ICAS Mathematics

This year, several of our students sat the ICAS Mathematics assessment, part of the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) suite of assessments.

ICAS is held annually across Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries, and is designed to challenge students beyond the usual classroom curriculum. 

In the Mathematics test, students answer questions on topics such as algebra, geometry, measurement, chance, and data, with the difficulty increasing as they progress through the paper. The design of ICAS encourages learners to move beyond rote procedure and use higher-order thinking skills, reasoning, strategising, making connections, and problem-solving under time pressure.

Here is an example of a question that reflects the level of thinking ICAS promotes:

Example Question:
A rectangle has side lengths x+2x + 2x+2 and 2x−12x – 12x−1. The perimeter is 38 units. What is xxx?

Problems like this ask students not just to apply formulas, but to interpret an algebraic situation, set up an equation, and solve with care, skills that transfer into all areas of mathematics.

We congratulate all students who entered this year’s ICAS Mathematics test.

A special mention to all students who earned Distinction and Credit awards for their outstanding performance:

Distinction:

Lochie Grant (Year 9)

Torin Stephenson (Year 10)

Clara Drake (Year 13)

Credit:

Isaac Lloyd (Year 9) 

Arlo Synnott-Chapman (Year 10)

Emma Baskerville (Year 10)

Samuel Huang (Year 11)

Dominic Mein (Year 12)

Geordie Stephenson (Year 13)