The Year 12 students have also been rather pleasantly surprised by the energy and enthusiasm of their younger co-learners. One observed that, “They have their unique way of thinking and are very open to receiving new knowledge. They approach a single question in so many different and imaginative ways. That was quite surprising.” Another Year 12 student added, “They are extremely quick, and logical thinkers, and are much better than me when I was in Year 4.” With an endorsement like that, it is exciting to consider what our current crop of Primary students might achieve by the time they reach the upper end of Secondary school themselves.
2017
student commented that, “I think watching and helping them while they try desperately to solve a challenging math question is really enjoyable. They are also really cute.”
Andy Eastwood Vice Principal (Middle Primary Leader)
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The short weekly sessions involve a small group of Year 4 students who were selected by their class teachers on the basis that they would benefit
from enrichment and extension of their thinking and learning in maths. The focus of the sessions is on challenging problem-solving, communicating mathematically and developing deeper connections within and between important maths concepts. It is a valuable opportunity for the Primary students to explore their passion for maths and have their thinking challenged. They are certainly enjoying the experience, with one of the Year 4s commenting, “The Year 12s are great - they really help us and don’t get frustrated with us.” Another Year 4 student reported that, “They let us try to figure out things for ourselves. The problems are really challenging, but that’s what makes it fun - our brains are getting smarter.” The Secondary students are enjoying the sessions too. “They are an exciting group of children, with a lot of energy and are always excited to see us. They are also quick learners and are willing to learn new things all the time” said one of the senior mentors. A fellow Year 12
SHI JIE MAGAZINE – SPRING
In a wonderful example of collaboration between DC Primary and Secondary, this term has seen the start of an initiative involving a group of talented and enthusiastic Year 4 mathematicians being supported in their learning by a group of volunteer Year 12 students. When the idea was first proposed to members of Lissie Nichols’ Year 12 class, there was no shortage of volunteers to give up one lunchtime a week to support the younger students. One of the Year 12s commented, “I wanted to help the Year 4 students develop their problemsolving and critical thinking skills, as they’re skills that will always be useful later on in life.” Another student added, “It is a great way for me to build my leadership skills. I also enjoy working with young kids as well as maths too.”
F ocus O n – M athematics
Making Mathematical Connections Through Student Collaboration
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