Winning in the numbers game

AT Dominic College, teachers from Kindergarten to Year 10 work purposefully to support student self-belief in their aptitude and capacity in mathematics.

Dominic College principal Beth Gilligan said mathematics was an academic subject students often developed a mindset about quite early in their schooling.

“Developing skills in mathematical problem-solving has been part of the strategy to change mindsets and build selfconfidence,” Ms Gilligan said.

“Strong student data analysis, together with ongoing use of Maths Help by Year 7-10 students, offered every lunchtime, has contributed to our improved 2017 NAPLAN numeracy test results.

“In fact, 99 per cent of Year 7 students and 100 per cent of Year 9 students at Dominic College met or exceeded the national minimum standard in 2017.”

The development of the college’s summer school and Step Up program, which sees students who are below NAPLAN benchmark in Year 7 attend Saturday school during the term, has achieved excellent results.

“Good mathematical learning by students is dependent on good quality teachers,’’ Ms Gilligan said.

“If a student has a great teacher, and they as students want to progress, this combination can see phenomenal improvements.”

Dominic College encourages its high-achieving students to extend themselves through entering competitions such as the traditional primary and secondary maths relays.

“Students enjoy the challenge of collaborative problem solving in a team context and chasing the clock to complete the problems,” said Graeme Harris, head of the 7-10 maths faculty.

Dominic College students annually participate in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) competition co-ordinated by the University of New South Wales.

Mr Harris said Dominic College had 42 students from Year 7 to Year 10 and 30 students from Grade 4 to Grade 6 compete in 2017.

Year 7 students Oscar Breslin and Max Brideson attained high distinctions, awarded to students in the top 1 per cent of the nation.

Oscar was also awarded the ICAS medal for being the top mathematics student in Tasmania for his age group.

Two years ago, Max, Oscar and Oscar’s twin brother, Harry Breslin, were accelerated a year in their mathematics education.

IT ALL ADDS UP: Dominic College mathematics teacher Sunita Kumrai with some of the school’s high-achieving students, from left, Max Brideson, Oscar Breslin and Harry Breslin.