Top students in testing times

20 October 2006

Top primary and high school aged students from across NSW and the ACT were awarded medals this week for their outstanding performance in the University’s internationally renowned annual testing program that attracts more than two million entries worldwide.

Educational Assessment Australia (EAA), a not-for-profit division of UNSW, conducts the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). This week’s medal presentation ceremony saw 156 medals presented to the best students across mathematics, science, English, writing, spelling and computer skills.

Two year five students became dual medallists. Cherie Chen, a year five student from Waitara Public School, was awarded a medal for both English and Spelling. Richard Kim of North Rocks Public School, also in year five, received medals for English and Mathematics.

The high quality assessment program, testing students from years three to 12, is the largest of its kind in Australasia. Schools and students that participate receive detailed information on their overall performance. This allows parents and students to monitor their progress from year to year and identify individual strengths and weaknesses. Schools are also able to monitor their students’ progress and develop their teaching and learning programs.

“They are an excellent independent assessment of the skills and abilities that students need in education, for general knowledge, and in their future workplaces,” says EAA Director, Peter Knapp.
“The ceremony acknowledges and rewards the outstanding achievement of students who have attained the highest standards in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools,” said Knapp.

The presentation ceremony was held in The John Niland Scientia building at the University. Vice Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer gave an address congratulating the students.