Enrichment at Saints Girls
Here at Saints Girls, the Mathematics Faculty prides itself on the depth of knowledge we engage with our students in each lesson. We are a team of Mathematicians who love to pass on our passion for our subject. There is so much more to Mathematics than ‘solving for ’, so much more to be gained from learning Mathematics than simply following the curriculum sequencing – and that is why we continue to develop our enrichment programs.
As a Faculty, we know that we are surrounded by many students who are talented mathematically and we want to ignite something inside them that makes them question and wonder ‘what if?’, ‘if you try…’, ‘wouldn’t it be awesome if…’ These are the questions that not only spark curiosity but lead to deep conversations, richer learning experiences and better long-term outcomes.
While initial exposure to enrichment questions begins in Year 7, our enrichment programs begin in Year 8 and run through to Year 10 where the students continue to learn the Australian Curriculum but at an increased pace and depth. This then allows for exploration into concepts, for example beginning to look at proof – for content at an age-appropriate level, using probability to determine the likelihood of contracting an illness, having exposure to problems and challenges of a competitive nature where in class discussion and collaboration are key, and most importantly to foster skills such as communication, perseverance and resilience. It is our aim that students in these classes develop further independence when tackling enrichment problems as they progress from Year 8 to Year 10. As they begin to develop more of a problem-solving ‘toolkit’ there can be less teacher direction and greater student-driven success.
Enrichment should be ‘low stakes’ but provide a rigorous alternative to our students who are mathematically able, lay the foundations for future success and set them on an exciting path of discovery.
Why don’t you have a go at some of the problems your daughters are doing in class?
Year 8
In the sum shown different shapes represent different digits.
What digit does the square represent?
Year 9
There is a two-digit number whose digits are the same and has the following property; when squared it produces a four-digit number, whose first two digits are the same and equal to the original’s minus one, and whose last two digits are the same and equal to half of the original’s. Find that number.
Year 10
The Knave of Hearts stole some tarts. He ate half of them and half a tart more. The Knave of Diamonds ate half of what was left and half a tart more. Then the Knave of Clubs ate half of what remained and half a tart more. This left just one tart for the Knave of Spades. How many tarts did the Knave of Hearts steal?
Samantha O’Brien
Head of Mathematics
Year 7 Eco-Market
On April 4, the Year 7 students presented an Eco-Market as part of their subject, Futures. With great enthusiasm, the girls exhibited a diverse range of upcycled products, reflecting their resourcefulness and creativity.
Throughout the project, the girls explored the process of planning, designing, creating, budgeting and marketing their products. They embraced the principles of environmental consciousness, repurposing discarded materials into unique and practical items.
By actively engaging in this hands-on process, the students developed important skills, such as project planning, critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. They learnt to manage challenges, adapt designs and optimise resources, all while fostering a genuine appreciation for the environment.
Congratulations to all Year 7 Futures students for their creativity, hard work and commitment to sustainability. Thank you to the students and staff who supported us at the Eco-Market Event.
Kyle Martelle
Futures Coordinator
Japanese Exchange at Saints Girls
In Weeks 8 and 9, we had two students from Senzoku Gakuen Junior Senior High School, Sakura Nakanishi and Chihiro Taneno, join Saints Girls. The girls home stayed with Peyton Doan in Year 11 and had two Year 10 buddies, Kate Wang and Jana Song, and joined in all aspects of School life, from lessons in both year levels to singing proudly for Kilburn House at Choral Night. Sakura and Chihiro made many friends in the short time they were here and were very sad to say goodbye at the airport. They have promised to visit Adelaide again!
Cindy Pitkin
Head of Languages
Hosting an exchange student has been the most memorable experience of my schooling so far. This year I hosted two Japanese exchange students and although the house was busy and full of life, I was able to share some of my favourite things about living in Adelaide. I also got to see their lifestyle and compare how different it was.
The girls were lovely to live with; they were talkative, curious and helpful. For the two weeks they stayed with me, I was able to take them to many events in and outside of School. We took them to the AFL, the Fringe, Adelaide Zoo, strawberry picking in Hahndorf and the beach. As well as these great experiences that Adelaide had to offer, the School Choral Night was a highlight. The girls were so excited as they didn’t have anything like Choral Night in Japan.
The students in Year 10 and 11 welcomed the girls warmly; they were friendly and helpful – it was amazing to see. Hosting is a great experience as you are able to connect with someone that comes from an entirely different upbringing. This new-found perspective has truly made it all worth it. To share my own culture with someone else is truly rewarding. I really recommend everyone to host – you learn so many things and learn to appreciate how lucky you are to have all these unique experiences in our city.
Peyton Doan (11KIL)
Host sister
Spending two weeks as the buddy of Sakura and Chihiro, our exchange students from Japan, was an incredible experience. The girls were so kind and friendly, and I truly enjoyed every moment we spent together. Not only did we create great memories, but I also learned so much about Japanese culture, from their traditions to their daily life. It was a wonderful opportunity to build a meaningful friendship, and I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey at our School!
Kate Wang (10PAT)
Year 10 buddy
I am Jana Song and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to be a buddy for the international students that came in Week 7 and 8! It was such a great experience because I was able to bond with someone that literally goes to school halfway across the world. My buddy also loved being able to take the classes that I take, because it gave her a completely different insight into how we are taught things at Saints. If an opportunity like this ever comes around again, I will definitely be doing it again!!
Jana Song (10PAT)
Year 10 buddy
