Colleen Elkins – Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator K – 6

Mathematics challenge 

Even though we are distanced from our students, we have still been able to participate in external challenges to extend them.

Years 3 – 6 Mathematics students are currently working on the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, in groups of up to three peers, collaborating to solve a series of ‘out of the box’ problems. Students are to rely on only their two matched peers for input. The ‘peer only input’ part seems to be the most enthusing aspect for students, with them embracing the challenge to organise and facilitate their own groups. 

Some parent comments:

“I just wanted to share that Tal was buzzing with excitement throughout and after your class today. He is so happy to be working with Mia and Jessica and have this opportunity to collaborate and have fun discussions with them”.  

“Tal, Mia and Jessica are having the cutest zoom brainstorm session right now (5.00 pm). It is totally adorable hearing the three of them collaborating and working so well together”.  

“I can tell that Mia is really enjoying the team project that she’s been working on with Tal and Jess. It’s such a great idea! It is just very sweet so see them interacting intensively and having a lot of fun as well!”

Enjoy video here of our students, guiding themselves and solving some of these questions. 

Our students are also continuing to take part in The Mathematics Olympiad Competitions, once a month, in Years  4 – 6 and faring exceptionally well in these national contests.

Many students are partaking in the Dorothea MacKellar Poetry Competition and attending mentoring meetings on Tuesdays at lunchtimes to share inspirational ideas.