Preparation Playbook

How To Choose Australian Maths, Science And Coding Competitions For Your Child

Australian students have many competition options. That is good, but it can also be confusing. Parents often ask whether their child should do AMC, AIMO, ICAS, Big Science, Junior Science Olympiad, Australian Science Olympiads or AIO.

The best choice depends on three things: subject interest, current readiness and the purpose of entering.

Start With The Purpose

Choose a competition for one clear reason:

Different competitions serve different purposes.

Maths Pathway

Start with the Australian Mathematics Competition if the student is new to maths competitions or wants a broad benchmark.

Move toward AIMO if the student already performs strongly in AMC-style problems and enjoys deeper proof-like reasoning.

Useful links:

Where to go next

Whichever competition you land on, these are the courses behind the four biggest.

Foundation
AMC Y7-8 Foundation
Lessons
10 lessons + mock
Learning time
15–25 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y7–8
Best for
  • Sitting AMC for the first time
  • Aiming to lift Credit into Distinction
By the end: Confident across Questions 15–25 — the band that decides Credit vs Distinction.
A$149 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →
Foundation
JSO Foundation
Lessons
30 lessons
Learning time
35–45 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y7–8
Best for
  • New to science olympiad
  • Strong ICAS or Big Science result
By the end: Solid across biology, chemistry, physics and earth science fundamentals.
A$299 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →
Foundation
AIO Python Foundation
Lessons
20 lessons
Learning time
20–30 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y7–10
Best for
  • Complete beginners to programming
  • Want real competition Python, not toy snippets
By the end: Able to write and run real competition Python, and read what a problem is asking.
A$199 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →
Olympiad
AIMO Preparation
Lessons
21 weeks
Learning time
60–80 hrs
Difficulty
Year group
Y9–12
Best for
  • Already at AMC Distinction or HD
  • Moving from competition maths into olympiad
By the end: Ready for AIMO-style proof and problem-solving, not just multiple choice.
A$499 one-time
Try 3 lessons freeFull curriculum & details →

Science Pathway

Start with Big Science or ICAS Science if the student needs a broad science benchmark. Move into Junior Science Olympiad when the student is ready for deeper integrated reasoning.

Students aiming for Australian Science Olympiads should gradually build subject depth in biology, chemistry, physics or Earth and environmental science.

Useful links:

Coding Pathway

Students interested in coding can begin with computational thinking competitions and move toward AIO when they can code complete solutions.

Useful link:

Do Not Overload The Calendar

Doing too many competitions can reduce preparation quality. For most students, one main competition and one supporting competition per term is enough.

Example combinations:

Use the Exam Calendar to map dates, and the exam guide index to compare formats before deciding.

FAQ

Which Australian competition should my child do first?

For maths, AMC is usually the best first competition. For science, Big Science or ICAS Science can be a good first benchmark. For coding, begin with computational thinking before AIO.

Should my child do many competitions in one year?

Only if preparation quality stays high. Too many competitions can create stress and shallow practice.

Which competition is best for extension students?

AIMO, Junior Science Olympiad, Australian Science Olympiads and AIO are stronger extension pathways. AMC, ICAS and Big Science are broader entry points.

Where should parents check dates?

Use the AceAchievers Exam Calendar for a parent-friendly view, then confirm final details with the official organiser or school.