MATHEMATICS EXTENSION PROGRAM – 2023

Information for Parents, Guardians and Students

For 2023, the Mathematics Faculty at University High School and EBS will be
continuing our regular program of extra-curricular activities which have operated
so successfully over previous years. For this year we are expecting that
significant numbers of our students at will enter a combination of these events
and we encourage all students who are enrolled in a mathematics to consider
entering at least one of the following activities.

1. Maths Challenge

(Note: This is compulsory for 7-8 SEAL students)

This is an opportunity for talented students, and other students who enjoy
mathematics, to meet the challenge of in-depth yet accessible problems and
to develop their problem-solving skills. Support and motivation for the
students is provided through weekly meetings with the Head of
Mathematics.

Details:
• For students in Years 7 to 10.
• A paper in which complete solutions must be written for
approximately six problems at Junior (Years 7-8) and Intermediate
(Years 9-10) levels.
• This activity runs over a three-week period during Terms 1 & 2.

2. Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition (Online)

(Note: This is compulsory for 7-9 SEAL students)

This is a one-hour problem-solving competition using mathematical skills
which seeks to identify computer programming potential (although no
programming experience is required.) Some questions test the students’
ability to accurately perform procedures whilst others require logical
thought and the identification and application of algorithms. The
competition has three divisions, Junior (7 & 8), Intermediate (9 & 10) and
Senior (11 & 12). Each paper has six multiple choice questions and nine
more challenging questions.

Details
• A paper at three levels of difficulty (Junior, Intermediate and Senior).
• The date of the Competition is Tuesday 02 May.
3. Australian Mathematics Competition (Online)

(Compulsory for 7-9 SEAL students)

The Australian Mathematics Competition is the original and largest
competition of its type in Australia. Students are asked to solve twenty-
five multiple-choice problems and five questions requiring a numerical
answer in 75 minutes. Each paper tests basic skills, the ability to solve
routine problems in arithmetic, geometry and algebra, and problem-
solving skills. The results in problem-solving, a necessary life skill, often
reveal talent that is not so readily identified in normal mathematics
assessment. All students receive a certificate showing their level of
achievement and a detailed report showing how they went on each
problem with comparative statistics.

Details:
• A paper at three levels of difficulty (Junior, Intermediate and Senior).
• The date of the Competition is Wednesday 02 August.

4. Maths Enrichment

The Enrichment Stage is program for talented students who enjoy

mathematics to formally extend their knowledge of mathematics with
course work that augments the school curriculum. This activity enhances
student maturity and experience and increases the likelihood of success in
future tertiary study. Support and motivation for the students is provided
through weekly meetings with the Head of Mathematics.

Details:
• For very able mathematics students in Years 8 to 10 who have
previously completed Maths Challenge and/or Maths Enrichment.
• Students are required to complete a trial question prior to being
allowed to enter this event.
• There are four levels of difficulty with students allocated to the most
suitable level based on age and previous mathematical experience.
• This activity runs over a twelve-week period during Terms 2 and 3.

5. The University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition

The competition has been in existence since 1972. It is wholly organised
and run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of
Melbourne. The competition is of a demanding standard, designed to
identify real mathematical talent. Between 3000 and 5000 students enter,
and some 150 are awarded prizes. The nature of the problems is
different from that encountered in school mathematics syllabi, being less
mechanical and requiring a higher level of mathematical insight and
creativity. As such, participation is likely to be rewarding only to those
students who have a real love for, and ability in, mathematics.
 The competition is separated into three divisions:
1. Junior Division - Students in years 7 and 8 sit a two-hour exam
2. Intermediate Division - Students in years 9 and 10 sit a three-hour
exam
3. Senior Division - Students in years 11 and 12 sit a three-hour exam
Details:
• Students are required to complete a trial question prior to being
allowed to sit for this competition.
• The date of the Competition is Wednesday 03 May.

Further extension activities offered for 2023 include;

• Australian Informatics Olympiad (AIO) – for students who performed

well in the CAT and who are able to code.
• Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO)– for Year 7-10
students who performed well in the AMC
• National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS) - Year 11 students only
who have performed well in Year 11 Specialist Mathematics and
planning to study mathematics at tertiary level.

How do I enter?

Each of the above activities will be advertised on Compass along with closing dates
for entry and, in some cases, entrance requirements.

If you have any queries regarding any of the above activities or indeed any aspect
of your child’s Mathematics program and participation then please contact me
via details below.

Stephen Paatsch
Head of Mathematics
T 9347 2022
spaatsch@unihigh.vic.edu.au