Mathematics

In a time when much of the world’s geography has been explored, and space exploration is restricted to astronauts, mathematics offers fertile ground for exploring the unknown. WWalter Meyer

In a year again marked by the great challenge of a pandemic, I have been reminded that it is a privilege and an honour for Divya Mrock and myself to lead the Mathematics department, and I am continually astounded by the dedication of our teachers. Whether they are working with students who require extra support outside of regular class times, giving up their precious family time to help students clarify their understanding, or volunteering their time on weekends to assist our Year 12 students in refining their skills as the final examinations approach, they continue to give selflessly of themselves. It is important to recognise that this extra assistance given by our staff outside of regular work hours is done so on a completely voluntary basis. It would not be proper to proceed further without acknowledging our Maths staff and thanking them for their incredible and giving input.

This year will be my last as the head of department at the College and I welcome Divya Mrock to the helm of Senior Mathematics, as well as Liam Coulter who will head up Junior Mathematics. I know that the ongoing support I have experienced from the staff will continue as we all seek to promote the best possible outcomes in Mathematics for the students under our care.

The subject “Mathematics” in Australia is often viewed as a set of numbers and equations that are fraught with confusion and anxiety, rarely being seen as having any impact or relevance outside of the classroom itself. But this is an unfair assessment. The word “mathematics” has its root in the Greek word “mathema” meaning “that which is learnt”. It is a far broader interpretation of the word that more accurately describes just how allpervasive mathematics truly is and I think that this is a much fairer summation of what the subject Mathematics is about. The ideas explored in the subject Mathematics are about establishing for our students those thought structures required for the clear categorisation and logical sequencing of ideas. These skills may then be used for the purpose of constructing appropriate arguments in order to support any contention within any field of study. These are the thinking and analysis skills that are necessary for our students to meet with success when studying any of the languages or sciences. But more than that, the careful study of mathematics provides the individual with the tools that they require to explore life, understand and interact with the world around them and assist them on their way to discovering their part in God’s plan.

Each year students from Mazenod participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition. It is the biggest curriculum competition in Australia and has many able participants from over 40 different countries. This year, Mazenod had 364 students compete in the Australian Mathematics Competition. From this group we had 6 High Distinctions, 52 Distinctions and 140 Credits awarded. There were 19 students who placed in the top 8% of Australia, an astounding accomplishment considering the enormous challenges 2021 presented our students! It is humbling to see such enthusiastic participation, keeping the traditions of the College alive and testament to the value the College places on the importance of mathematics in the daily life of students.

And so, after a second year of challenge, we celebrate the successes of our students in Mathematics at Mazenod College and look forward to many future successes.

Michael MacNeill and Divya Mrock Heads of Faculty