University High School Newsletter

MATHEMATICS EXTENSION PROGRAM – 2024


Information for Parents, Guardians and Students

For 2024, the Mathematics Faculty at University High School and EBS will be continuing our regular program of extra-curricular activities which have operated so successfully over many years. This year we are again expecting that significant numbers of our students will enter a combination of these events and we encourage all students who are enrolled in a mathematics to consider entering at least one of the following activities:

1. Australian Mathematics Competition (Online)

(Compulsory for 7-9 SEAL students)

The Australian Mathematics Competition is the original and largest competition of its type in Australia. Students are asked to solve twenty-five multiple-choice problems and five questions requiring a numerical answer in 75 minutes. Each paper tests basic skills, the ability to solve routine problems in arithmetic, geometry and algebra, and problem-solving skills. The results in problem-solving, a necessary life skill, often reveal talent that is not so readily identified in normal mathematics assessment. All students receive a certificate showing their level of achievement and a detailed report showing how they went on each problem with comparative statistics.

 

Details:

• A paper at three levels of difficulty (Junior, Intermediate and Senior).

• The date of the Competition is Tuesday 06 August.

2 .Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition (Online)

(Note: This is compulsory for 7-9 SEAL students)

This is a one-hour problem-solving competition using mathematical skills which seeks to identify computer programming potential (although no programming experience is required.) Some questions test the students’ ability to accurately perform procedures whilst others require logical thought and the identification and application of algorithms. The competition has three divisions, Junior (7 & 8), Intermediate (9 & 10) and Senior (11 & 12). Each paper has six multiple choice questions and nine more challenging questions.

 

Details:

• A paper at three levels of difficulty (Junior, Intermediate and Senior).

• The date of the Competition is Tuesday 21 May.

3. Maths Challenge

(Note: This is compulsory for 7-8 SEAL students)

This is an opportunity for talented students, and other students who enjoy mathematics, to meet the challenge of in-depth yet accessible problems and to develop their problem-solving skills. Support and motivation for the students is provided through weekly meetings with the Head of Mathematics.

 

Details:

• For students in Years 7 to 10.

• A paper in which complete solutions must be written for approximately six problems at Junior (Years 7-8) and Intermediate (Years 9-10) levels.

• This activity runs over a three-week period during April

4. The University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition

The competition has been in existence since 1972. It is wholly organised and run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Melbourne. The competition is of a demanding standard, designed to identify real mathematical talent. Between 3000 and 5000 students enter, and some 150 are awarded prizes. The nature of the problems is different from that encountered in school mathematics syllabi, being less mechanical and requiring a higher level of mathematical insight and creativity. As such, participation is likely to be rewarding only to those students who have a real love for, and ability in, mathematics.

 

The competition is separated into three divisions:

1. Junior Division - Students in years 7 and 8 sit a two-hour exam 

2. Intermediate Division - Students in years 9 and 10 sit a three-hour exam 

3. Senior Division - Students in years 11 and 12 sit a three-hour exam.

 

Details:

• Students are required to complete a trial question prior to being allowed to sit for this competition.

• The date of the Competition is Wednesday 01 May.

5. Maths Enrichment

The Enrichment Stage is a program for talented students who enjoy mathematics to formally extend their knowledge of mathematics with course work that augments the school curriculum. This activity enhances student maturity and experience and increases the likelihood of success in future tertiary study. Support and motivation for the students is provided through weekly meetings with the Head of Mathematics.

 

Details:

• For very able mathematics students in Years 8 to 10 who have previously completed Maths Challenge and/or Maths Enrichment.

• Students are required to complete a trial question prior to being allowed to enter this event.

• There are four levels of difficulty with students allocated to the most suitable level based on age and previous mathematical experience.

• This activity runs over a twelve-week period from June - September.

Further extension activities offered for 2024 include:

  • Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) – for students who achieved a High Distinction in the CAT and who are able to code.
  • Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO)– for Year 7-10 students who achieved a High Distinction in the AMC
  • National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) - Year 11 students only who have performed well in Year 11 Specialist Mathematics and are planning to study mathematics at tertiary level.

How do I enter?

Click here to nominate which of the competitions and activities you would like to enter. A note that some of Activities 4 and 5 require some pre-requisite work to be completed before entry is granted.

 

If you have any queries regarding any of the above activities or indeed any aspect of your child’s Mathematics program and participation, then please contact me via details below.

 

Stephen Paatsch - Head of Mathematics

spaatsch@unihigh.vic.edu.au