TLI and High Ability @ HEPS

ICAS Competitions 

Over the past few weeks, we have students participating in the ICAS assessments. Whilst the results are primarily for families, these tests also provide insight into students academic knowledge and ability in selected curriculum areas. 

The ICAS test/s faciliates - 

• Deep Problem Solving: Questions focus on applying knowledge and critical thinking rather than simple rote memorisation.
• National Benchmarking: Detailed reports show how a student performs compared to peers across the country, helping identify clear strengths and knowledge gaps.
• Academic Recognition: Participants receive official certificates, and top scorers can earn prestigious distinctions and medals.

Our next ICAS test is Mathematics on the 27th August. Sign- up for this is now closed. Should you wish you child/ren to participate, this will need to be done offsite. 

High-Abilility games session 

As with past terms, we will be providing another games session for invited students and families. We will be hosting this event on the 13th Sept (Sunday) from 10am-12pm. This is the same morning and time of the working bee. 

Invites have gone out to those families already, with sign-up accessible through Compass Tix. 

MENSA testing 

Once again, we will be facilitating MENSA testing for selected students here at HEPS. We have locked in with MENSA the 16th of October. This is a Friday and therefore a school day, with selected students being withdrawn from their class to participate. 

Why MENSA testing? 

There are many reasons why some people seek an IQ test. Here are a couple for you - 

• Giftedness assessment context - parents sometimes pursue it (or a similar test) for a child suspected of being gifted, to inform school placement decisions and ot help with support and targeted needs.
• Validation - some people take it to confirm a suspicion (e.g., they've always felt "different" academically) or to settle a personal question.
• Curiosity - wanting an objective measure of cognitive ability, out of pure interest.

The test takes about 75 mins and is only in English. A candidate must be between 10 years to 75 years old to take the test. There are 6 sections to the test (6 intelligence areas), with each area being multiple choice style questions. 

If you have any questions or would like further information about this, please don't hestitate in contacting me or come and see me. 

Jason Mulder 

High-Ability Practice Leader (HAPL)

Acting Assistant Principal