ICAS Preparation Courses

1.ICAS subjects

(1) Science

Science skills such as experimentation, empirical observation, logical reasoning, scientific analysis and critical thinking not only help you do well in STEM subjects — they are critical components of humankind’s most successful system for pursuing knowledge: the scientific method. Students encounter a variety of questions on real scientific stimulus materials designed to test students’ scientific skills of:

• observing and measuring

• interpreting

• predicting and concluding

• investigating

• space and geometry

• reasoning and problem solving.

(2) Math

Maths skills such as logical reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking not only help students perform well in STEM subjects — they also underpin key areas of our daily lives as consumers of money and media. Students encounter questions related to key mathematical learning areas including:

• number and arithmetic

• algebra and patterns

• comprehension

• measures and units

• space and geometry

• chance and data.

(3) English

Skills such as everyday literacy, critical and creative thinking, and clear communication not only help you do well in the humanities — they also underpin every other area of your academic, social and professional life.

Questions are designed to test understanding of English language aspects, such as:

• vocabulary

• grammar

• comprehension

• structure

• syntax

• voice

(4) Writing

Writing skills such as thoughtful planning, creativity and critical and reflective thinking are not only the keys to success in English — they are critical to communicating your ideas clearly and effectively in all subjects and areas of life. More than simply a writing competition, ICAS Writing Assessments consist of a task carefully chosen and reviewed for each paper every year by expert educators. Papers are carefully graded to stimulate interest and learning across a wide range of abilities, including gifted and talented students. In turn, students receive a unique academic experience designed to challenge their abilities beyond the classroom, a greater understanding of where their strengths and areas of improvement lie, and recognition and encouragement of academic success.

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2.ICAS 2022 Dates (New Zealand)