On Wednesday 4 May, nine bright minds from Year 6 participated in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition run by the Australian Maths Trust. Students in Year 6 who demonstrated excellent mathematical problem-solving skills were selected by their class teacher to participate in the competition. These students included; Mitchell O’Shea, Jeremiah Cooper, Indigo Hetherington, Oliver Laurens, Jakob Gregory, Jade Fullerton, Chloe Jarvis, Micah Matthews-Frederick and Isla McNeil.

This was a one-hour competition designed to encourage student curiosity and promote multiple modes of thinking. It was also an ideal activity to encourage students to solve real-world problems and identify students’ computer programming potential.

Our nine GCC representatives’ first completed some problem-solving preparation at home before sitting the official competition online in the Upper Primary Division. The competition was a mixture of multiple-choice and written answers and ranged in varying difficulty. Some of the questions tested the ability to perform procedures, others required logical thought, while the more challenging problems required the identification and application of algorithms.

It was a very challenging competition; however, all students performed well and did a fantastic job. This was a wonderful opportunity to be involved in and each student should be proud of their achievements.

Sarah Jennings, Primary Curriculum Coordinator