VCE VM 

Maths in Melbourne

Charlie Peach 

Year 12

Earlier this term, both VCE-Vocational Major classes went on an excursion to the city to learn about how symmetry is used in building design. 

We explored modern buildings, noticing how shapes like triangles and squares were reflected and rotated to create patterns that make the buildings stand out. We also visited other landmarks, such as the State Library and Melbourne Central, where we looked at how domes and arches were built with symmetry in mind. 

One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was drawing the Princess Theatre, which gave us a chance to appreciate its intricate details. This excursion was fun because it helped us see how maths and design work together to shape the buildings around us.

Luke Mitchell 

Teacher  - VCE Vocational Major Numeracy 

Our Unit 3 Vocational students visited landmarks in Melbourne’s CBD including Federation Square, Princess Theatre and Melbourne Central to gather evidence and link numeracy to real-life scenarios. 

Students are studying Shape in Numeracywhich requires them to classify common two and three-dimensional shapes and determine reflectional and rotational symmetry. The excursion was a great opportunity to see how shapes can be manipulated and used in architecture and design. 

Bhekani Sibanda

Teacher  - VCE Vocational Major Numeracy 

Our day started at Federation Square where students were given the opportunity to draw and explain the link to their current area of study – Shape. 

We used estimation strategies to determine the number of triangles present on one wall. From there, we walked to the Princess Theatre. At this location, students were required to draw the front of Princess Theatre using reflectional symmetry. It was great to see the students identifying the many shapes to assist in their drawings. We then caught a train to Melbourne Central, where we estimated the height of the Shot Tower and looked at the pattern of the cone-shaped roof. Students were also given an opportunity to find evidence for the Area of Study at other locations in the CBD. 

The excursion was an exciting chance for students to test their skills and understanding outside of the classroom. It was a very interesting and enlightening experience!