International Competitions and Assessments for Schools
| Acronym | ICAS |
|---|---|
| Type | Competition |
| Developer / administrator | UNSW Global, Educational Assessment Australia |
| Knowledge / skills tested | Computer Skills (now Digital Technologies), English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing |
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is a suite of six full-colour competitions designed specifically for primary and secondary students. ICAS are conducted annually in Australia and in over 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, Pacific countries, and America. Top scoring students in each year level in each subject are awarded a UNSW medal. ICAS is conducted by UNSW Global, Educational Assessment Australia. UNSW Global Pty Limited is a not-for-profit provider of education, training and consulting services and a wholly owned enterprise of the University of New South Wales (UNSW).[1]
ICAS caters for students in years 3 to 12 (years 1 to 12 for Singapore) and assesses students skills in Computer Skills (now Digital Technologies), English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing.
Awards
All entries in the ICAS competitions receive an award or certificate, online access to their results/profile, and a results paper. The top 1 percent of each competition earn a "High Distinction". "Distinction" is awarded for the next 10 percent.[1]
All students who enter ICAS receive a Certificate and Student Report letter. A certificate is awarded on the following basis for each subject assessed:
High distinction Certificate
- The top 1% of entrants in each year level in each participating state (Australia) and country.
Distinction Certificate
- The next 10% of entrants in each year level in each participating state (Australia) and country.
Credit Certificate
- The next 25% of entrants in each year level in each participating state (Australia) and country.
Merit Certificate
- The next 10% of entrants in each year level in each participating state (Australia) and country.
Participation Certificate
- All other students receive a Participation Certificate.
Medals
- A UNSW medal is awarded in each subject, in each year level in each participating state (Australia) and country when the top score is judged to be sufficiently meritorious. In 2013, there are 514 medalists across Australia.