fifteen to twenty per class Students grouped by current level. ### One-to-one option For a student wanting focused help. ### Never exam content We do not collect or share exam questions, in line with ACER's rules. ### No selection promises Offers are made through ACER's process; we make no claims about them. Student work ## Student work Things our learners built for the joy of it. See the [student labs](/student-labs). ![NutriLife AI nutrition coach project screenshot](/images/projects/nutrilife.webp) AI and ML #### NutriLife An AI nutrition coach that reads what you eat and works you toward a target. by Bhavya · [Open it](https://nutrilife-bhavya.lovable.app) ![Misti AI chatbot for maths and coding screenshot](/images/projects/misti.webp) AI and ML #### Misti A chatbot that answers mathematics and programming questions, built and deployed by a student. by Harshit · [Open it](https://misti.modernagecoders.com) ![GuardianX AI internet safety assistant screenshot](/images/projects/guardianx.webp) AI and ML #### GuardianX An assistant that helps a young person recognise unsafe situations online. by Vivaan · [Open it](https://guardianx-cybersaver.lovable.app) ![SkyCast weather forecast application screenshot](/images/projects/skycast.webp) Web app #### SkyCast A weather forecasting site with live conditions for any location. by Krish Fees ## Fees Victorian families are billed monthly in US dollars, our single rate outside India. Nothing up front, and you can stop after any month. Free first class USD 0 no card required - A full trial lesson - Straight advice about whether classes would help - No card details Book it Group batch USD 100 a month, billed in US dollars - Fifteen to twenty students at one level - A regular teacher - Reasoned feedback - Certificate on completion Start here One to one USD 150 a month, billed in US dollars - A teacher for one student - Work on chosen topics - Flexible times Enquire What families say ## Rated 4.9 across 547 Google reviews Parent reviews from Google, reproduced exactly. ★★★★★ "The one step solution for my son. Modern Age Coders make learning coding so simple that kids love it. The teachers explain complex concepts clearly with practical exercises and interactive content." Ria Mukherjee Parent ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders has been a game-changer for me. I struggled to grasp IT concepts and coding before joining, but their classes transformed everything. I can now confidently write complex programs with ease." Samriddha Mondal Student ★★★★★ "One of the most wonderful education centres out there. Education is not limited to school syllabus but focuses on skill development." Vansh Agarwal Student ★★★★★ "My child Dhairya is really enjoying the Modern Age Coders classes. This is his first online class and he eagerly looks forward to it. I can already see his improvement, and the teachers are very cooperative." Sonam Oswal Parent of Dhairya ★★★★★ "Modern Age Coders have wonderful teachers who teach in a clear, easy and practical way. The teacher boosts students' confidence and inspires them to learn without hesitation." Sonu Goyal Parent ★★★★★ "I highly recommend this computer coding class! The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about coding." Ritu Kedia Parent Questions about the selective entry exam ## Victorian families ask us ### How long is the maths test in the Victorian selective entry exam? ACER lists Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning as 60 minutes, the first test of the exam. ### Is the Victorian selective exam on paper? Yes. Candidates record answers in a supplied answer booklet and shade multiple-choice answers so scanners can read them. ### Can students use a calculator? No. ACER lists calculators among items candidates are not permitted to bring into the venue. ### What maths is in the exam? The Victorian Government says required knowledge in any section will not exceed the Year 8 curriculum. ACER says Mathematics tests year-level knowledge and reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning tests reasoning with numbers, patterns and shapes. ### Does my child need to practise? ACER says there is no need for a child to practise or revise for the exam, and offers sample questions to show the style and format. ### Is it normal not to finish? Yes. ACER says it is not unusual for candidates to answer only half the questions correctly and that many do not finish. ### What is unit analysis? Writing units beside every quantity and multiplying or dividing them like numbers, so unwanted units cancel and the answer appears in the unit you need. ### When is the exam? For Year 9 entry in 2027 it was held on Saturday 20 June 2026. ACER publishes dates for each year on its Victorian selective entry site. ### Can you advise on school choice or offers? No. We give no admissions, selection or school-choice advice. ### What time would lessons be? We agree a weekly time after the free trial. During daylight saving Melbourne is five and a half hours ahead of India time. Related pages ## More for Victorian students Coding, NAPLAN and senior maths. ### [Vibe coding and AI agents in Melbourne](/vibe-coding-and-ai-agents-classes-in-melbourne) AI-era coding for teens and adults. ### [NAPLAN Year 7 numeracy](/naplan-year-7-numeracy-practice) Proportion and the calculator split. ### [NAPLAN Year 9 numeracy](/naplan-year-9-numeracy-practice) Algebra checked by substitution. ### [Maths tutoring in Australia](/online-maths-tutoring-australia) Live lessons for all years. ### [Competitions calendar](/australian-coding-maths-and-ai-competitions-calendar) Contests for strong students. ### [Maths challenges](/maths-challenges) Problems beyond the curriculum. Start here ## Book a free Years 7 and 8 maths class Tell us where your child is strong and where they would like a challenge. The trial is a real lesson, and we will be candid about whether further classes are worthwhile. Browsing first? The [course atlas](/course-atlas) compares every course, and [how we teach](/how-we-teach) shows a lesson in detail. [WhatsApp us](https://wa.me/919123366161?text=Hello%20Modern%20Age%20Coders%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20free%20maths%20class%20for%20my%20Year%207%20or%208%20child%2C%20on%20rates%20and%20reasoning.) · [+91 91233 66161](tel:+919123366161) · [connect@modernagecoders.com](mailto:connect@modernagecoders.com) WhatsApp is the quickest channel. Our +91 number is Indian because we teach from India and run no Australian office. ### Want a class sooner? Book a priority demo A priority demo is a full class of about 45 to 60 minutes. After the class the mentor sends a written skill report and a personal learning roadmap on WhatsApp. If you enrol, the demo fee is adjusted against your first month's fee. Share your demo Order ID with us on WhatsApp and we take it off. [Book a priority demo](/book-demo) ## Keep exploring Modern Age Coders ### More maths tuition - [WA GATE ASET Maths Practice](/wa-gate-aset-maths-practice) - [UKMT Team Maths Challenge Practice](/ukmt-team-maths-challenge-practice) - [11 Plus Maths Tuition Online](/11-plus-maths-tuition) - [Transfer Test Maths Practice, Northern Ireland](/transfer-test-maths-practice-northern-ireland) - [11 Plus Maths Tuition Barnet](/11-plus-maths-tuition-barnet) - [SAT Math Tutoring Online](/sat-math-tutoring-online) - [11 Plus Maths Tuition Reading](/11-plus-maths-tuition-reading) - [11 Plus Maths Tuition Medway](/11-plus-maths-tuition-medway) - [11 Plus Maths Tuition Calderdale](/11-plus-maths-tuition-calderdale) ### Learn more - [College Maths Course: Calculus, Linear Algebra to Analysis](/courses/college-mathematics-complete-masterclass) - [11 Plus Maths Prep: UK Grammar & Independent School Entry](/courses/11-plus-maths-preparation-course-uk) - [Business & Finance Mathematics: Investment to Risk](/courses/complete-business-finance-mathematics-mastery) - [GRE & GMAT Quantitative Prep: Live Maths Coaching](/courses/gre-gmat-quant-maths-prep-course) ### From the blog - [Maths Learning Guides](/blog/topic/maths) - [Top 10 Java Programs Every School Student Should Know (With Solutions)](/blog/top-10-java-programs-for-school-students) - [Top 20 Java Programs for ICSE Class 10 (With Code)](/blog/top-20-java-programs-for-icse-class-10) - [How to Choose a Coding Class for Your Child](/blog/how-to-choose-a-coding-class-for-your-child) ### Start here - [Real projects built by Modern Age Coders students](/student-labs) - [Browse every live course at Modern Age Coders](/courses) Free class[Priority demo](/book-demo)[Call us](tel:+919123366161) --- *Canonical: https://learn.modernagecoders.com/victorian-selective-entry-exam-maths-practice*