ICMT / P / 01
Mental maths
Number sense for quick, checked answers.
Open the syllabusWhat is tested
Five learning areas, rising paper by paper
ICAS Assessments lists the learning areas and gives examples for each paper. The examples below are quoted from its Mathematics page.
The learning areas
ICAS lists Number and Arithmetic, Algebra and Patterns, Measures and Units, Space and Geometry, and Chance and Data.
The aim
ICAS says its Mathematics assessments are "designed to provide an objective ranking of students' performance based on the curricula for the relevant year".
The style
Questions test "logical reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking", in ICAS's words, rather than recall alone.
| Paper | Year | Students may be asked to |
|---|---|---|
| A | Year 3 | "order and compare halves, quarters and eighths, multiply and divide by single digits using different techniques" |
| D | Year 6 | "complete number sentences involving all four equations, solve problems involving parallel and perpendicular lines, or interpret and compare column graphs, dot plots and tables" |
| E and F | Years 7 and 8 | "solve percentage and ratio problems, interpret authentic graphs to solve linear equations, solve problems using angle sum of triangles and quadrilaterals, or calculate mean, median, mode and range" |
| G and H | Years 9 and 10 | "convert terminating and recurring decimals to fractions, factorise linear expressions, solve linear equations graphically and algebraically" |
| I and J | Years 11 and 12 | "apply index laws involving integer and fractional indices, solve financial problems using simple and compound interest" |
Quotations: ICAS Assessments, ICAS Mathematics, read on 7 October 2026. The Australian Curriculum content behind these topics is set by ACARA and taught by schools.
