Maths course helps Toowoomba students prepare for ATAR entry

TOOWOOMBA students are getting a jump on the new ATAR system at a mathematical methods summer preparation program, held at Toowoomba Grammar School this week.

TOOWOOMBA students are getting a jump on the new ATAR system at a mathematical methods summer preparation program, held at Toowoomba Grammar School this week.

Twenty-seven year 11 students from a number of schools across the region have spent the last few days immersed in mathematics, learning old concepts and new.

This comes as Queensland schools prepare to switch from the OP system to ATAR, which includes a new external exam which accounts for 50 per cent of the student's senior grade sat the final semester of Year 12.

"This is a program for students going into year 11 maths methods, the new ATAR subject," Toowoomba Grammar School head of maths Greg Bland said.

"Prior to this we had maths A, B and C now it's gone to the new subject.

"We are preparing students for the new subject so there are two purposes; brushing up on their skills from years 8, 9 and 10 and focusing on some of the skills they need for maths methods, give them a bit of a headstart."

Mr Bland said the three day course, which started yesterday, was designed to suit a range of abilities.

"We have students from varying backgrounds, from A to C," Mr Bland said.

"They're here and they have smiles on their faces so so far, so good. They've all had a good attitude so far and been engaged in what we're doing."

Toowoomba Grammar School student Angus Callachor and Toowoomba Anglican School student Miah Hickman were two such students taking part in the course.

"Hopefully with some early exposure we'll be able to get better marks going through in the new ATAR system," Mr Callachor said.

"It's slightly stressful (going into the new system). The 50 per cent test means we have to retain everything that we learn by revising more often."

"It's a self-driven thing, I want to do the best that I can - my long term goal is that good ATAR," Miss Hickman said.

"I'm not too bad at maths, but I wouldn't do it out of fun. I'm more along the humanities line. However, I think there are definitely things in maths that translate into real life and I enjoy that aspect of it.

"The course has been a bit of refresher which is nice. To meet other kids with similar goals and aspirations is really encouraging."