Mathematics

Ms Susan Turnbull – Leader of Learning – Mathematics

It has been an incredibly busy and productive term in the Mathematics Faculty. Our primary focus has been on strengthening students’ ability to unpack and respond to challenging exam questions. By embedding this structured approach into our lessons, we are fostering metacognitive awareness – equipping all learners with the confidence and precision needed to synthesise complex syllabus concepts and achieve success in advanced problem-solving.

Students at all levels have thrown themselves into their work with outstanding dedication. Here is a snapshot of what our cohorts and co-curricular programs have achieved this term:

Senior School Milestones

  • Year 12: Our senior mathematicians have now completed three tasks, representing 70% of their school-based assessment. To ensure they are fully prepared for ‘the real thing’ in Term 3, all students will have the opportunity to sit a mock trial exam during the upcoming holidays. Furthermore, they can fine-tune their skills by participating in holiday workshops run by MCE, SCS, and MANSW.
  • Year 11: The cohort has successfully navigated their first two assessment tasks while deeply engaging with the new syllabus.
  • Year 10: Are preparing for Stage 6 with their subject selections. Having also completed two assessment tasks, Year 10 students are preparing for their practice Minimum Standards Test. Meeting the Minimum Standard in Numeracy is a crucial requirement for the awarding of the HSC.

Extending Our Brightest Minds

Many of our top mathematicians have been flexing their skills in prestigious external competitions:

  • Stage 4 Newman Students: Our gifted mathematicians have received their Maths Challenge results.
  • Years 7 & 8: Students stepped up to the challenge of the APS Mathematics Olympiad. Comprising four separate contests starting in early Term 2, this program is designed to consolidate problem-solving strategies, foster creativity and ingenuity and stimulate a genuine enthusiasm for mathematics.
  • 99 students from Years 7-11 have signed up to compete in the Australian Mathematics Competition, conducted by the Australian Mathematics Trust, joining with approximately 600,000 students across Australia and the South Pacific. 

Beyond the Classroom: Clubs and Enrichment

Maths Homework Club: A huge thank you to Ms Le for running the Maths Homework Club every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00–4:00pm in the Learning Centre. Open to Years 7–10 students, this initiative continues to be an invaluable resource for homework support and exam preparation.

Marist Mathletes: Mathletes continues to thrive on Monday afternoons. Students have been exploring advanced, university-level topics, such as Modular Arithmetic, Cryptography and Game theory, to prepare for elite competitions. A special thank you to volunteer teacher Dr Scott for her invaluable assistance and expertise with this program.

Congratulations to all students on a fantastic term of mathematical growth. We look forward to seeing this hard work pay off in the final terms of the year!