International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is a global academic testing program for students. It is a historic academic competition that has been attended by over 10 million school students from 16,000 schools across 41 countries since 1981.
It recognises academic performance with engaging, fun questions designed by psychometricians, education measurement experts and experienced teachers to test students’ higher-order thinking skills.
This year, we had 93 students participate in the event. At Heathdale, students are selected based on their AGAT (Cognitive Abilities Test), PAT-M (Progressive Achievement Test in Mathematics) and PAT-R (Progressive Achievement Test in Reading) scores. The ICAS problems require deep conceptual understanding and creative thinking, making it a valuable opportunity for our most capable mathematicians.
This year, we had 6 students achieve a High Distinction. Congratulations to:
Kingsley L (Year 3), Keith C (Year 4), Zacarias C (Year 5), Jayden W (Year 5), Fred Y (Year 6) and Corban F (Year 7), who achieved scores that place them in the top 1% of students in their region.
This is a HUGE accomplishment, and we congratulate every student who received a High Distinction on their incredible achievement. We honour your outstanding higher-order thinking skills and the efforts you have made to develop them.
We also had 28 students receive a distinction award. This is also a very impressive result, showing that they are in the top 10% of all students. Congratulations go to Haimi C, Eric Z, Ethan L, Roydon V, Aryan J, Dan Z, Judith V, Keagan P, Edwin F, Edwin S, Hayley P, Justin W, Arianna S, Lucas G, Aidan C, Maxwell G, Qile X, Jesse M, Louie J, Daniel L, Natalie D, Len H, Michelle L, Ahanna V, Caleb S, Keerthi K, Akshita R and Siddhant S for attaining a position in the top 10% of students who sat for the ICAS test.
Whether students receive a Participation Award, a Credit, a Distinction, or a High Distinction, their achievements are commendable, and we extend our highest regard to all for their exceptional capacity for advanced reasoning and the considerable effort and commitment that they have invested in developing these skills.
At Heathdale, we believe every student has unique gifts and abilities that deserve to be nurtured. Our enrichment programs are designed to provide exciting, optional opportunities for students to explore and extend their learning beyond the classroom. These programs encourage students to deepen their knowledge, apply their skills creatively, and develop higher-order thinking in ways that challenge and inspire them. By broadening the curriculum, we aim to foster curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning at a level suited to each student’s stage of development. Our goal is to help students flourish by using their God-given gifts to reach their full potential.