Mathematics News 

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are thrilled to share that several of our Year 5 and 6 students have officially stepped up to the challenge of the APSMO (Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads). Our students are currently participating in two distinct streams: the Maths Games and the Maths Olympiad.

Throughout the year, these students will engage in sessions designed to stretch their thinking beyond the standard curriculum. These competitions aren't just about finding the 'right' answer; they are about the journey taken to get there.

What to Expect This Year

The program is structured to provide a deep dive into 'rich' mathematical tasks. Unlike some mathematical exercises, these problems can be solved using a variety of strategies and require multi-step logic. Our goals for the students participating include:

• Building Problem-Solving Toolkits: Learning specific strategies such as Guess and Check, Build a Table, Work Backwards, and Find a Pattern.

• Developing Mathematical Fluency: Enhancing the ability to see connections between different areas of Maths, like geometry and algebra.

• Fostering Persistence: Encouraging students to embrace the 'productive struggle' when faced with complex, non-routine questions.

The Value of Competition

The APSMO sessions offer a unique environment where students can collaborate, debate different methods, and celebrate 'aha!' moments. By exposing them to these high-level problems, we are helping them build the confidence to tackle any challenge - mathematical or otherwise - with a critical and analytical mind.

We look forward to seeing our students grow further in their mathematical problem solving skills and understandings, and sharing their progress with the school community as the year unfolds!

Kind regards,

Conchita Thomas