MATHS

MATHS COMPETITION RESULTS

Throughout 2025 McKinnon students completed 240 papers across three Maths Competitions run by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT). 

These are the Australian Maths Competition (AMC), the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition (CAT) and the Maths Challenge, once again there were some very impressive results including: 

• Raphael Goldman (Year 7) who excelled across all the competitions and was awarded a Prize in the AMC, High Distinction in the CAT and High Distinction in the Maths Challenge. 

• Jamie Jahya (Year 7) who was also awarded a Prize in the Australian Maths Competition. 

• Devin Xie (Year 8) for High Distinction in both the AMC and CAT.

The Australian Maths Competition is the most popular competition run in Australia and 105 McKinnon students stepped up to the challenge. The results were particularly impressive with 2 Prizes (top 0.1% of students), 2 High Distinctions, 26 Distinctions and 23 Credits awarded to our students, with the other HD awarded to Namish Neeli (Year 8).

In the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition there were 81 participants and alongside the 2 High Distinctions already mentioned there were also 5 Distinctions and 28 Credits.

The Maths Challenge is a very high-level competition where students work on a variety of problems over several weeks. It requires not just mathematical knowledge but also significant problem solving and analysis skills. 

There were 49 participants and 2 High Distinctions, 6 Distinctions and 3 Credits were awarded. Along with Raphael Goldman (Year 7) this was a great result by Arielle Rees (Year 7) and Chloe Bang (Year 9) achieving High Distinctions. 

Well done to all students who participated and a big thank you to Mr Georgiadis and Mr Killeen who coordinated all the competitions throughout the year. Certificates for all students will be handed out by their Maths teacher or at year level assemblies in the coming weeks.

CAS CALCULATORS 

The Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) mathematics study design outlines the technology (calculators) that can be used in Year 12 exams. CAS calculators are approved by the VCAA for use in General Mathematics Examination 1 and 2, Mathematical Methods Examination 2 and Specialist Mathematics Examination 2. However there is a steep learning curve for students to become truly proficient with the technology. For this reason, we introduce the CAS in Year 10 mathematics to give students an additional year to develop these skills. 

There are a variety different calculators that are approved for use and here at McKinnon we have chosen the Texas Instruments NSPIRE CAS – CXII as we believe it combines a good user interface with processing power and sophistication beyond some of the others in the marketplace.

Who needs to purchase a CAS? 

All students undertaking Year 10 Methods, Year 10 General and Year 9 ELMS Maths. It is critical that every Year 10 student in Methods and General Maths has a calculator to build confidence in and understanding of the technology.

Can they be purchased second-hand?

Yes, they are available second-hand either from various online sites or from a student who has completed Year 12. It is important that you purchase a new battery for any calculator that is more than 3 years old as they can become unreliable as the battery performance deteriorates.

Where can they be purchased new?

They are available at a variety of retailers and are listed on the booklist along with other required equipment. 

However, we have a special arrangement with Haines Educational Suppliers through their Schoolbiz site that will allow families to purchase a calculator at a good discount and have it delivered to school for collection, early in the 2026 school year. Details regarding this offer can be found on Compass news feed.

Finally, we understand that this is a significant investment for families, and it should be noted that each year we have around 1500 students who have a CAS calculator in the school that all look the same. When they are mislaid, it is almost impossible for us to determine ownership if they are not clearly labelled in some way. Mr Killeen offers an engraving service each year so they can be indelibly labelled, and I encourage all students to take advantage of this or find another way to make your calculator identifiable.

Emma Mullane

Key Learning Area Manager - Mathematics