Maths Quest Years 1 & 2
About The Program
Maths Quest is an innovative teaching and learning program, designed for both mainstream and high achieving students, that introduces problem solving concepts in the early primary years. Mathematics is a creative subject requiring abstract thought. Children naturally reason and use creative strategies when they seek patterns and relationships that will enable them to solve challenging unfamiliar problems.
Comprising a series of activities and tasks that are both interactive and fun, the program encourages students to work together, collaborate and learn from each other. Teachers who register their classes for Maths Quest receive access to instructional videos, lesson guides, specific digital learning tools, and learning station activities to use with their class during the course of the program.
The main aims of the program are to:
- Help younger students make sense of mathematical ideas rather than simply learning abstract concepts.
- Encourage collaboration and provide opportunities for students to learn from each other.
- Stimulate students to think mathematically and challenge themselves by looking at problems from a different perspective.
- Build students’ confidence in their own abilities.
- Nurture an enjoyment of mathematics and problem solving.
- Lay the foundations required for future success in problem solving and prepare students to successfully participate in other APSMO programs.
Syllabus outcomes:
Maths Quest addresses mathematics proficiencies of understanding, fluency, problem-solving and reasoning under the Australian Curriculum. After completing the program, Year 1-2 students will be able to:
- Develop the ability to investigate problem situations and communicate solutions effectively.
- Describe their thinking mathematically.
- Develop skills in choosing appropriate procedures.
- Prove that something is true or false.
- Make connections between related concepts and apply the familiar to develop new ideas.
- Develop an increasingly sophisticated capacity for logical thought and actions.
Who Can Participate?
- The Maths Quest program is suitable for ALL students in Years 1 and 2. It contains in-built differentiation and adjustment tools to ensure that the program is beneficial to both mainstream students and those who are identified as high potential/gifted and high achieving.
- Registration is only open to schools in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Australian International Schools.
- Individual student registration is not possible, teachers register whole classes.
- Schools are encouraged to adopt a whole Stage approach and register all of their Year 1 and 2 classes in the program to maximise the benefits and ensure students are exposed to a variety of problem solving concepts.
Program Format
- Maths Quest is collaborative, non-competitive and interactive.
- It is a mixed-ability program designed for whole class participation.
- Classes explore problem solving concepts together using a variety of learning tools.
- It comprises two modules per year, to be completed over Term 2 and Term 3, with each module focussing on a particular problem solving strategy.
- Modules are alternated each year so that students can participate in both Year 1 and Year 2.
- In 2025, the modules covered will be "Finding All Possibilities" and "Exploring Patterns".
- We recommend two 30-minute lessons per week (over Term 2 and Term 3) to complete the relevant tasks and activities.
Register
Now
FAQS
Register
Now
FAQS
Awards
Have any questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Maths Quest here.
COMING SOON
Registrations open February 2023!
About The Program
Using a problem solving approach is of particular value to students of all ages. The Maths Explorer program allows students in Years 3 and 4 to collaborate with their peers and work together to make decisions about the way they explore a problem, regardless of their abilities.
Whether your students are mainstream or high-achieving, Maths Explorer will develop their skills and knowledge in the field of maths problem solving and prepare them for the challenges of either the Maths Games and/or the Maths Olympiad in later years.
Unlike the Maths Olympiads, students participating in the Maths Explorer do not compete against students from other schools. The primary focus of this program is to build students’ confidence and allow them to develop their skills in a non-competitive environment. It uses fun and relatable themes to showcase how problem solving strategies can be applied to a variety of problems and encourages students to work together to expand their knowledge and understanding.
The main aims of the program are to:
- Help younger students make sense of mathematical ideas rather than simply learning abstract concepts.
- Introduce effective problem solving strategies from an early age and develop flexibility for problem solving.
- Stimulate students’ enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics.
- Build students’ confidence in their own ability.
- Demystify the problem solving approach and prevent the onset of ‘maths anxiety.
- Provide an opportunity to experience both challenges and success on the same problem.
2023 Competition Dates
- Competition One - Wednesday, 3rd May 2023
- Competition Two - Wednesday, 14th June 2023
- Competition Three - Wednesday, 26th July 2023
- Competition Four - Wednesday, 6th September 2023
Applications for date changes can be made in the Members’ area
Register
Now
FAQS
Awards
