Each year, Halswell School offers Years 4-8 students the chance to participate in the University of New South Wales International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) programme. These exams have been conducted for over 40 years and provide students with the chance to challenge themselves and measure their achievement in a range of subjects. The assessments have been designed to recognise academic excellence. Students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. While the tests are administered by the school, they are independent of the school programme.

The system and timings changed in 2019, with almost all exams now being online instead of paper based and the testing all completed within a couple of weeks. Children in Years 4-8 are able to take part with the charge for each test being $18.40 except writing which is $24.75. All test registrations and payment are now done through the ICAS online shop.

https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps use the access code UVO023

Subject Sitting Dates
ICAS Writing Monday 9 August 2021

ICAS Digital Technologies Tuesday 10 August 2021

ICAS English Monday 16 August 2021

ICAS Science Monday 23 August 2021

ICAS Spelling Bee Wednesday 25 August 2021

ICAS Mathematics Wednesday 1 September 2021

If you would like to give your child a chance to ‘practice’ these tests, ICAS past papers can be purchased online at www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/shop There are also limited copies available at school (please see me). If you have any questions, you can visit the ICAS website (www.eaa.unsw.edu.au) and are welcome to contact me (rob.naysmith@halswell.school.nz)