Sample Tests

English

The Year 9 ICAS English test challenges students to go beyond surface-level reading and engage with language on a deeper level. Tasks may include interpreting meanings from titles, unpacking irony, explaining words in context, and analysing how syntax shapes meaning. Students are assessed across four key areas: text comprehension, vocabulary use, syntax understanding, and written expression — all designed to stretch their critical thinking and sharpen their communication skills.

Assess Deeper Reading and Sharper Thinking with ICAS English

Today’s learners need more than basic literacy — they need to interpret, question, and respond with insight. The ICAS English exam goes beyond everyday reading by assessing students’ ability to understand tone, nuance, vocabulary in context, and structural features across a variety of texts.

Designed in line with curriculum standards, ICAS English challenges students to apply critical thinking, creative interpretation, and clear expression in ways that strengthen their academic foundation and future readiness. Whether analysing a complex passage or identifying irony, students develop skills that support success across all subjects — and for life.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Text Comprehension	Interpret, evaluate, and draw conclusions from abstract or multi-layered texts	Identify graphical or diagrammatic representations Identify points of conflict in arguments Draw conclusions about the writer–narrator relationship Understand key aspects of a process Evaluate the writer’s relationship with the audience Interpret multiple meanings of a title
Writer’s Craft	Explain and analyse how structural and stylistic features shape meaning and tone	Explain irony Explain the effect of layout on meaning Analyse the impact of word choice
Syntax	Interpret and apply understanding of advanced grammatical and cohesive structures	Interpret complex referencing in texts
Vocabulary	Understand nuanced word use, jargon, and contextual meaning	Explain meaning of words used in different contexts Interpret specialised or technical language (jargon)

Mathematics

Challenge the Mind, Master the Method

The ICAS Maths competition for Year 9 pushes students to apply advanced problem-solving across five core areas, including number and arithmetic, space and geometry, measurement, algebra, and data and probability. Students may be required to use angle properties, calculate probabilities, interpret Venn diagrams, or apply formulas in unfamiliar contexts — all designed to stretch their reasoning and deepen mathematical thinking beyond the standard classroom level.

“Test Strategy. Inspire Precision”

In an age defined by data, patterns, and problem-solving, strong numeracy skills are more essential than ever. The ICAS Mathematics test offers students a dynamic opportunity to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, sharpening their logic and building real mathematical confidence. Covering key areas such as number, algebra, geometry, data, and measurement, this competition challenges students to think flexibly and reason clearly. With tasks designed to stretch their understanding beyond the basics, ICAS Maths empowers learners to tackle complex problems — and prepares them for the demands of a fast-moving, STEM-driven world.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Number & Arithmetic	Apply advanced number operations with powers, decimals, and rational numbers	Apply index laws with positive and zero indices Convert terminating/recurring decimals to fractions Use order of operations with integers and rational numbers Solve ratio and rate problems
Algebra & Patterns	Manipulate algebraic expressions and solve equations graphically and symbolically	Continue patterns with recurring decimals Expand and simplify expressions Factorise linear expressions Solve linear equations graphically and algebraically Change the subject of a formula
Measures & Units	Apply formulas for area, perimeter, volume, and the Pythagorean theorem	Calculate area/perimeter of kite, rhombus, trapezium Find area of composite shapes Calculate circumference/area of circles Find volume/surface area of right prisms Apply Pythagoras’ Theorem
Space & Geometry	Use geometric reasoning and spatial understanding to solve problems	Apply angle properties of shapes Use congruence conditions for triangles Apply ratio/scale in similar figures Use angle sums of polygons
Chance & Data	Interpret probabilities and summarise complex statistical information	Calculate probabilities involving 'and', 'or', 'at least' Interpret two-way tables, Venn diagrams, frequency histograms Recognise effect of outliers on data

Science

Analyse, Conclude, Discover

The ICAS Science assessment for Year 9 challenges students to apply scientific thinking across real-world scenarios and abstract concepts. Tasks may include determining the path of a projectile, analysing the effects of forces, or examining patterns in biological growth — all while drawing on five key skills: observing/measuring, interpreting, investigating, predicting/concluding, and reasoning/problem solving. It’s designed to stretch curious minds and develop confident thinkers who understand not just science facts — but how science works.

Uncover Curiosity. Power Discovery.

Science is more than formulas and facts — it’s the engine behind how we question, explore, and understand the world. The ICAS Science exam invites students to think like real scientists as they investigate forces, predict outcomes, analyse patterns, and solve real-world problems.

Mapped to the curriculum but designed to stretch beyond it, this hands-on, minds-on assessment challenges students across key STEM skills — from sharp observation to creative reasoning. With every question, they’re not just tested — they’re inspired to explore, explain, and discover.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Observing & Measuring	Identify, measure, and describe observable scientific phenomena using tools	Measure cyclone size and power Use instruments to measure energy or atmospheric effects Identify pests or living systems via data
Interpreting	Understand and analyse scientific information, symbols, and models	Interpret Sun characteristics and molecule representations Analyse projectile motion and rotating systems Use biological terminology
Predicting & Concluding	Use data and prior knowledge to forecast outcomes and support conclusions	Predict weather and UV impacts Draw conclusions on projectile paths and forces Understand exponential growth in ecosystems
Investigating	Explore and analyse scientific processes or variables through structured enquiry	Investigate energy conversions (potential kinetic) Apply sampling methods in ecology Establish experiment sequences and processes
Reasoning & Problem Solving	Apply logical thinking and scientific concepts to complex problems	Evaluate luminosity data of stars/planets Identify chemical reaction products Determine measurement purposes Analyse force situations

Writing

The ICAS Writing test for Year 9 challenges students to express their ideas with clarity, structure, and purpose. Whether crafting a formal letter to a council, writing a persuasive review, or building a vivid narrative with strong characters and setting, students explore two key forms: persuasive and narrative writing. Each piece is assessed on how well they apply genre conventions, as well as their control of syntax, punctuation, and textual grammar — encouraging them to become confident, thoughtful, and effective communicators.

Write with Impact. Communicate with Confidence.

By Year 9, students are expected to do more than write — they must persuade, narrate, and structure their thoughts with precision and style. The ICAS Writing exam gives them the platform to do just that, through engaging tasks that may include reviews, formal letters, arguments, or rich character-driven stories.

Students are assessed on how effectively they shape their ideas using appropriate genre conventions, accurate grammar and punctuation, and control of syntax and structure. This assessment not only builds stronger writers but also equips students with the communication skills they’ll need to lead, influence, and succeed in every area of life.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Student Learning Outcome
Purpose & Audience Awareness	Tailor tone, style, and content to suit the intended audience and writing purpose	Demonstrates a clear sense of audience and purpose through appropriate language, tone, and register
Argument or Narrative Strategy	Construct a logical argument or cohesive narrative arc with a defined structure	Organises content into a clear introduction, development, and conclusion with smooth transitions
Depth of Ideas	Develop insightful ideas with supporting detail, evidence, or creative elaboration	Expands on central ideas with convincing arguments (persuasive) or vivid descriptions and characterisation (narrative)
Syntax & Sentence Control	Use sentence variety and control for clarity, fluency, and emphasis	Writes using a range of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) that support the rhythm and flow of the piece
Grammar & Punctuation Accuracy	Apply grammatical conventions and punctuation effectively to support meaning	Uses accurate grammar and punctuation, including complex structures and stylistic devices (e.g. semicolons, dashes)
Cohesion & Language Precision	Link ideas using cohesive devices and precise, purposeful word choice	Employs cohesive ties (connectives, referencing) and selects vocabulary to enhance meaning and voice