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The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority is requested by the Australian Council for Educational Research to introduce the Higher Ability Student Test.

• HAST is a set of rigorous tests developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for identifying academically gifted students
• 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) offered at 3 levels for students aged from about 11 to 15
• Level 1 was introduced to Hong Kong through the HKEAA in 2007
• An adapted version will be offered in Hong Kong to suit local context

* Language Reasoning is designed for students with first language proficiency in the English language.

• 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

• 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 ranking relative to all candidates 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.
• There is no pass or fail.
• HAST are challenging tests and therefore to achieve at any level indicates a good standard of performance in the area assessed.

1. 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) Wanchai Office:	12/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
   (b) San Po Kong Office:	3/F, 17 Tseuk Luk Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon

2. Completed registration forms together with photocopies of candidates' identification documents and crossed cheques (Payee: Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority) may be submitted 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.
3. Registration deadline: 30 September 2009 (Wednesday)

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?

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.

HAST Team
International and Professional Examinations Division
Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority
3/F 17 Tseuk Luk Street
San Po Kong
Kowloon