Welcome back to your maths learning for Term 3

University of Canberra Spatial Enrichment Research Project

Students in Year 7 and 8 have been involved in a research project in partnership with the University of Canberra, which will continue through Term 3. The aim of this project is to explore how students understand and engage with spatial information, and to improve students’ spatial reasoning skills. It will also examine the relationship between spatial reasoning and attitudes towards mathematics.

Spatial reasoning involves the process of recognising and using the spatial properties of objects and the relationships among those objects. Aspects of spatial reasoning include the capacity to locate, orientate, and visualise objects; navigate paths; decode information graphics; and use and draw diagrams — all of which are critical to success in mathematics and related fields. Given the important link between mathematical success and life outcomes, focusing on improving spatial reasoning may be an important step in supporting students.

The activities in the spatial reasoning training program consist of a web-based digital game. The training will take place in two blocks of five weeks — one completed in Term 2 and the second in Term 3. All students will participate in the training for 10 minutes per session, four times a week, within their regular mathematics class. At the beginning, middle, and end of the project, students will complete a short test to track how their understanding has changed throughout the program.

Maths Enrichment

This semester also begins our Enrichment Program. Initially, this program is by invitation to selected Year 7 and 8 students. However, moving forward, we hope to expand it to include those students who express interest and show the dedication required to succeed in maths.

The Maths Enrichment Program is an extension opportunity for talented students to widen their mathematical knowledge and skills. Delivered in conjunction with the Australian Maths Trust, the program exposes students to concepts that will extend their understanding and challenge their ability to think critically and solve problems. It will run during regular maths classes, but students will also be expected to work on problems in their own time to meet program deadlines.

Teacher Changes

Please be aware that, due to staffing changes, your child’s class teacher may have changed this semester. These updates can be viewed via your child’s Canvas page and Compass. We also welcomed Miss Sapphire Wyndham to the Maths faculty at the end of last term and will farewell Ms Candice Liu next week. We wish Ms Liu all the best for her future endeavours.

Maths Tutorials

A reminder to students seeking extra support with their maths learning — tutorials are held as follows:

• Senior Tutorials: Tuesday, 8:00 am – 8:45 am in JF9
• All Students: Thursday, 8:15 am – 8:45 am in JF9
• All Students: Thursday, 3:35 pm – 4:45 pm in the College Library

Please come along for extra help. Make sure you bring something to work on — ask your teacher if you need additional materials to bring with you. We look forward to seeing you there.

Equipment

As the term begins, we are noticing that many students are arriving without basic equipment. Please ensure your child brings the following items to every maths class:

• Pens (black/blue and red)
• Pencils
• Calculator
• Maths workbook
• Maths textbook
• Charged device
• Whiteboard (Diary)
• Whiteboard marker
• Ruler

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s maths learning, please contact their classroom teacher in the first instance.

Amanda Brown
Mathematics Coordinator