Mathematics students from high schools across NSW will travel to the University of New England on Friday to participate in the Annual Year 8 Mathematics Day competition.
Mathematics Day was first held in 1995 and has been growing in popularity ever since. This year more than 250 students, accompanied by teachers and support staff, are expected to travel to UNE from as far away as Dubbo, Central West NSW to participate.
The students will attempt to solve a range of interesting mathematical problems in teams of four and are not allowed to use calculators.
“We really enjoyed coming to UNE to see what it is like. The day was hard work but also good fun. We enjoyed the head-to-head activity because we were competing against other teams,” a former participant said.
Event convener, Anne Parnell said the objectives of the day are to involve students in a wide range of problem-solving activities appropriate to their age.
“We aim to encourage a broad view of mathematics, which encompasses both non-routine and real-life problems,” Ms Parnell said.
“The day provides opportunity for school groups to work collaboratively, which helps connect students from different schools.”
At the end of the day, the highest scoring high school and central school team are presented with perpetual trophies while individual team members receive participation certificates.
The Armidale School won the high school event last year with Holy Trinity from Inverell winning the central schools competition. St John Paul College from Coffs Harbour came out top in the team construction event.
Now in its 24th year, the event is the largest competition of its type in Australia and is jointly sponsored by the New England Mathematical Association, the SiMERR National Research Centre and UNE’s School of Education.
The 2018 Year 8 Mathematics Day will be held on Friday 18 May, from 9am to 3:30pm in Lazenby Hall, UNE.
