Extension Program

Aitken College Attends G.A.T.E.WAYS - Eureka Program at Ashley Park Primary School

On Thursday 19 September, Aitken College was invited to participate in another G.A.T.E.WAYS - Eureka Program at Ashley Park Primary School. Select students from Year 2 and Year 3 represented Aitken College in Maths based workshops, titled: ‘Maths Investigators!’. The students used their investigative skills to navigate their way through three workshops: Pascal and the Problematic Emperor of Arelat, POWERful Numbers and Aunt Betty’s Binominal Baking – Algebra in Action! These workshops provided the students with the opportunity to engage in challenging mathematical investigations to discover that there is far more to Maths than just numbers. The students enjoyed the day-long program and would like to share reflections of their learning experiences with our Aitken College community:

I had a great time at G.A.T.E.WAYS. I learnt about Pascal’s triangle, square numbers and how to do very complicated adding. The activities were fun and challenging.

by Francesca A (2A)

I enjoyed doubling big numbers because it was really hard and it made me think. The day at G.A.T.E.WAYS allowed me to make new friends and explore problems together.

by Charlie D (2A)

I liked doubling really big numbers because it was really interesting. I had no idea that I was going to double the number 1,048,576. It was hard but lots of fun!

by Tamanna S (2A)

I learnt about Pascal’s triangle. We used LEGO to figure this out. It was very interesting and the story about Pascal and the emperor of the faraway kingdom was funny. I liked the Cake, Cubes and Tricky Tins workshop the best because I got to make my own cake design. I enjoyed the whole day.

by Laksh C (2B)

At G.A.T.E.WAYS I learnt that if you double from 1 thirty times you will get 1, 073, 741, 824! It was challenging doubling after the number 16, 384 and finding the pattern in Pascal’s triangle but it was fun! I enjoyed learning about square numbers, different earthquake strengths and triangular numbers. It was interesting to learn how many ways you can solve things.

by Alana O (3A)

I had a good day at G.A.T.E.WAYS because I learnt about Pascal’s triangle that had a 3D pyramid look and an infinite bottom. I really enjoyed the story about an Indian Prince named Raja who was stealing all the rice for himself until a village girl returned the rice. The Raja rewarded her a grain of rice and doubled it day by day for the next thirty days.

by Max E (3A)

Mrs Mary Ann Di Martino

Head of Faculty – Extension Programs