Students enrolled for their fifth year in the ECU Mathematics Problem Solving Program.
Overview
The Faculty of Computing, Health and Science offers year-long programs for mathematically able and gifted school students. Classes are held after school during term time throughout the year on ECU’s Mount Lawley Campus.
The Mathematical Problem Solving Programs are for students aged 10 to 15, though exceptional students of a younger age can apply. For students aged 13 to 15 the programs are linked to the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, a national program of the Australian Mathematics Trust.
Students intending to apply for a place in the program for 2012 should enrol, through their schools, for the Australian Mathematics Competition (See below for further information on the Competition).
Programs
Students are involved in a wide range of significant mathematical problem solving activities. Each activity is explored to sufficient depth for students to appreciate the solution strategy involved and the process by which it is obtained. There is a consistent focus on effective presentation of solutions. This also provides a means of monitoring student progress.
There are five levels within the program:
- Level 1 (Primary 1) is for Year 6 students
- Level 2 (Primary 2) is for Year 7 students
- Level 3 (Euler) is for Year 8 students
- Level 4 (Gauss) is for Year 9 students
- Level 5 (Noether) is for Year 10 students
The Euler, Gauss and Noether levels are a part of the national program, Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians. Students enrolled in any of these classes should not be simultaneously enrolled in the same programs through their school.
Australian Mathematics Competition
Students intending to apply for a place in the ECU Mathematical Problem Solving Program should consider enrolling for the Australian Mathematics Competition. The competition is run by the Australian Mathematics Trust and each year the Trust sends invitations for participation to all schools. Enrolments are made through the schools at this time.The closing date for applications is usually late April, with the Competition being held in late July or early August.
For students in years 3 to 6 the competition runs for 60 minutes. For students in years 7 to 12, the competition runs for 75 minutes. There is a modest entry fee.