2020 School Magazine

MATHS CHALLENGE FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS T he Maths Challenge for Young Australians is a four-week competition with six problems, each worth four marks. The problems are challenging and are outside of the standard curriculum at school. Students participate in workshops where they can work on the problems, discuss ideas with other students and have the opportunity to ask questions. It is extremely satisfying when you conquer a difficult problem, and they are difficult so be prepared to get stuck sometimes! I strongly recommend giving it a try if you like this type of extension maths. Freya Pearn (8H)

MATHS FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS ENRICHMENT M aths for Young Australians Enrichment is a program for advanced maths students and involves a variety of challenging mathematical problems. During the Program’s workshops we learned about different problem-solving techniques to help us in the competition. The problems were marked out of four, and marks were awarded for showing certain elements in our working. These problems prompted us to think outside the box and challenge ourselves. Though the competition spanned a long period of time, by solving the problems, going over solutions, and learning new strategies, time went by much faster than expected. The competition was truly a great experience and expanded my mathematical knowledge and understanding. Isabella Ho (8E) O n Sunday 9 August students from Years 9 and 10 participated in Mathapatta at the School’s Main Campus. Mathapatta is an annual program involving the exploration of new and interesting mathematical concepts. The Year 9s participated in the ‘Bungee Barbie’ activity and had their first experience with graphics calculators. They gathered and plotted data, and developed functions to determine how many rubber bands were needed to support the weight of their Barbie doll when they threw her off the G Block balconies. Meanwhile, the Year 10s worked to create a ‘Solar Barbecue’, utilising parabolas and mirrors to reflect the sun’s rays onto a marshmallow, toasting it (in theory). Afterwards both Year levels combined to participate in a lesson on game theory and learned about the analysis of competition between two or more parties. We are all thankful to Mrs Mazzaglia, Ms Worthington, Ms McConnell, Dr Burnett, Ms Huxtable and Dr Jenkins for this wonderful opportunity. Anna Butler (10G) and Amelia DeSouza (10R) MATHAPATTA

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

I n July, 91 girls from Years 7 to 12 participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition. The competition provides an opportunity for students to extend themselves outside of the classroom with challenging problem-solving for each Year level. Consisting of a series of multiple-choice and short answer questions, the exam was completed without the aid of a calculator within a 75 minute time period. Leading up to the exam students were provided with practice exams. I really enjoyed the competition. The experience provided me with a chance to extend and improve upon my problem-solving abilities. The skills I learned have also helped with curriculum mathematics, building my understanding and changing my approach to problem- solving in the classroom. Isabel Shorrock-Browne (10R)

I n June, the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition was held for girls in Years 7 to 10. The one-hour exam comprised multiple choice and short-answer questions. It requires participants to think logically, recognise patterns and apply algorithms to complete problems. On the day, a delectable afternoon tea of fruits, biscuits and juice was served. Earlier this year, there was also a CAT workshop with practice papers where students could familiarise themselves with some of the algorithms that would be part of the competition. I recommend this competition to anyone who is wishing to extend themselves in mathematics or who enjoys solving problems involving algorithms and logic. Zoe McElwaine (7G) THE COMPUTATIONAL AND ALGORITHMIC THINKING COMPETITION

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2020 | 109

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