Mathematics Week

During Mathematics Week, the girls participated in several activities including: an interhouse mathematics relay for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10; ‘Escape Room’ problem solving for Year 9; a ‘solve a problem for a cookie’ challenge run by Year 12 mathematics extension 1 students; guest speaker Lily Serna at senior school assembly; and daily brain-teasers and KenKens.

Some students have shared their impressions of the week.

Lily Serna, an Australian mathematician and television presenter, visited St Catherine’s during Mathematics Week to share her story with mathematics. Lily enlightened us with entertaining anecdotes and provided us with key insights to the importance of mathematics and reasons to love it. One memory Lily shared was how bewildered she was when her grandfather introduced her to the concept of infinity at an incredibly young age, and why that was a reason for her love of mathematics. Lily is a true role model, as she eloquently addressed her passion for equality and diversity in the field of mathematics and explained reasons why many women were reluctant to follow careers relating to STEM, and how we could change that. Her advice was to begin at home, to eliminate any existing bias and to create a prejudice-free environment. Lily’s captivating presentation was relatable and informative, and I learned a lot about the rate of participation of women in STEM industries, and what needs to be done to change that.

Alice Yang, Year 10

The ‘Escape Room’ was an interhouse activity where we solved visual and word problems in order to escape. Each of the questions catered to different skills, so everyone in the house worked collaboratively. The process of answering questions and moving up levels was very gratifying and gave everyone a drive to work hard, especially as the winning house received bragging rights. The ‘Escape Room’ was an entertaining and rewarding experience.

Zara Sheldrick-Aboud, Year 9

After our STEM focused speech by guest speaker Lily Serna, girls were eager to have a mathematics-based lunch and earn a treat in return. Year 12 mathematics extension 1 students made all types of baked goods, varying in size to reward students for their answers, according to difficulty.

We had three tables; easier, medium and hard, covered in mathematical riddles and the occasional Year 12 question that even we found challenging. A heave of students surrounded the tables all lunchtime, working together. It was great to see such enthusiasm and excitement in one of our best Mathematics Weeks yet.

Meg Brudenell-Woods, Year 12

A number of mathematical brain-teasers were available during the week including a KenKen, a Japanese numerical logic puzzle. Congratulations to Yunqi (Tara) Dai of Year 9, Xun (Teddy) Zuo of Year 12, Aisling Harrison of Year 11 and Hannah Cheung of Year 9, who submitted the most correct solutions over the week.

Mr Mark Smith Assistant Head of Mathematics

2018 was the first year running the new Stage 6 science curriculum in Year 11 and Year 12 science extension course, which started in Term 4.

The science showcase for the year was National Science Week, which we began with our annual liquid nitrogen ice cream extravaganza. Students watched as science teachers, hidden behind clouds of condensation, made delicious chocolate ice cream for everyone to enjoy. The theme ‘Game Changers and Change Makers’ was celebrated in assembly as Mia Maric OG2014 shared her journey from St Catherine’s student to studying materials science and engineering at UNSW, and the many doors she walked through before pursuing a PhD.

We were also honoured to have Dr Noushin Nasiri visit to give an inspiring talk about how her childhood curiosity led to her becoming a research scientist. Dr Nasiri is using nanotechnology to engineer a tiny breathalyser to detect minute chemical changes that indicate various diseases, including types of cancer. This device could become a powerful diagnostic tool, which would save money and unnecessary invasive procedures. The girls were fascinated to learn about her work and the tiny size of the sensor chip.

In class, the girls enjoyed various games and other activities to celebrate Science Week. Highlights included a look at microscopy for Year 7, and exploring new places through virtual reality for Year 8. Years 9–10 played science trivia and other science and engineering-based challenges. We hope the guest speakers inspired the girls to consider pursuing exciting careers in STEM after school.

Elisabeth Cola and Junias Tjanaria made impressive achievements in The Australian Science Olympiads competition, a national program for secondary science students that culminates in the International Science Olympiads.

Ms Sera Hurley Head of Science