“Mathematics does become easier and make more sense when you devote more of your attention to it,”

Mathematics appears to have an unfair reputation, as some might say it can be challenging and daunting at first glance. A subject that requires perseverance and dedication, one where careful thought and rigour is needed to achieve a precise and accurate result. Over the years, I have found that my sizeable negotiation and communication skills to creatively find solutions to challenging problems had little worth in this subject, but instead I needed to seek assistance when things got tough, attempt more exercises when I needed to build my skills and continue to wrestle with challenges along the way – even when I thought I could not do anymore.

I will be honest and admit there have been times when I have not fully understood all concepts, but I have persisted. Mathematics can be difficult, but that is the beauty of the subject as well, it is an area of study that reaps rewards when you put in the effort to understand. I know this sounds strange but Mathematics does, surprisingly, become easier, and begins to make more sense when you devote more of your attention to it.

I have found some opposition to studying both Maths Methods and Specialist Maths in VCE, I guess because, as mentioned previously, there seems to be some bad press around the subject. Initially, I did not want to study two subjects when considering options back in Year 10. But honestly speaking, during lockdown both Maths Methods and Specialist Maths have become my favourite subjects this year. These two subjects have provided me with an opportunity to apply my skills and think about the best approach and techniques when solving problems.

I think I am not alone when I say remote learning has been difficult. However, I was less likely to idly stare at a screen during lockdown when I needed to concentrate and consider all intricacies when learning Mathematics.

I have found you cannot just recall slabs of information when navigating your way through a Mathematics test – the journey to a correct solution requires careful organisation, thought and planning. You will agree with me when I say there is no doubt we have one of the best Mathematics departments of any school.

St Catherine’s teachers are endlessly devoted, inspiring us not just to rote learn content for grades and good scores, but to acquire skills that are both useful and applicable in the everyday world. I have not met more hardworking individuals in my life, from Ms Gunn spending her whole summer writing notes for our Methods course (whilst the rest of us were on holidays) to Mrs Matt and Mrs Klancic’s boundless assistance and readiness to provide students with Mathematics help.

I would not have made it this far without their motivation and belief in me. In fact, every one of my teachers along the way has provided me with support. I can vouch that you are never alone in your Mathematics journey at St Catherine’s.

So, wherever you are on your journey, you will always be supported at St Catherine’s. Learning life-long skills that might make you more aware of the world around you. Despite some tears and frustrations, I have learnt to give everything a go, accept that mistakes are opportunities for learning and to keep calm and collected in everything I do.

I am forever grateful to our amazing teachers at St Catherine’s, and given the chance again, I would choose to study Maths Methods and Specialist again, this time without any hesitation.