Higher Ability Student Test (HAST)

The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority is requested by the Australian Council for Educational Research to introduce the Higher Ability Student Test.
Background
HAST is a set of rigorous tests developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for identifying academically gifted students Widely used in Australia and internationally. For a list of participating schools, go to http://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/DocLibrary/ipe/hast/HAST_ParticipatingSchoolsList.pdf Skill-based rather than curriculum-based, designed to assess students' general academic ability rather than specific content knowledge Consists of Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Language Reasoning (optional) Level 1 was introduced to Hong Kong through the HKEAA in 2007 Recommended for students aged approximately 10 to 13 An adapted version will be offered in Hong Kong to suit local context
Test Format
Mathematical Reasoning Compulsory Provided in Chinese / English 45-min multiple choice paper Abstract Reasoning Compulsory Provided in Chinese / English 30-min multiple choice paper Language Reasoning Optional Provided in English* 45-min multiple choice paper * Language Reasoning is designed for students with first language proficiency in the English language. Download the practice examples Top
Reasons for Taking HAST in Hong Kong
HAST offers an unconventional platform to enable students who are naturally capable academically to prove themselves The test provides an option outside the formal education system for students to test their ability The translation of Mathematical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning into Chinese helps eliminating language and cultural barriers The Language Reasoning Test (optional) provides a unique opportunity for students with first-language proficiency in the English language to prove both their English Language proficiency and the ability to acquire knowledge through language Results in HAST can serve as additional evidence of academic performance for Hong Kong students who want to further study in Australia
Reporting of Results
There is no pass or fail. Certificates will be sent to candidates approx. 1 month after the test date. All candidates will be awarded an individual report. Individual reports will show the candidates’ percentile rank scores amongst i) Hong Kong students and ii) Australian students who sat this test. Percentile ranking sorts scores into one of 100 groups of scores. If a candidate's percentile ranking is 70, then s/he scored equal to or better than 70% of the candidates, i.e. the score is in the top 30% of scores. HAST are challenging tests and therefore to achieve at any level indicates a good standard of performance in the area assessed.
Test Time/Date and Venue
Test Date: 23 / 11 / 2013 (Saturday) Test Time: Mathematical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning (Compulsory) 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Language Reasoning (Optional) 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Test Centre: Candidates will be sent their respective admission tickets around 2 weeks in advance of the test date, in which the test venue will be given. If you have not received your admission ticket by then, please call the HKEAA at tel: (852) 3628 8191 for assistance.
Important Dates
Registration Period 23 / 9 / 2013 - 25 / 10 / 2013 Receipt of admission ticket Around 8 / 11 / 2013 Conduct of tests 23 / 11 / 2013 (Saturday) Receipt of certificate Around 30 /12 / 2013 Top
Registration Procedures
Registration and payment by credit card (VISA or Mastercard) can be made online at http://www2.hkeaa.edu.hk. Those who completed the registration online are not required to submit paper registration form again. Registrants can also submit their completed registration forms with payment (crossed cheque made payable to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority) by post, in person or through a representative at the HKEAA San Po Kong Office : 3/F, 17 Tseuk Luk Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon. Registration forms and notes to applicants may be obtained at the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority's website (www.hkeaa.edu.hk) and the following offices : (a) Wan Chai Office: 12/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (b) San Po Kong Office: 3/F, 17 Tseuk Luk Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon Registration deadline: 25 October 2013 (Friday) Download Registration Form Download Notes to Applicants
Examination Fees
Mathematical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning (2 subjects) HK$ 678 Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Language Reasoning (3 subjects) HK$ 795
Information for Candidates
Make sure you find out the following before the test: What day the test will be held What time you should arrive the test centre Where you should go on the day of the test Note: You should ensure to arrive the test centre at least 20 minutes in advance of the formal test commencement time. Candidates who arrive late for the first test will be admitted only at the discretion of the Supervisor, and additional time will NOT be allowed. You should bring: Your ID document (HKID card or school handbook) Your admission ticket Two HB or B pencils A good quality eraser A pencil sharpener No other equipment will be needed. For example, you will not require a ruler, paper or calculator. Note: Candidates without a proper ID document or their own admission tickets may not be allowed to sit the test. Writing Your Answers: You will be given multiple-choice answer sheets for all the papers. For each question there are 4 small ovals labeled A, B, C and D on the multiple-choice answer sheets. Use an HB or B pencil to mark clearly the oval of your choice. If you wish to change your answer, carefully rub out the first mark with a good quality eraser and then mark your new choice. Please remember, when working on the multiple-choice answer sheet Do NOT fold or tear the answer sheet Do NOT make marks anywhere other than in the designated areas on the answer sheet Do NOT use ink, ball-point pen or felt pen on any part of the answer sheet What is the test like? Mathematical Reasoning This paper attempts to measure mathematical ability, in contrast to a test of school achievement in mathematics. Consequently, the material used for the questions in this test is selected from a wide variety of sources, and may differ from standard school-based curriculum materials. Abstract Reasoning This is a non-verbal test that measures abstract reasoning skills, including the capacity to make sense of complex situations, to draw meaning out of events, to perceive and think clearly. The paper will ask you to identify and complete various picture sequences and patterns. Language Reasoning This paper is designed for students with first language proficiency in the English language. It measures how well you can understand and interpret ideas in language. The test asks you to look at written and visual material and answer questions on it. The topics for the material may be drawn from subject areas such as English, Art, History, Geography and Social Studies, though no special knowledge in these areas is needed. All the information you need to answer the questions is printed on the paper, so if you do not know or fully understand something you may be able to work out what it means from the stimulus material.
Personal Data
Personal data of candidates are used for delivery of examination services. The provision of the requested personal data is voluntary. If a candidate fails to provide all the data, or if any of the data are inaccurate or incomplete (e.g. the English name is not exactly the same as the one on the ID document), the HKEAA may not be able to accept the entry. The personal data submitted may also be used for: assisting tertiary institutions and other government / public organizations in their processes for admissions purposes; certifying candidates' examination result in response to legitimate requests; assisting tertiary institutions and other government / public organizations in respect of their requests for information in granting scholarships / financial assistance or other forms of subsidization; conducting educational research and analysis in an anonymous format in which the identities of candidates are not traceable; and providing information related to the examination concerned to the candidates / parents. In compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, access to all personal data will be made available, on payment of a fee, to anyone who can establish his/her right to be informed of such data as are retained by the HKEAA. Please refer to the HKEAA website (www.hkeaa.edu.hk) for details. Please also note that candidates' personal data/ correspondence/ other information received by the HKEAA may be referred to the Examination Board.
Enquiry
International and Professional Examinations Division Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority 3/F 17 Tseuk Luk Street San Po Kong Kowloon Tel: (852) 3628 8191 E-mail: tsa1@hkeaa.edu.hk Online registration: http://www2.hkeaa.edu.hk