News
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ICAS In Depth: English
Our third in-depth look at the ICAS assessments is here! ICAS English is one of the most important assessments as it covers the ability to understand what we read. But what does it actually involve, and how can your child be successful in it? What is ICAS English? This assessment looks at a student’s ability… Continue reading
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ICAS In Depth: Writing
Our second in-depth look at the ICAS assessments is here! ICAS Writing is offered the same week as ICAS Digital Technologies and is a popular assessment. But what does it actually involve, and how can your child be successful in it? What is ICAS Writing? This assessment looks at a student’s ability to respond to… Continue reading
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The importance of learning how to learn
We tend to think of learning as something that just happens – like a switch that gets turned on in the brain and allows us to perform a new skill or understand a new concept. But learning is a complex process with many challenges and hurdles, as well as joys and accomplishments. A student, particularly… Continue reading
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ICAS In Depth: Digital Technologies
This is the first of Focus’ in-depth look at each of the 6 assessments offered by ICAS, in order of paper sitting dates. We hope parents find something valuable in this series! What is ICAS Digital Technologies? This assessment looks at a student’s ability to perform essential digital operations in a range of applications used… Continue reading
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Preparing for ICAS assessments: Past papers
How can you help your child do well in their ICAS assessments? Students who go into an assessment without understanding what they will need to do are disadvantaged. Not only do they have to work through the tasks under time pressure, but they also have to familiarise themselves with the structure and the way the… Continue reading
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ICAS Assessments – All You Need to Know
Focus is proud to be one of the only non-school centres for administering the ICAS academic competition in New Zealand! Designed by experts to be fun, challenging, and test higher-order thinking and problem solving, ICAS assessments are offered across 6 literacy and STEM subjects for school years 3-13. Why register your child for ICAS? ICAS… Continue reading
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Upcoming Writing Opportunities for Students!
Sending your writing for others to read is a great way to see how your ideas really matter in the world. Here are some opportunities for young writers to pursue: International Essay Contest for Young People An annual essay contest run by the Goi Peace Foundation, who aim to “harness the energy, creativity and initiative… Continue reading
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Enriching Educational Holiday Program at Focus
Focus Education’s April holiday program is open for enrolment! Our program offers mathematics, English, science, social sciences, public speaking and art, including our Albany Region’s exclusive Singapore Math S.A.M. and Australian Math Enrichment program. Caring and skilled teachers offer excellent learning resources to help children enjoy their holiday. Mathematics and science courses are carried out… Continue reading