At St Hilda’s, we believe that mathematics is more than numbers and equations – it is a way of thinking, problem-solving, and unlocking possibilities. This year, the build-up to Maths Week has been multiplying exponentially, as our students embraced opportunities to explore the creativity and logic that lie at the heart of the subject. Maths Week is our chance to celebrate not just the beauty of mathematics, but also the confidence and curiosity it inspires in our girls.
Spreading Maths Fun Throughout the Year
The Maths Committee set itself a clear goal in 2025: to ensure every student feels included and excited about maths. To achieve this, the fun has extended well beyond one week. From National Pi Day on 14 March, where Year 7 student Emily amazed us all by reciting an incredible 107 decimal places of Pi, to World Maths Day on 26 March, St Hilda’s girls have been diving into global competitions and extension opportunities.
On World Maths Day, students competed live against peers across the globe in fast-paced fluency challenges. It was our first time taking part, and the results were outstanding, with Emma, a Year 7 student, emerging as the top-performing Year 7 student in Australia and being named Regional Winner. Alongside these highlights, students also participated in enrichment experiences such as the Maths Challenge, Kangourou Sans Frontières, Have Sum Fun, and the Australian Maths Competition. With so many activities on offer, there is a high probability of stumbling across something new and exciting.
The Amazing Race: St Hilda’s Edition
The highlight of this year’s Maths Week was The Amazing Race: St Hilda’s Edition. Senior School teams solved challenging problems to unlock clues that led them to locations around campus, each representing a different country. With every correct answer, passports were stamped and teams ‘travelled’ further in their mathematical journey. Junior School students also joined in the celebration, participating in daily quizzes that incorporated problem-solving into their classrooms.
From puzzles to races, Maths Week reminded us that mathematics is everywhere, from the structures we build to the food we buy, and the choices we make each day. It is a subject of exploration, imagination, and discovery.
Why Maths Matters – Especially for Girls
Research continues to show that when girls engage deeply with mathematics, they develop transferable skills that open doors to countless opportunities. At St Hilda’s, we nurture this engagement by creating an environment where our students can challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and take pride in their achievements.
Studying mathematics builds more than just technical ability. It strengthens logical reasoning, resilience, and adaptability, qualities essential for success in any future pathway, whether in STEM, business, the arts, or leadership. For girls in particular, developing confidence in mathematics helps dismantle stereotypes and encourages them to pursue careers in fields where women are still underrepresented.
Looking Ahead
Maths Week is not the end, but a milestone in our ongoing journey. The St Hilda’s Maths Committee has more exciting opportunities planned for the year ahead, and we look forward to continuing to spark curiosity in every student.
At St Hilda’s, we know that maths is not just about right or wrong answers, but also about problem-solving, creativity, and seeing the world in new ways. By celebrating Maths Week, we celebrate not only the subject itself but also the potential of every girl who dares to explore it.
