STEM

Year 7 Pi Recital Competition 

On March 14th, the Year 10 Math Committee hosted a Pi Recital competition for the Year 7 students in celebration of Pi Day. The aim of the competition was for each student to recite as many digits of Pi as possible with many Year 7s reaching impressive numbers and being very successful in this recital. It was so amazing to see so many participants contribute and give it their best in this competition with each student who took part in the Pi recital walking out with various prizes such as badges and lollies. 

A special congratulations to our top 3 participants who each got over 200 digits! 3rd place went to Georgia Xenoyiannakis - 7 Green who recited 200 digits of Pi, coming in 2nd was Raquel Rojas Julian - 7 Blue with 233 digits and finally our top prize winner with 271 digits was Maisonya Nguyen - 7 Red. An amazing job from our top 3 as well as all those who came in and got involved in making this Pi recital such a success and a fun lunchtime experience along with many supporters going to support their peers and cheer them on.

The Math Committee is so grateful to have seen such great enthusiasm and effort from the Year 7 students and a big thank you to Mr Chan for organising this event!!! 

Krysthina Klapp, Melody Zhang, Angelina Mavros, Bianca Dinh, Yuliya Li 

Year 10 Maths Committee

Careers in Maths Talk

On Friday the 22nd of March Emma Papa, a past Academy student, came to speak to the Year 11 Specialist class about pursuing maths beyond Year 12. 

Emma completed Methods in Year 11 and Year 12 and has gone on to study mathematics at The University of Melbourne. She thought it was important to convey the significance of maths to these young girls and hopefully show them the possibilities maths can offer. In Emma's talk with them, she spoke about the different career opportunities that come from studying maths and how important it is for anyone wanting to pursue science. She also discussed the different majors offered by universities and her own experience as someone majoring in Pure Mathematics - the study of abstract mathematical concepts.

The specialist girls were very grateful to Emma for speaking with them conveying her passion for mathematics and its importance. Her talk has no doubt set the path for some of the girls to consider a careers in STEM and Maths. We thank Emma for her inspiring talk.

Mr Eric Chan

Mathematics Learning Leader

Information Technology

Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix

The VCE VET Creative and Digital Media Year 12 class recently attended a STEM event at the F1 Rolex Grand Prix entitled Driving Learning Program at the Melbourne Grand Prix in Albert Park. 

Getting there on public transport was quite straight-forward as Yarra Trams had put on express trams to the GP from Spencer street. Although the trams were very crowded, everyone was in high spirits and looking forward to their day. The purpose of taking students along to such an event was to further inspire them to pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and understand the diverse pathways and careers that STEM and the motorsport industry can offer. 

The students learned about tyre technology has evolved and new tyres were being tested for the first time on the day we were there. In addition, students had the opportunity to sit inside some demonstration cars and go-karts, remarking that they are very narrow seats!! They also visited a variety of presentations how STEM is used to enhance capabilities in organisations. 

Even with ear plugs, the noise of the cars was impressive and the speed at which they fly by was incredible. We were in a great position to view the practice laps and all were fully immersed in the experience. 

Here is what the students said: 

The main thing I got from the excursion was the community-based aspect of F1 - it isn't all up to the single driver (like most sports) but rather is a team effort that's heavily influenced by the engineers and mechanics. The technological aspect is always advancing, meaning the competition is different every year. For example, how they were talking about the impact of the new tyres which hadn't been used on that track before. 

Alice Portz Year 11 

Today was a new and good experience. I was able to learn a lot about the Grand Prix that I didn't know. Mia Pham Year 11 

Coming up in Term 2

BEBRAS computational Thinking Challenge – First round (DigiTech students) 

Top Designs – visit exemplary works from Creative and Digital Media students of 2023 (IT students) – including our own Kieran Ford who is now in year 12. Please try to get along with your daughters/parents to the Museum to see the amazing works completed by students in Year 12 courses.

Ms Kate Jones

Technology (IT) Learning Leader