MATHS
MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS:
Computation and Algorithmic Thinking (C.A.T.)
A record number of students have participated in the CAT competition with great fervor! Running over two days 165 students completed the C.A.T. The ELMS students were requested to participate to ensure they meet the demands of the 21st century skills and a changing curriculum at the Senior Mathematics level.
We endeavour to prepare students for the new “technological age” and algorithmic thinking is another opportunity to develop the logical thinking & programming skills for the future. The senior mathematics courses have now introduced pseudocode and basic programming language.
We appreciate students being proactive in challenging themselves to develop their decision making, problem solving and critical thinking skills. These skills we foresee will be the most sought after in any field and occupation.
The next competitions will be the Math Challenge and the Math Enrichment beginning from Monday 22 May and participants will receive their booklets to complete the task. These involve 6-10 problems and are completed in class during application time where possible or at home in the given time frame of each competition. Students are required to demonstrate their mathematical thinking and decision making through detailed working and explanations.
Finally, in Term 3 The Australian Math Competition will be held on Wednesday 2 August. Please register if you have not done so.
Mr Georgiadis & Dr Law
Maths Teachers
Student feedback
The CAT Competition tested and challenged our critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are both really important abilities in the 21st century. I enjoyed completing the competition and some of the practice questions because it enabled me to think in a more logical and creative way. It is something I hope to use more in the future.
Vicky Bui, Year 8
On Wednesday 3 May, the CAT (Computation and Algorithmic Thinking) competition took place. The competition gives students the opportunity to further develop and extend their problem-solving abilities through algorithmic thinking. The handwritten test consists of six multiple choice and 3x3 part integer questions, all to be completed within a 60-minute time limit. The test focuses on the skills and requirements that are accompanied by computer programming and algorithm design.
It is beneficial in understanding different aspects of computational and algorithmic thinking through the test's unique set of tasks. I found the test enjoyable, yet challenging, as I was faced with interesting, stimulating questions.
Harley Karro, Year 8
