Mathematics update

Mathematics Challenges and Competitions

During the first Semester, students from Years 3 to 8 completed the Australian Mathematics Challenge. This challenge involves working together or in pairs to solve interesting problems requiring students to use their knowledge and understanding in challenging contexts. Although there are moments of frustration, most of the students managed to solve the problems successfully.

Earlier in Semester 2, students from Years 3 to 6 and all students from Years 7 and 8 completed the Australian Math's Competition. The competition was completed online and involved a series of increasingly challenging questions. The students impressed with their readiness to engage thoughtfully with the problems.

The results of the Australian Math's Challenge and the Australian Math's Competition have not yet arrived.

Shortly, students will begin an Enrichment Program. The Ramanujan Program (Years 3 and 4), Newton Program (Years 5 and 6) and the Euler Program (Years 7 and 8) will be completed by selected students. This is an extension that requires students to learn new content and then complete related assessed problem tasks. 

The Monday Mighty Math's activity has continued this semester with regular attendees currently investigating an area of personal interest in a Mathematics Quest. Any students in Year 7 or 8 who would like additional Mathematics challenges are welcome to join on Mondays after school, 3.30–4.30pm in Room 14.

Mathematics organisation 2023

Next year there will be some changes to the organisation of Mathematics for students from Years 7 to 10. 

For students in Year 7 and 8, there will be a pull-out Extension program with students meeting three times a cycle for extension. These classes will be planned jointly with the extension teacher and the Mathematics class teacher to ensure that extension content relates to mainstream content. The Extension program will enable mainstream teachers to provide further support for students. 

For students in Year 9 and Year 10, an Advanced level classes will be arranged. For Year 9 students, the Advanced class will be determined by teachers based on achievement levels and application to learning Mathematics during Year 8. Year 10 students may apply for the Advanced class; however teachers will consider applications based on achievement levels and application to learning in Year 9.

Cameron Hall

Head of Maths Years 7–12