MATHEMATICS

TERM 3 MATHS NEWS...

CAT Competition

The Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition is a one-hour problem solving competition that seeks to recognise computer programming potential in students. We had ten students attempt this competition in April with two students achieving a distinction.

Congratulations to:

- Anthony De Maria

- Lila Japp

Australian Maths Challenge for Young Australians

The Maths Challenge is open to students in Years 7 to 10 and runs over a period of four consecutive weeks. Students are given six problems to work on which can be quite challenging and expose students to some different types of Maths. The competition also works to develop problem solving skills. We had 17 students submit solutions to part or all of the problems with three students achieving a credit.

Congratulations to:

- Lara Hyland

- Anthony De Maria

- Caterina De Maria

These students will receive their certificates at an assembly later this term.

The Australian Maths Competition is coming up on Thursday August 1 and we have many students participating. The ICAS Maths competition will run in the last week of Term 3. We are still taking entries for this competition. If any student is interested in the ICAS they just need to email Miss Paget or speak to their Maths teacher.

Maths Tutoring

A reminder that Maths tutoring runs every Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the library. There is a Maths teacher rostered on to help any student with class work or homework. Students can also use this time to get work done with a Maths teacher present.

CAS Calculators

A reminder that all students in Years 9 to 12 Maths (with the exception of Essential Maths) need to own a CAS calculator. This needs to be kept charged and brought to every Maths lesson. Some topics cannot be done without the calculator so students must have these for tests and exams in order to achieve the best result possible. If your child does not have a calculator these can be purchased from Officeworks or through Ballarat Books.

Maths Pathway

Year 7 and 8 students have been participating in mini lessons throughout the year. Mini lessons allow small groups of students to be explicitly taught concepts relating to a focus topic. Students are then directed to complete modules relating to this focus topic.

By participating in mini lessons and completing related modules students are able to get a connected flow of learning of concepts. The focus topics are developed based on the relevant year level in the Victorian Curriculum. Year 7 students are currently looking at Algebra and Indices and Year 8 students are currently looking at Linear Relations.

Students are reminded that it is important to be doing regular homework in order to develop time management skills and ensure that they are completing enough modules each cycle. The homework expectation is:

Year 7 – 20 minutes twice per week

Year 8 – 30 minutes twice per week

Miss Rebecca Paget

Mathematics Learning Area Leader