Term 2 is a busy time for competitions in Mathematics. We have already had several girls sit the Computational and Algorithmic thinking competition last term.

This part of Mathematics is the basis for coding and IT and consequently it is an area of great importance for the future. We are running a Years 9 and 10 elective course this year in Algorithmic thinking that has been most interesting.

Year 7 Maths class setting out the number line with negative numbers to reinforce adding and subtracting negative numbers.

Many of our students have commenced working through the “Maths Challenge” or the “Maths Enrichment” programs that are set by the Australian Mathematics Trust. Many of these questions are quite abstract and require the girls to think outside the square and also be able to explain the logic they have used in the solution process. These programs run at different Year levels from Year 4 right through to Year 9.

Our classes are all running smoothly in the run up to the mid-year assessment period. We run major tests during class time for the Years 7 and 8 students to help them experience how examinations in Mathematics work. It is important that the girls recognise that Mathematics is a cumulative subject and so the examinations always cover all of the work covered that year and also require them to maintain their knowledge from year to year. We make sure there is plenty of revision and preparation to help them in this.

The Year 9 English Exchange students are about to set off for their adventure this Term. They have been provided with the Mathematics notes for the term, along with videos teaching them the course. It is always a little tricky for the girls to maintain momentum as they work through the course but friendly emails from Toorak try to keep them on track. We wish them all the best for their experience.