Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

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SUCCESS TIMES TWO

MATHEMATICS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO SUBJECTS THAT ARE COMPULSORY FROM YEARS 7–12 AT GIRLS GRAMMAR. UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF DIRECTOR DR PETER JENKINS, STAFF ENGAGE GIRLS IN A PROGRAMME THAT HELPS THEM LEARN HOW TO THINK LOGICALLY AND PROBLEM SOLVE, WHILE EXPOSING THEM TO THE DIVERSE AND INTERESTING APPLICATIONS MATHEMATICS CAN HAVE. RECENTLY, BOTH STAFF AND STUDENTS FROM THE MATHS FACULTY HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED FOR THEIR EXCELLENCE IN THIS DISCIPLINE.

Joanna John Year 12 student Joanna John (12O) has been awarded an Outstanding Senior Mathematics and Technology Student Award in the Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Joanna was the only girl out of eight students awarded ‘BGGS has an amazing maths programme and does not stereotype mathematics as a masculine subject but encourages comprehensive development,’ Joanna said. ‘I have been given opportunities to explore several application areas of maths. It was amazing to work with the prototype of an encoding system, which showed the basics of computer security, as part of my Maths C studies. ‘Additionally, I am interested in the use of mathematical methods to model almost anything, such as the human brain, to carry out studies for the benefit of mankind.’ Joanna has plans to pursue her love of maths in her studies post-school. ‘As maths encompasses several study areas, I can pursue maths by studying for a degree in one of the many disciplines. One area which I am interested in is Actuarial Studies where maths is the core of the discipline. Other areas, such as medical science, incorporate maths for modelling and in the study of tumours.’ the prize, and said she was happy to be a female ambassador encouraging participation in STEM competitions.

Mr Tim Lehman Mathematics teacher Mr Tim Lehman has received The SAGE Best QUT Higher Degree Research Paper Award for his paper ‘Teaching through problem solving to improve numeracy’. This award is conferred annually on the QUT higher degree research student who is the lead author on a manuscript judged the best paper. Mr Lehman is new to Girls Grammar this year, however his ties to the School are varied. After completing his initial university studies and working as an accountant, Mr Lehman realised how much he had enjoyed his years as a university tutor and returned to The University of Queensland to study teaching, where he was tutored by his now-colleague, Head of Accounting Mrs Phillipa Greig. He is currently completing a PhD under the supervision of old girl Professor Lyn English (1970) and recently successfully completed his confirmation presentation where he was examined by old girl Dr Sonia White (1997). His research examines the role of problem- solving in numeracy, and involved our own Year 8 girls.

QUT’s Higher Degree Research Coordinator, Associate Professor Karen Dooley and Language and Learning Educator Dr Emma Caukhill with mathematics teacher Mr Tim Lehman who was awarded The SAGE Best QUT Higher Degree Research Paper Award.

Joanna John (12O) accepts her Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior Mathematics Award from the Honourable Kate Jones MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE