Summary by Activity

1. The NMA Professional Network Meetings

To help and support all mathematics teachers in the NMA Cluster area the NMA will be organising a series of “network meetings” to be held once per term. These meetings will run 4:30pm to 6:30pm and will be held at a different venue each term and have a different focus each term. Come along and share your experiences and hear what others are doing.

2. Newcastle Mathematics Association Stage 5.1 Maths Competition.

Open to students in year 10 studying mathematics at the stage 5.1 level in NSW. Prizes will be awarded for the best performing students in Newcastle Cluster region, (i.e. schools in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast districts). If there are sufficient entries prizes may also be awarded for other Cluster regions. Full details will be available early in Term 2.

3. Colin Doyle Maths Competition

Open to students from schools in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast districts and who are in year 11 studying Extension I mathematics.

4. Inquisitive Minds Workshop

This workshop is run by the private company Inquisitive Minds in conjunction with MANSW. From the company’s website: Students will be immersed in mathematical and logical thinking as they learn and utilise foundational and advanced problem solving strategies. In 2016, Hunter based workshop are being held at Francis Greenway High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts. These workshops are for gifted and talented Year 8 students at schools within the NMA Cluster region. Limited to 12 students per school.

5. Maths Enrichment – The University of Newcastle Young Mathematicians Program

This program is a series of maths enrichment activities run across the year by the University of Newcastle and supported by the NMA. One set of activities is aimed at year 9 and year 10 students and runs in term 2, term 3 and term 4 of the school year. Another set of activities is aimed at Year 11 students and runs over term 3 of the school year. The overarching theme of the Young Mathematicians Program is “Encouraging creativity in mathematics”.

6. Regional Development Australia – Hunter’s Leveraging a STEM Workforce Conference

RDA Hunter’s Leveraging a STEM Workforce for the Future Conference will highlight the benefits of a STEM workforce to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development. It aims to build stronger relationships between STEM employers and education institutions in order to improve student workplace skills.

7. HSC Markers Day

This is a seminar session in which markers of the various HSC mathematics papers give advice and insights based on their marking experience to the current cohort of HSC students and their teachers.

Newcastle Mathematics Association 8. National Statistical Literacy Program

This program, run by the University of Newcastle and supported by the NMA, provides an opportunity for students to apply and develop the statistical tools and techniques they have learnt in class. This project-based learning activity involves teams of 2 to 5 secondary school students creating an informative poster presentation based on the collection and interpretation of data towards addressing a practical research question. Open to all secondary school students nationally. There are three divisions: Years 7-8; 9-10; 11-12. 9. Australian Maths Competition Workshop and Training Group

The Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) runs the very well regarded national Australian Mathematics Competitions. These competitions are also used to identify students who may potentially go on to international competitions such as the Mathematics Olympiad. To nurture this type of talent the AMT supports the running of a workshop for students who do well in local mathematics competitions and a subsequent training group. At this stage the NMA is still trying to get this idea off the ground.

10. The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition

This competition is one the longest running primary mathematics competitions in Australia. It has been, and continues to be, run by a series of dedicated individuals with the backing of the Newcastle Permanent Building Society. While this competition is not organised by the NMA it has our full support.

11. The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Camp

As a follow up to the Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition the top 100 Year 5 Hunter based students in that competition are invited the following year to a weekend mathematics camp. While this camp is not organised by the NMA it has our full support.

12. mathsInspiration UK Show

MANSW is arranging for Maths Inspiration UK to present this year in Newcastle. Friday, 19 August, 2016 Morning Show 10am to Noon Venue: Newcastle Conservatorium See MANSW website for information about last year’s performance and a ABC news clip video - it was an amazing show.

Newcastle Mathematics Association

2016 NMA Activities in Detail

1. The NMA Professional Network Meetings

Dates: Term 1, Week 7, Term 2, Week 6, Term 3, Week 6, Term 4, Week 6

Audience: Open to all secondary mathematics teachers and primary teachers interested in mathematics in the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area.

Coordinator: Cassandra Portelli (Hunter School of Performing Arts)

Details: Date & Time: Wednesday 9th March, (Term 1, Week 7), 4:30pm – 6:30pm Focus area: Bridging the Stage 3 to Stage 4 divide Leader: Stuart Palmer (MANSW) Venue: Club Macquarie

Date & Time: Wednesday 1st June, (Term 2, Week 6), 4:30pm – 6:30pm Focus area: Project based learning and alternative assessment Leaders: Carolyn Nolan, Ruth Glasgow, Deb Bowman Venue: Lambton High for high school teachers Hamilton South Public for primary teachers

Date & Time: Wednesday 24th August, (Term 3, Week 56, 4:30pm – 6:30pm Focus area: The STEM revolution Leader: Les Tryk, Scott Sleap (Regional Development Australia) Venue: Gelndale Technology High

Date & Time: Wednesday 16th November, (Term 4, Week 6), 4:30pm – 6:30pm Focus area: Where are we with the new curriculum? Stage 6 and primary. Leader: Susan Barrie (BOSTES) Venue: Belair Public School

Newcastle Mathematics Association

2. Newcastle Mathematics Association Stage 5.1 Maths Competition

Date: Thursday 28th July 2016, (same day as the Australian Mathematics Competition)

Audience: Open to students in year 10 studying mathematics at the stage 5.1 level in NSW. Prizes will be awarded for the best performing students in Newcastle Cluster region, (i.e. schools in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast districts). If there are sufficient entries prizes may also be awarded for other Cluster regions. Full details will be available early in Term 2.

Coordinator: Ian Stockings (Ex Hunter School of Performing Arts)

Details: • This year the paper will be set by Kevin Rees. • Each school is provided with a master copy to print. • The entry fee will be $3.00 per student for MANSW member schools, $5.00 for non- member schools. • Full details are emailed to schools around the middle of term 2. • This paper is sat on the same day as the Australian Mathematics Competition and hence schools will use that organisation for their students. • Each school to mark the papers in accordance with a given marking scale. Re-marking of selected papers from each school may occur before any certificates are awarded. • Monetary prizes have been awarded to the top five students as follows. The top student received $100, the next student received $50 and the following three students each received $20. Each school of prize winners make their own arrangements to present the prizes at an appropriate time and place. Notes: • In 2014 the competition was restricted to schools in the Newcastle Cluster’s traditional catching area. Number of schools - 10 Number of entrants - 207 Number who sat the test - 153 Newcastle Mathematics Association

3. Colin Doyle Maths Competition

Date: November 2016 (Exact Date to be Confirmed)

Audience: Open to students from schools in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Upper Hunter and Central Coast districts and who are in year 11 studying Extension I mathematics.

Coordinator: Jim MacDougall (Ex The University of Newcastle)

Details: • This year the paper will be set by Jim MacDougall • Printing and distribution of the papers will be done by administration support from the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle. • There is no cost to enter this competition. Schools are asked to complete the entry form indicating the names of students entering the competition. • It is up to individual schools on how they organise for their students to sit the paper on the set date. • Marking of the papers will be done by Jim MacDougall. • Monetary prizes have been awarded to the top three students as follows. The top student received $100, the next student received $75 and the third placed student received $50. Each school of the individual prize winners makes their own arrangements to present the prizes at an appropriate time and place. Notes: • The Colin Doyle Competition began over 30 years ago (we are not sure of the exact year!) and has been held annually ever since. It was established by the Newcastle Mathematical Association for students in Year 11 in schools in Newcastle and the Hunter region. The competition is named in honour of Colin Doyle who was the long- standing Head of Mathematics at Newcastle Teachers’ College. Colin influenced several generations of mathematics teachers in the region. In recent years the scope has expanded somewhat to include the Central Coast region.

• Typical number of entrants is 160 students. Newcastle Mathematics Association

4. Inquisitive Minds Workshop

This workshop is run by the private company Inquisitive Minds in conjunction with MANSW. From the company’s website:

Students will be immersed in mathematical and logical thinking as they learn and utilise foundational and advanced problem solving strategies.

In 2016, Hunter based workshop are being held at Francis Greenway High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts.

Dates: Thursday 26th May 2016 (Francis Greenway High School) Tuesday, 28th June 2016 (Hunter School of Performing Arts)

Audience: Gifted and talented Year 8 students at schools within the NMA Cluster region. Limited to 12 students per school.

Coordinator: Cassandra Portelli (Hunter School of Performing Arts)

Details: • See website http://www.inquisitiveminds.com.au/index.php/workshops/pppp-yr-8 Newcastle Mathematics Association

5. Maths Enrichment – The University of Newcastle Young Mathematicians Program

The Young Mathematicians Program run by the The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MAPS) at the University of Newcastle is a series of mathematics enrichment activities run across the year. One set of activities is aimed at year 9 and year 10 students and will run Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4 of the school year. Another set of activities is aimed at Year 11 students and will run in Term 3 of the school year. The University is asking the NMA to help promote the program to its members and to maybe even become involved in its implementation. The overarching theme of the Young Mathematicians Program is “Encouraging Creativity in Mathematics”.

Dates: Year 9/10: Term 2: Thursday 4-6pm 5th May, 19th May, 2nd Jun, 16th Jun, 30th Jun Term 3: Thursday 4-6pm, 28th Jul, 11th Aug, 25th Aug, 8th Sep, 22nd Sep Term 4: Thursday 4-6pm, 20th Oct, 3rd Nov, 17th Nov, 1st Dec, 15th Dec

Year 11 Term 3: Tuesday 4-6pm 19th Jul, 2nd Aug, 16th Aug, 30th Aug, 13th Sep

Audience: Open to interested year 9 and year 10 mathematics students and their teachers in the Newcastle Cluster region or to interested year 11 mathematics students.

Coordinator: Malcolm Roberts (The University of Newcastle)

Details: • See the website www.newcastle.edu.au/ymp

Newcastle Mathematics Association

6. Regional Development Australia – Hunter’s Leveraging a STEM Workforce

The Conference will provide the opportunity for Hunter schools to interact with the Region’s industry as well participate in workshop sessions to aid in STEM lesson planning and contextualising curriculum.

Dates: Wednesday 13th April 8:30am – 4:45pm

Audience: Open to teachers in the Newcastle and Hunter region

Coordinator: Scott Sleap (Regional Development Australia – Hunter)

Details: • See the website www.rdahunter.org.au

Newcastle Mathematics Association

7. HSC Markers Day

This is a seminar session in which NMA Cluster based markers of the various HSC mathematics papers give advice and insights based on their marking experience to the current cohort of HSC students and their teachers.

Dates: ??

Audience: All Year 12 students at schools within the NMA Cluster region.

Coordinator: Carolyn Nolan (Lambton High School)

Details:

Newcastle Mathematics Association

8. National Statistical Literacy Program

This program provides an opportunity for students to apply and develop the statistical tools and techniques they have learnt in class. This project-based learning activity involves teams of 2 to 5 secondary school students creating an informative poster presentation based on the collection and interpretation of data towards addressing a practical research question.

Dates: On NOW through to 20 November 2016. Delivered annually. Audience: Open to all primary and secondary school students nationally. There are three divisions: Years 3-4; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12. Coordinator: Dr Peter Howley (The University of Newcastle) Details: • See website: www.ssaipostercomp.info (Rules, sample projects, additional tips and judging criteria are provided.) • Final judging occurs at The University of Newcastle and includes a poster display and awards evening. Participating schools outside the Hunter Region will be informed of venues hosting regional displays and awards evenings later in the year. • Assistants may be available (if desired by school/teacher) to attend schools and help facilitate projects. • Winning posters in the higher year divisions may be forwarded to the International Statistical Literacy Project competition. • Prizes: All participants receive a certificate of participation from the Statistical Society of Australia. Certificates and gift vouchers will be awarded to winning teams with special certificates for those receiving honourable mentions. Book prizes may also be awarded. Winning schools also receive gift vouchers. Notes: • The project was piloted in the Hunter Region in 2014, as part of the International Statistical Literacy Project, see http://iase-web.org/islp/Poster_Competition_2014-2015.php, and continues to grow. • In 2014, 85 Hunter Region and Central Coast students undertook projects and 32 posters were submitted. • In 2015, the number of participants almost tripled. We had 235 participating students across 19 schools (from all states and territories excluding South Australia and Northern Territory) contributing 76 poster submissions which communicated their data-based investigations. There were as many more again who registered in 2015 but didn’t complete in time for the November deadline. • The 2015 winners and honourable mentions for each of the three divisions will be announced on the www.ssaipostercomp.info website and via email to those registered.

Newcastle Mathematics Association

9. Australian Maths Competition Workshop and Training Group

The Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) runs the very well regarded national Australian Mathematics Competitions. These competitions are also used to identify students who may potentially go on to international competitions such as the Mathematics Olympiad. To nurture this type of talent the AMT supports the running of a workshop for students who do well in local mathematics competitions and a subsequent training group. Alternatively, students who are identified by their teachers as potential participants in such competitions may also be invited to these activities.

Date:

Audience: Open to students who have performed well in the 2015 Newcastle Permanent maths competition or the 2015 Australian Maths Competitions. Alternatively exceptional mathematics students may be nominated by their mathematics teacher.

Coordinator: Dr Andrew Kepert (The University of Newcastle)

Details: • This initiative is still in the ‘it’s a good idea’ stage of development Newcastle Mathematics Association

10. The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition

Date: 26 August 2015

Audience: Open to students in year 5 and year 6 at schools in the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions. Major prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in Year 5 and in Year 6 for both the Newcastle/Hunter/Central Coast region and the Northern region. As well, there are regional prizes awarded based on School Education Districts.

Coordinator: Merv Curran (Ex Merewether High School)

Details: • This year the paper will be set by Merv Curran. • The entry fee is 50 cents per student. • Full details are emailed to schools early term 2.

Notes: • This annual competition has been running for over 30 years. Originally started by Fred Bishop (then of the Newcastle Teachers College) and carried on by Bob Aus (ex Merewether High School) it is now organised by Merv Curran (ex Merewether High School). • Number of schools – around 300 Number of entrants – over 20000

Newcastle Mathematics Association

11. The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Camp

As a follow up to the Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition the top 100 Year 5 students from Newcastle/Hunter/Central Coast in that competition are invited the following year to a weekend mathematics camp. While this competition is not organised by the NMA it has our full support.

Date: 14th-15th March 2015

Audience: By invitation only.

Coordinator: Merv Curran (Ex Merewether High School)

Details: • Details are sent with the invitations.

Notes: • The camp is held at the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. • The students engage in both mathematics enrichment activities and physical activities over the weekend. • The mathematical enrichment part of the program is staffed by dedicated volunteers (usually current or ex high school mathematics teachers, primary teachers with strong interest in mathematics, or teacher educators). Newcastle Mathematics Association

12. mathsInspiration UK Show

MANSW is arranging for Maths Inspiration UK to present this year in Newcastle. Friday, 19 August, 2016 Morning Show 10am to Noon Venue: Newcastle Conservatorium

Date: 19 August, 2016 Morning Show 10am to Noon

Audience:

Coordinator: MANSW

Notes: • See MANSW website for information about last year’s performance and a ABC news clip video - it was an amazing show.

http://www.mansw.nsw.edu.au/student-activities/mathsinspiration