Maths Talent & Advanced Numeracy (Year 2 to 7)
Maths Talent Program
The program provides extension and enrichment activities which enhance students’ understanding of mathematical principles as well as their ability to reason mathematically at a high level.
Students in these programs already display an interest in, and enjoyment of mathematics often engendered by their own success in this area.
Students are not taught by a “recipe and repetition” method but by investigation, discovery and problem solving. Many activities are presented as puzzles or games and much use is made of co-operative learning in addition to the benefits from individual or group competition. In addition, students may be provided with opportunities to practise for external competitions.
Maths Talent exists at five different levels (E to A) catering for students from Year 2 to 7. Classes make considerable use of hands-on equipment for problem solving activities. This not only adds interest to the lesson but helps to bridge the gap between pen and paper and real-life problems.
Part of the focus of the Maths Talent A program is centred on material created by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) based at the University of Canberra. This body is responsible for the Maths Challenge for Young Australians which is an enrichment/competition program for naturally talented high school students. The Swot Shop offers two levels: Newton and Dirichlet.
Each term students attempt a test or a competition and in line with normal Swot Shop promotion policies, some students may move to a more advanced class.
Entry requirements
To be admitted to Maths Talent program children sit an entry test. Students must have strong interest and skills in Maths reasoning and problem-solving to enjoy and benefit from the challenging nature of the course.
