Sample Tests

English

The Year 6 ICAS English test challenges students to read a range of texts and respond to tasks that involve identifying, explaining, analysing, and evaluating key information

These tasks are designed to assess four core skill areas: text comprehension, writer’s craft, vocabulary, and syntax—crucial building blocks for advanced literacy and academic success.

Empower Lifelong Learners.

English is more than a subject—it’s the foundation of academic success and global communication. The ICAS English assessment benchmarks students’ performance against year-level curriculum standards, measuring key skills like reading comprehension, critical thinking, and effective communication. Whether interpreting texts or analysing language, students gain valuable insights into their strengths while building confidence across every area of study and life.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Text Comprehension	Interpret and evaluate key ideas, relationships, and effects in a range of texts	Restate a writer’s opinion Identify examples of models Explain cause/effect Label diagrams from text Explain paragraph purpose Infer character decisions Evaluate humour Infer themes
Writer’s Craft	Identify and interpret the purpose and impact of literary and rhetorical techniques	Identify devices like repetition Recognise figurative effects Explain character/opinion development Infer tone Interpret use of quotations and intertextual references
Syntax	Recognise and analyse sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar relationships	Identify correct use of complex punctuation (colons, semicolons) Explain punctuation use (e.g., brackets, colons) Analyse grammatical relationships via connectives
Vocabulary	Interpret multiple meanings of words in increasingly complex contexts	Explain words with several meanings Engage with advanced vocabulary in context

Mathematics

The Year 6 ICAS Mathematics test assesses five core areas: Number & Arithmetic, Chance & Data, Algebra & Patterns, Measures & Units, and Space & Geometry. Students tackle tasks like rounding numbers, multiplying, working with fractions, and calculating area — all designed to build confidence and sharpen problem-solving skills.

"Where Numbers Meet Logic and Confidence Grows."

Mathematics is the foundation of STEM, logic, and everyday problem-solving — making it a key driver of academic success. The ICAS Mathematics assessment objectively ranks student performance against year-level curricula, helping identify strengths and areas for growth. By testing skills such as logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem solving, ICAS Maths prepares students not only for STEM subjects but also for challenges in daily life

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Number & Arithmetic	Apply number operations and reasoning with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals	Round numbers Compare, order, and place fractions/decimals on number lines Use factors and multiples Solve long multiplication/division problems Estimate products Work with mixed numerals and whole numbers
Algebra & Patterns	Identify and complete complex numerical patterns and equivalences	Continue and describe patterns with fractions, decimals, and whole numbers Complete equivalent number sentences
Measures & Units	Convert and apply metric units and time concepts in real-world contexts	Convert metric units of length Choose and use appropriate metric units Convert 24-hour time Calculate area and perimeter of rectangles
Space & Geometry	Understand spatial relationships, 2D/3D shapes, and geometric properties	Match 3D objects with 2D views/nets Use grid references and directional language Identify line and rotational symmetry Measure and compare angles
Chance & Data	Use probability models and interpret a variety of data displays	List sample spaces Represent probabilities as fractions Recognise probabilities between 0 and 1 Interpret and compare column graphs, dot plots, and tables

Science

The ICAS Science assessment for Year 6 challenges students to apply core scientific skills such as observing, predicting, interpreting, investigating, and problem solving. They may be asked to analyse erosion patterns, assess electrical voltage, interpret weather maps, or distinguish between physical and chemical changes — all while demonstrating their grasp of key STEM concepts.

"Challenge the Known. Discover the New."

Science underpins the world around us — and the ICAS Science competition gives students the chance to explore it through observation, experimentation, and analysis. Designed to assess core STEM skills, the exam offers an engaging way for students to see how they measure up against peers nationally and globally. Aligned to year-level curricula, ICAS Science ranks student performance objectively while fostering logical reasoning, critical thinking, and curiosity — the hallmarks of scientific inquiry.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Observing & Measuring	Record and identify scientific changes and differences across contexts	Observe weathering and erosion Examine differences in foods and body parts Observe light globes Study microwave hotspots
Interpreting	Read scientific diagrams, maps, and graphs to interpret complex data	Read weather maps Examine food tables Use habitat maps Interpret sound graphs
Predicting & Concluding	Use evidence to draw logical conclusions or make scientific predictions	Conclude about natural phenomena Predict electric current flow Analyse coin composition Use food webs to identify relationships
Investigating	Explore scientific questions through inquiry and experimentation	Investigate temperature variations Explore survival needs of living things Study chemical vs physical changes Examine radio frequencies
Reasoning & Problem Solving	Apply logic and scientific principles to deduce outcomes	Deduce youngest rock layers via fossil dating Determine expansion rates in metals Identify pollution in habitats

Digital Technologies

The Year 6 ICAS Digital Technologies exam tests students across key skill areas including programming, word processing, internet use, spreadsheets, and multimedia. Students may be asked to complete tasks such as finding and replacing text, using online tools, or identifying good web design principles.

"Think Smart. Click Sharp. Code Ahead."

In today’s tech-driven world, digital literacy is as essential as reading and writing. The ICAS Digital Technologies exam assesses Year 6 students on key areas like word processing, coding, web skills, data handling, and multimedia design. Aligned with the curriculum, this test provides an objective benchmark of student performance and helps identify their strengths in using technology creatively, safely, and effectively—skills they’ll need throughout school and life.

Skill Area	Core Topics	Student Outcomes – Tasks May Require Students To:
Digital Systems	• Hardware & software • Network concepts • Terminology • File management	Recognise digital system components Understand Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Identify peripheral functions Apply naming/version control rules
Word Processing	• Text formatting • Tables • Image integration • Toolbar functions	Use Find/Replace Justify text Import/paste images Create and format tables Use thesaurus effectively
Graphics & Multimedia	• Audio/video editing • Slide design with effects • Colour tools	Create animated slides with timing/audio/video Crop/manipulate graphics Use gradients/patterns Adjust paintbrush tool
Internet & Email	• Web concepts • Email operations • Search and safety	Attach files, use CC Recognise URL structures Search effectively Understand web conventions Practise safe and ethical usage
Spreadsheets & Databases	• Data entry/management • Graphs/charts • Database basics	Insert/delete/sort rows or columns Format cells (font, number, text) Create charts Apply search terms Distinguish between formats
Programming	• Block-based coding • Algorithms • Pseudocode elements	Recognise and interpret simple algorithms Understand sequence and loops Analyse pseudocode

Spelling Bee

The Year 6 ICAS Spelling Bee assesses students across four key areas of spelling knowledge:

• Visual -recognising word patterns by sight
• Phonological -understanding sound-letter relationships
• Morphological -using parts of words like prefixes and suffixes
• Etymological -drawing on word origins to guide spelling

Students are challenged with a range of words, from familiar ones like believe to more advanced examples such as synchronise, testing both foundational skills and deeper linguistic knowledge.

"Confidence Begins with Every Letter."

Spelling is more than just memorising words — it underpins reading, writing, and confident communication. The ICAS Spelling Bee is designed to assess essential literacy skills and recognise student achievement.

While technology offers tools like spell checkers, they often miss context or subtle errors. A solid grasp of spelling supports vocabulary growth, clearer writing, and greater academic confidence. This assessment tests four key areas: visual memory, phonological patterns, morphological structure, and word origins — helping students strengthen foundational skills for lifelong literacy.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Learning Outcome
Persuasive Writing	Develop the ability to influence readers through structured and purposeful arguments.	Construct persuasive texts such as reviews or letters using logic, emotive language, and audience awareness.
Narrative Writing	Create engaging storylines with clear structure, imaginative detail, and character depth.	Write cohesive narratives featuring descriptive settings, character development, and narrative resolutions.
Idea Organisation	Plan and organise content using logical and coherent structure.	Structure writing with a clear introduction, supporting points/events, and a strong conclusion.
Language Use	Apply appropriate vocabulary, tone, and stylistic devices for the intended purpose.	Use precise and engaging language tailored to the purpose and audience of the writing task.
Grammar & Syntax	Demonstrate control of grammar, sentence structure, and syntactic variety.	Write using correct tense, subject-verb agreement, conjunctions, and sentence types.
Punctuation	Use punctuation to clarify meaning and enhance readability.	Apply full stops, commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, and other marks correctly within sentences.
Genre Awareness	Understand and apply conventions of persuasive and narrative writing styles.	Produce writing that aligns with the expected structure and features of the given genre.
Clarity & Purpose	Communicate ideas clearly, maintaining focus and relevance throughout the piece.	Deliver coherent messages that fulfill the task requirements with a clear voice and logical progression.