ICAs

ICAS, or International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, is a suite of standardized assessments designed to recognise and encourage academic achievement among school students. It is administered by UNSW Global, a subsidiary of the University of New South Wales, and is offered in many participating countries around the world. The program is used by schools as an external benchmark and motivational tool for students in primary and secondary education.

The assessments cover multiple subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies, Writing, and Spelling. Tests are typically conducted annually within a designated window and are administered through participating schools. Most assessments are delivered online, though some regions offer paper-based options. The tests combine various item formats, such as multiple-choice questions, short-answer items, and, for Writing, longer written tasks that are marked by trained assessors.

Results are returned to schools through official reports that provide performance data, including percentile ranks and scaled scores for each student and subject. Awards and recognition are commonly given to high performers, with certificates or medals issued to top students or top schools in each subject and year level. Participation and fees are arranged at the school level, and costs may vary by country and institution.

ICAS is widely used for benchmarking student progress, informing teaching practices, and motivating learners. As with any standardized assessment, its use raises considerations regarding access, equity, language and cultural fairness, and the emphasis placed on competition. Overall, ICAS functions as a global framework for external academic assessment and student recognition within participating education systems.