Mathematical Opportunities for Students This Term

We are excited to offer a number of opportunities this term for students to stretch their mathematical thinking, develop problem-solving skills and challenge themselves alongside their peers. Whether you’re curious about algorithms, love tackling tricky problems, or want to test yourself against the best, there’s something for everyone!

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition

When: Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May 2026
Cost: $9.30
Register via this form before Wednesday 13 May 2026

The CAT competition is all about developing your problem-solving skills through algorithmic thinking without needing any programming experience. You’ll work through unique ‘three-stage tasks’ that encourage you to develop informal algorithms and apply them to increasingly complex data. It’s perfect for any maths student and a great way to discover an interest in computer programming.

Australian Maths Challenge

When: Week 3 to Week 6 (Week starting Monday 4 May and ending Friday 29 May 2026)
Cost: $25
Register via this form before Wednesday 29 April 2026

Open to Year 7–Year 10, the Australian Maths Challenge is a problem-solving program run over 3–4 weeks. You’ll receive engaging printed materials and work individually or collaboratively in pairs to explore the power and joy of mathematical problem solving. Requiring around 2–3 hours of study time per week, this program helps you dive deep into challenging problems while building teamwork skills.

NSW Mathematics Competition

When: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Entry is by invitation only

A prestigious tradition since 1962, the UNSW School Mathematics Competition tests mathematical insight and ingenuity rather than routine calculation. This three-hour open-book examination allows any materials except internet-connected computers. With around 1,100 participants annually and prizes awarded to the top 60 students in each division, it’s a significant challenge where MLC School students have previously been runners-up! Interested students are encouraged to attempt the past problems and contact Ms Schroder.

Maths Olympiad and Maths Games

When: Throughout Term 2 and Term 3

Selected Year 7 and Year 8 students will be invited to join the Maths Olympiad, a prestigious competition run by the Australasian Problem-Solving (APSMO). Students compete as part of a team while striving for individual excellence in this highly regarded program that builds on the problem-solving foundations developed in earlier years.

All other Year 7 students will participate in Maths Games, also run by APSMO and aligned with the Australian curriculum. Students will learn to think laterally and creatively, exploring real-world applications of problem-solving strategies and discovering that there’s often more than one path to a solution.

– Alex Schroder
Head of Senior School Operations