2002 School Magazine

mathematics faculties

Met-West Maths Challenge - Years 8.9 and 10 On 23 May this Year a small group of junior mathematiciansleft the school to compete in the Met-West Maths challenge at Indooroopilly High School The entire group consisting of ten Year 8 students, four Year 9 students and SIX Year Ten students were ready to take on any of the challenges that lay ahead of us. The apprehension was mounting as teams from numerous schools in the metropolitan west area gathered in front of the main hall at Indooroopilly Each team was divided into two groups of five to compete in the different sectio of the challenge. The first of these consisted of six demanding questions. which the first group was given one hour to complete. After lunch, the second group was put to the test in a relay of 30 questions. which were to be completed in succession. by alternating pairs. Each correct question was worth a varying number of points, however points were deducted if a pair chose to attempt an incorrect question again or pass it on to the other pair

The support of both teachers that accompanied us. Mrs Just and Miss Charles- Edwards was greatly appreciated. Overall. the challenging nature of the questions as well as the preparatory work prior to the day, enabled us to get to know each other as a group and better understand new, Interesting and exciting areas of maths

Mouo, et Forrest

National Mathematics Summer School

introduced to a variety of higher-level Mathematics including number theory and topology. in particular in topology. which involves abstract concepts of the fourth and fifth dimensions, everyone was a little frightened. These difficult theories were made much easier to grasp through Terry's Ithe chief lecturer- a professor from the University of Sydney) great humor and enthusiasm He managed to provide plenty of laughs even in the most complex areas of Mathematics. The lectures were conducted in an informal atmosphere, which made it a very comfortable environment for learning. The lectures were followed by tutorials where we extended our understandings by further exploring these topics The two weeks were more than just "mind-boggling" Maths. we had time for social activities and sightseeing as well as various sporting activities. There was a continuous table tennis and card game competition in the evenings. which were filled with lots of fun Other evenings held events such as the Maths relay, a disco and a concert on the final night. Sight seeing

During the summer holidays In January, along with 65 other students around the nation, we were selected to attend the National Mathematics Summer School INMSS) held at the Australian National University in Canberra Established 30 years ago. the National Mathematics Summer School 15 held annually with participants being selected on the basis of the results of a variety of mathematics competitions held throughout the Year. As we disembarked in Canberra. we were filled with mixed emotions, not exactly knowing what to expect. Although a past student had informed us that the NMSS experience would be filled with excitement and fun' learning, we were still unsure whether 2 weeks of Maths would be all that enjoyable. Upon arriving at our residential college, Bruce Hall, we were amazed to find ourselves surrounded by some of the nation's elite Young mathematicians and renowned professors During everyday of the two weeks, we attended lectures where we were

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destinations included the Black Mountain Tower, the well-known Mount Stromlo Observatory, Parliament House, the War Memorial and the most memorable of all was paddling at the beautiful Lake Burly Grimn The two weeks went by too quickly and before we realized, it was time to depart. We must say that the two

weeks of NMSS 2002 were a very valuable experience for both of us Not only did it broaden our insight into the world of Mathematics, but also allowed us to form great friendship bonds with students from around the nation. These two memorable weeks will surely be ones that we will never forget

Stephonie Sheu 81ulie Sze