Parents of year 4-6 students who would like their child to enter the 2018 ICAS competitions/ assessments in one or more subjects should complete the attached form. Please read on for ICAS dates and more information about the ICAS "tests".

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools

The ICAS competitions (sometimes referred to as ICAS tests) take place each year in schools throughout New Zealand, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, South Africa and the Pacific region.

Approximately 40 DPS students sit one or more of the tests each year. It is entirely up to the parents/ caregivers if their child takes the test. Whilst we administer the tests, they are external assessments and we play no part in setting or marking the tests.

Should you wish to enter your child for one or more test please complete the attached form and send the payment to school by Friday 30th March. 

The individual competition dates are as follows:

ICAS Science Competition – Tuesday 29th May

ICAS Writing Competition – Thursday 14th June 

ICAS Spelling Competition – Wednesday, 13th June

ICAS English Competition – Tuesday,  31st July 

ICAS Mathematics Competition – Tuesday, 14th August

Recently Asked Questions from our parent community:

Does my child have to take the test?

A. No, only about 40 children in Years 4-6 take one or more of the tests each year.

Why do some children sit the test?

A. Some parents like their child to have the opportunity to sit a more "formal" test. Some parents and children like the chance to compete against a wider group. Some parents like the chance to have the feedback report about their child.

Does the school prepare the children for the test?

A. No, if parents would like to prepare their child we have past papers in school that can be borrowed.  Practice materials can also be purchased directly from ICAS.

What format does the test take?

A. The questions are in a booklet, with a separate answer sheet for the children to record their answers (in most cases by shading a circle). The tests last around 40 minutes.

What are the results my child may get?

A. The ICAS assessments are actually a competition, with all children receiving an Award, in the form of a certificate. The Awards are as follows:

Medal – The highest national score in the test

High Distinction – The top 1% of participants

Distinction – The next 10%

Credit – The next 25%

Merit – The next 10%

Participation – all other students

There is no "pass mark". As these assessments are a competition, the grade awarded will depend on the student's performance when compared to all other participants.

My child has received "participation". Does this mean they are Below the NZ National Standard?

A. No, not at all. The ICAS tests are not related to the NZ National Standard. Your child's National Standard judgement is made by careful consideration of everything your child's teacher knows about them. ICAS is one test, on one day. 54% of participants will receive a"participation" Award. As the ICAS tests are deemed to be a competition, many schools encourage only their most able students to enter the competition. Your child's award is dependent on their performance on the day, compared to every other participant.

Where and when are the tests taken?

A. Our students sit the ICAS tests during the school day, in a quiet space.