Latest news with #WAIS
Perth Now
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
WA teen in race towards ‘dream' of competing at Deaflympics
For the next 100 days, Mandurah teen William Liitiaeinen will be training for his goal of competing at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo. This will be the first time the 19-year-old runner will compete at the Deaflympics after qualifying this summer. 'It means a huge deal to me. It means that I can proudly wear green and gold and make my nation proud of my performances in Tokyo on the track,' Liitiaeinen said. 'It's been a big goal and dream of mine and has been my drive to train hard.' Liitiaeinen started running in 2017 aged 11 and two years later started down the competitive path. The 19-year-old is deaf in both ears without his cochlear implants, which poses unique challenges. 'When it comes to training near or on the road, I can't hear cars or other people. This poses a risk and I need to be extra aware with my other senses as to what I'm doing,' he said. 'I require a reaction-based start since no light is available and it adds extra seconds to my time since I have a delayed start. 'An example would be my 1500m … If I had a light to start, I would have shaved an extra two to three seconds off my time, which would have gotten me the qualifying time and the Open T01 Deaf National Record.' William Liitiaeinen. Credit: Supplied Deaf athletes also face unique challenges as to where they can compete or what training support they qualify for. In Australia, Liitiaeinen can compete with other para-athletes in track and cross-country, but faces a handicap. 'The sports world is slowly starting to become more inclusive to include deaf people by having an event for us,' Liitiaeinen. 'On the world stage, however, it does lack. The deaf classification is one of the very few classifications not recognised in the Paralympics or World Athletics Para events, so it does restrict the international opportunities that we deaf people have. 'Another thing that could be improved on the inclusive side of things in Australia is that the State and Australian government announced a deal for para-athletes to train at WAIS (WA Institute of Sport) and AIS (Australian Institute of Sports), however it only applies to Paralympic athletes and Deaflympic athletes won't get the same opportunity despite being a para class and competing on the world stage for Australia. 'So there is definitely some room for improvement.' There is also no financial support for Deaflympians or TV coverage. 'I don't think there is enough coverage or support,' Liitiaeinen said. 'It is not broadcast on TV like the Olympics … most people don't even know what the Deaflympics is until I talk about it and explain it to them. 'There's not much support for it either as every athlete has to pay or fundraise $6500 each to compete for Australia; (this covers) flights, accommodation, travel, uniforms, and entry fees. 'This does not include food which is another expense on top of this. The Deaflympics is a recognised event by the International Olympic Committee and the Australian government does not offer any support or funding to send athletes over.' Liitiaeinen has started a GoFundMe to help pay for this and so he can compete in the 1500m and 5000m divisions. While competing at Athletics West he starts when someone taps his back after the gun goes off or when everyone else moves. This means his times can be a couple seconds slower than they should be. In Tokyo, Liitiaeinen hopes to shave these seconds from his run as the Deaflympics uses start lights to signify go for the runners. 'We currently don't have this system available in Perth to use,' Liitiaeinen said. William Liitiaeinen. Credit: Supplied 'The accommodations I need during races are to make people aware of my deafness and if required have someone come and tap my shoulder to start. 'In State and National events, I also need someone to come and grab my cochlears as I take them off when I race at the start line after hearing the briefing. 'At training I just have to make sure to get my instructions from my coach before I start training where I take my cochlears off.' He will be heading to Tokyo alongside his training partner Josh Reeve. The pair both train under Suzi Graves. 'I hope to send a message to other deaf people that anything is possible when you put your mind to it, and I'm hoping that it helps open the door to more deaf people realising the opportunities and wanting to compete,' Liitiaeinen said. Liitiaeinen fits a gruelling daily training schedule around his heavy diesel mechanical apprenticeship and hopes to compete at the 2028 Oceania Deaf Games, the Deaf World Championship and Deaf World Cross Country events in the future. The Deaflympics is a four-yearly event, with the 25th Summer Games going for 12 days from November 15 to 26.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
WACE of Australia is 1st foreign government-backed board in India
NEW DELHI: After becoming the first country to establish foreign university campuses in India with the entry of University of Wollongong and Deakin University, Australia is now extending its footprint into school education, as Western Australia's WACE has become the first foreign govt-backed school board to begin operations in India, receiving equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities for its Class X and Class XII qualifications. This is the first such approval for a foreign board in India in 25 years. WACE, or Western Australian Certificate of Education, is the school-leaving qualification for students in Western Australia, administered by state's School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). WAIS, or the Western Australian International School System, is the framework through which this curriculum is delivered in international partner schools. Ange Smith, principal consultant for international education at SCSA, said the board has been running its international education programme since 1987 and began expanding its global presence more actively in 2019. "Since then, we've worked with govt bodies in several countries to secure foreign board equivalence. India has been one of the most rigorous but rewarding. After AIU approval, we focused on identifying partner schools in India," she said. The board is currently operational in 16 countries. She said the National Education Policy 2020 played a significant role in shaping their entry strategy. "We undertook curriculum mapping and found alignment with NEP priorities, especially around holistic development, skill integration and nurturing students beyond academics." Explaining the curriculum structure, Smith said WAIS students take five subjects each in classes XI and XII, with an option to take six. English is compulsory, but only the top four ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) courses count towards the final university entrance score. "ATAR is based 50% on final exams and 50% on school-assessed coursework. This reduces pressure and supports consistent performance over two years," she said. In response to a request from Indian partner schools, Smith confirmed that work is underway to introduce a 10th board exam for WAIS students in India. "Some Indian states may require a 10th board certificate for transitions, so we are developing one specifically for this context," she said. Syed Sultan Ahmed, chairperson of the Association of International Schools of India, said WAIS offers a balance between accessibility and international standards. "It sits between CBSE and Cambridge. A CBSE school charging Rs 1 - 1.2 lakh annually can adopt WAIS with a 15-20% fee increase. It opens up global pathways without requiring Rs 45 lakh fees like IB," he said. The first WAIS partner schools in India have been established in Bengaluru and Bidar, both in Karnataka. Ahmed said the ATAR rank helps WAIS students apply to universities globally without separate entrance exams such as the SAT or JEE. "The ATAR consolidates certification and university eligibility. It's one system for both. Students also become eligible for a Premier's Bursary of AUD 20,000 if they choose to study in Western Australia," he added. The curriculum incorporates seven general capabilities: literacy, numeracy, ICT, ethical understanding, civic and social responsibility, critical & creative thinking, and intercultural understanding.
Morocco World
20-03-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
The History and Development of Intelligence Tests
Early Foundations The concept of measuring intelligence dates back to the early 20th century. French psychologist Alfred Binet developed the first intelligence test in 1905 to identify children needing special education support. His work laid the foundation for modern IQ testing. Evolution of IQ Testing Over the years, intelligence tests have evolved to assess multiple cognitive abilities. Key milestones include: 1916 – Lewis Terman revised Binet's test into the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale , introducing the IQ score concept. 1939 – David Wechsler developed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) , expanding IQ assessment to adults. Modern Era – Today's intelligence tests incorporate digital formats, adaptive testing, and broader cognitive measurement. Where Intelligence Tests Are Used Intelligence tests serve various purposes across different fields: Field Purpose of IQ Testing Education Identifying gifted students or those needing support Employment Evaluating candidates for intellectually demanding roles Clinical Psychology Diagnosing cognitive impairments or developmental disorders Military Assessing recruits' problem-solving and learning abilities Personal Development Understanding cognitive strengths and weaknesses Who Benefits from Intelligence Testing? Students IQ tests help students identify their learning potential and areas requiring improvement. Job Seekers Employers may use intelligence tests to assess problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. RelatedPosts No Content Available Researchers and Psychologists Cognitive assessment tools help professionals understand mental development and cognitive function. Individuals Seeking Self-Improvement Many people take intelligence tests to gain insights into their cognitive abilities and set personal development goals. Advantages and Limitations of IQ Tests Advantages Provides a standardized measure of cognitive ability. Helps in educational and career planning. Identifies intellectual strengths and weaknesses. Used in psychological and medical assessments. Limitations IQ scores do not measure creativity, emotional intelligence, or social skills. Test performance can be influenced by anxiety or unfamiliarity with the format. Cultural and language biases may affect results. Intelligence is dynamic and may change over time. Factors Affecting IQ Test Results Several variables can influence intelligence test scores: Factor Impact on IQ Score Sleep Quality Poor sleep may reduce cognitive function Stress Levels Anxiety can impair focus and problem-solving Nutrition Healthy diets support brain function Test Familiarity Prior exposure may improve scores Environment Noisy settings can distract test-takers How to Prepare for an Intelligence Test 1. Get Enough Rest Adequate sleep improves cognitive performance and concentration. 2. Practice Problem-Solving Engage in puzzles, logical reasoning tasks, and memory exercises. 3. Familiarize Yourself with Test Formats Take sample IQ tests to understand question types and timing. 4. Stay Calm and Focused Reduce test anxiety through deep breathing and relaxation techniques. 5. Choose a Reliable Online IQ Testing Platform Selecting a credible test provider ensures accurate results. Choosing the Best Online Resource: CerebrumIQ Finding a quality online intelligence test is essential for accurate assessment. CerebrumIQ offers a scientifically designed platform with: Reliable and accurate testing methods based on cognitive science. User-friendly experience for individuals of all backgrounds. Instant, detailed reports to analyze cognitive strengths and weaknesses. For those looking to take an intelligence test, CerebrumIQ is a trusted resource providing professional-grade assessments. Conclusion Intelligence tests have a long history and serve various educational, professional, and personal development purposes. While IQ tests have their advantages and limitations, preparing properly and choosing a reputable testing platform like CerebrumIQ ensures meaningful and reliable results.
