Maths - Key Learning Area in Focus

Mrs Abi Parsons | Leader of Learning - Maths

The Maths faculty has had another eventful year, filled with exciting opportunities and achievements for our wonderful students. Here are some of the key highlights they’ve experienced.

Pi Shop

Pi Shop continues to be a dynamic space for mathematical exploration and support. Held in the library every Wednesday and Thursday after school until 5pm, Pi Shop provides an

inviting atmosphere for students to immerse themselves in mathematics. From tackling

challenging problems to seeking assistance with coursework from Mrs Parsons, Pi Shop is the best place to do Mathematics. These sessions not only cater to the academic needs of our student’s but it also encourages collaboration and camaraderie between peers. We look forward to continuing to support students to achieve next year, in all courses.

APSMO Mathematics Olympiad: Years 7 & 8

This year we had 24 Year 7 and 8 students participate in the Senior Division of the APSMO

Mathematics Olympiad. Through four rigorous tests, they exhibited commendable effort, enthusiasm and problem-solving skills. As part of their preparation, a number of these students engaged in weekly practice sessions during Pi Shop, under the guidance of Xavier Houlihan and Conor Stirling, two of our Year 12 students. Xavier and Conor were accelerated in Mathematics and completed their HSC in Extension 2 Mathematics in 2024. The Mathematic’s faculty extends a huge thank you to both Xavier and Conor for the considerable effort and thought they have put into each of these sessions. These two students understood an important truth: when you learn to love maths, success tends to follow. Each Wednesday, Xavier and Conor had students participate in a range of groups activities aimed to foster thinking but more importantly, a love of the purest language of the universe- Mathematics.

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

This year we had two of our accelerated students compete in the AMC Mathematics competition. Richard Jiang achieved a Distinction and Amirali Boostan a Credit. Huge congratulations to both boys! The AMC is Australia's longest-running and largest mathematics competition, organised annually for students in Years 3 to 12, and also in other countries. It features unique, engaging problems designed by leading educators to promote problem-solving, mathematical thinking, and a love for maths in students of all abilities, rather than just the mathematically gifted. The competition emphasises creative problem-solving, rather than complex calculations, and includes awards based on performance relative to other participants.