English

The ICAS English competition for Year 10 challenges students to engage deeply with language through a range of sophisticated texts. They’ll be asked to demonstrate their understanding by interpreting complex references, explaining irony, and analysing vocabulary in context — all while applying advanced comprehension and communication skills.

Students are assessed on their syntax, vocabulary, text comprehension, and written expression, encouraging them to think critically, write precisely, and communicate with clarity and confidence.

Analyse. Interpret. Articulate.

English lies at the heart of how students think, learn, and express themselves — across every subject and stage of life. The ICAS English exam is designed to assess key literacy and language skills through engaging, skill-based tasks that go beyond rote learning.

Students are challenged to demonstrate their comprehension, vocabulary use, critical thinking, and written communication across a variety of texts and contexts. Whether interpreting complex ideas or articulating their own, ICAS helps identify strengths, highlight learning needs, and build confident, capable communicators.

Mathematics

The ICAS Mathematics test for Year 10 pushes students to apply advanced reasoning across core areas such as number and arithmetic, algebra and patterns, chance and data, space and geometry, and measurement. From solving complex ratio problems to analysing probability and continuing patterns, students are challenged to think critically, work flexibly, and demonstrate a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts — all while testing their ability to apply knowledge in new and unfamiliar ways.

Challenge Thinkers. Celebrate Problem-Solvers.

Mathematics is more than numbers — it’s the foundation of reasoning, analysis, and innovation. The ICAS Mathematics test offers students the chance to demonstrate their numeracy skills through engaging, thought-provoking questions that go beyond routine practice. With a focus on problem solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking, the competition identifies strengths, reveals learning needs, and prepares students to tackle challenges in school and in life. ICAS Maths empowers learners to think boldly, work creatively, and build the confidence to solve problems that matter.

Science

Paper H of the ICAS Science assessment for Year 10 challenges students to apply scientific thinking to real-world and abstract scenarios. From measuring geological formations to identifying organ systems or predicting gear movement, students are pushed to explore beyond textbook knowledge. They are assessed across five key skill areas: observing/measuring, predicting/concluding, interpreting, investigating, and reasoning/problem solving — encouraging them to think like scientists and approach problems with curiosity, logic, and precision.

Assess Curiosity. Ignite Scientific Thinking.

The ICAS Science exam invites students to engage with science as a way of thinking — not just a subject. Through a series of exciting and challenging tasks, students apply key STEM skills such as observation, experimentation, reasoning, and analysis to real-world scenarios. Whether predicting outcomes, interpreting data, or drawing logical conclusions, ICAS Science rewards curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to ask the right questions. It’s a powerful way to identify budding scientists, deepen classroom learning, and build lifelong problem-solvers. ICAS Science Paper H – Skills & Learning Outcome Mapping

Writing

The ICAS Writing exam for Year 10 challenges students to craft purposeful, polished writing across two key genres: persuasive and narrative. They may be asked to write reviews, formal arguments, or opinion pieces, as well as develop creative openings, vivid settings, or strong story conclusions. Each response is assessed on textual grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and the student’s ability to write effectively for the intended genre — encouraging thoughtful structure, precise language, and confident expression.

Elevate Expression. Refine Written Voice.

Writing is more than a skill — it’s how students shape ideas, influence opinions, and bring imagination to life. The ICAS Writing exam empowers students to showcase their ability to write with clarity, creativity, and control across both narrative and persuasive forms.

Through tasks such as reviews, formal arguments, opinion pieces, and story-based responses, students are assessed on genre awareness, structure, grammar, syntax, and punctuation. This exam helps identify writing strengths, build confidence, and support the development of purposeful communication — a skill that underpins success in every subject and beyond.