Braintree Coaching's HAST Super Pack is the most comprehensive preparation bundle for the HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) used by 50+ Australian schools for selective entry at Year 8 and Year 9. It covers all four HAST components — Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression — with 25+ practice tests, 20 writing tasks, vocabulary and poetry courses, and 365 days of access for $240.
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Everything your child needs to prepare for the HAST exam for Year 8 or Year 9 entry to selective schools. Covers all four test components with depth across reasoning, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Complete one test in each of the three multiple-choice subjects (Maths, Reading, Abstract Reasoning) plus one writing task under timed conditions. Review all solutions together to identify your child's strengths and the areas that need the most attention. This shapes the entire preparation plan.
Set a consistent schedule: 3–4 sessions per week (25–35 minutes each). Alternate between HAST components and supplement with Daily Paragraph Editing (3–4 per week), Vocabulary lessons (3–4 per week), and one writing task per fortnight. The key is consistent, moderate practice over months — not weekend cramming.
If Abstract Reasoning is weaker, the 100 Non-Verbal Reasoning tests are your most impactful resource. Work through them systematically — they build pattern-recognition skills from basic to complex. Many students see the largest score improvements in this component because it responds strongly to targeted practice.
The 51 High-Frequency and 122 Advanced Vocabulary lessons build the language foundation that supports both Reading Comprehension and Written Expression. The 50 Poetry Comprehension tests develop close-reading and inference skills at a level that directly transfers to HAST reading passages. These are not extras — they are core preparation.
Starting from Month 3, run a full timed mock session monthly: one test from each component under exam conditions. Track scores against the Week 1 baseline. In the final 2 months before the HAST, increase to fortnightly sessions and focus on time management, question prioritisation, and exam stamina.
Assesses problem-solving ability beyond standard curriculum. The HAST maths component tests the ability to reason with numbers, patterns, and spatial concepts — not just apply learned formulas.
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Tests the ability to understand, interpret, and critically analyse written passages. For Year 8–9 entry, passages are at a higher difficulty level than Year 7 entry HAST, requiring deeper inference and analytical skills.
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Measures non-verbal logical thinking through pattern recognition in shapes, sequences, and spatial arrangements. This component tests reasoning ability independent of language or curriculum — and consistently shows the most improvement with targeted practice.
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Students write a response to a prompt within a set time limit. The Year 8–9 entry version expects more sophisticated arguments, broader vocabulary, and stronger structural control than the Year 7 version.
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The HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) is administered by ACER and used by over 50 Australian schools for selective entry at Year 7, 8, 9, and beyond. It tests four components: Mathematical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Abstract Reasoning, and Written Expression. Results are reported as percentile rankings — students scoring in the top 10% are highly competitive for the most selective programs.
The HAST is a reasoning-based test, not a curriculum-recall test. This means preparation focuses on building thinking skills, not memorising facts. Abstract Reasoning — the component that measures non-verbal logic — is typically the area where practice produces the largest measurable improvement, because most students have never encountered these question types in school. The 100 Non-Verbal Reasoning tests in this pack address this directly.
For Year 8–9 entry, the HAST expects more sophisticated performance than the Year 7 version. Reading passages are more complex, maths problems require deeper reasoning, and Written Expression markers expect more mature arguments and vocabulary. The depth of material in this Super Pack — 25+ tests, 20 writing tasks, 173 vocabulary lessons, 50 poetry tests, and 150+ grammar exercises — provides the breadth needed to develop these higher-level skills over a 9–12 month preparation window.
Choose the pack that best fits your child's preparation needs and timeline.
Essential HAST test preparation
Comprehensive HAST preparation
Premium HAST preparation with guaranteed support
Designed specifically for HAST Year 8–9 entry. Content difficulty is calibrated for students in Years 7–8.
Over 50 Australian schools use HAST for selective entry. This pack prepares your child for the ACER test format used by all of them.
365 days of access with enough material for a 9–12 month preparation program. Covers all four HAST components plus vocabulary, grammar, and poetry.
The 100 Non-Verbal Reasoning tests provide systematic pattern-recognition training — the component where practice typically produces the largest improvement.
Baseline & Foundation
Build Core Skills
Targeted Improvement & Mock Exams
Exam Readiness
Explore other preparation options that work alongside or complement this pack.
20 tests + 5 writing tasks + vocabulary with 180 days access. A solid mid-range option.
Same HAST content tailored for Brisbane State High School Year 7 entry specifically.
Focused non-verbal reasoning practice — the HAST component that improves most with training.
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