Northcote visits BIARRI

NHS has connected with BIARRI business to provide an engaging and different view of how mathematics can be applied to solve real world problems. The ‘Mathematics is EVERYWHERE’ outlook of BIARRI captures the importance and relevance of Mathematics to all our lives across industries.

At Northcote High, we are dedicated to instilling a passion for mathematics and developing students who are capable of clear thinking and reasoning capabilities, intelligent decision makers, and adept problem solvers. We emphasise key 21st century workplace skills in which students can work collaboratively and develop a disposition that enables them to be resilient, flexible and creative thinkers when modelling and solving complex problems.

Why Mathematical Modelling?

Mathematical modelling promotes a high level of Mathematical thinking and reasoning capabilities. Allowing students to formulate, test, prove, validate and refine conjectures to deepen their conceptual knowledge. Students develop their problem-solving techniques and communication skills to effectively collaborate whilst formulating models and solving problems as part of a team. They develop an understanding of the mindset and disposition required to navigate challenges successfully as well as an appreciation for the applications of Mathematics.

Figure 1: Laura Smith demonstrates the Modelling processes - Developing an understanding of a problem, specifying the mathematical problem and formulating a model.

Figure 2: Mathematical modelling students: Kathleen Xiao, Maggie Nguyen, Marlon Bargh, Jordan Du, and Paul Tran

Student experience

BIARRI has helped support the development of learning experiences which are embedded in our Mathematical modelling curriculum. Students utilise their experience to work in a group project, explore an area of interest, and demonstrate how they can be expert Mathematicians.

Students were involved in a deep discussion of mathematical ideas and processes related to mathematising and solving a unique problem. They were captivated by the way Mathematics can be used to develop programs based on a probability model to choose our lunch venue, predicting chance of winning a football matches and encrypting data!

Community and School partnerships

The partnership with BIARRI has helped develop an engaging program that stimulates and challenges students learning and love of Mathematics. This has exposed students to content and techniques beyond the scope of traditional curriculum and has been a productive step forward in working with industry to enhance the knowledge capital among our school community.

I’d like to thank the staff at BIARRI, Suzanne Hutchinson, Laura Smith, and Joe Forbes for enabling such experiences for our students.

Mr George Georgiadis