If the word ‘mathematics’ ever makes you uneasy, the atmosphere at our Year 6 Olympiad Parent Showcase was a refreshing reminder of how learning can be fun, engaging and interactive! Our Year 6 students had the opportunity to showcase their mathematical skills and their creativity to their parents, peers and teachers.
On Wednesday 5 March 2025, this event not only celebrated the students’ achievements but also highlighted our school’s unique approach to learning – balancing explicit instruction and inquiry-based exploration, particularly in the areas of mathematics and literacy.
Students, with their parents by their side, eagerly dove into a range of mathematics activities. Together, they tackled Olympiad-style questions, participated in strategic games like the Knight’s Tour and What Are the Chances? and proudly presented their own creative Snakes and Ladders designs.
The event was buzzing with energy – high-fives, laughter and words of encouragement filled the air as students and parents navigated challenges, made mistakes and celebrated their successes together. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, with both students and parents learning from each other, strengthening their problem-solving skills and deepening their understanding of mathematics.
What made this event particularly special was how it tied into our broader educational approach. At our school, we place great emphasis on blending explicit teaching with inquiry-based learning. During the Olympiad Showcase, students demonstrated their ability to apply explicit mathematical concepts in dynamic, real-world scenarios. From solving problems and puzzles to designing their own board games, the activities encouraged students to take ownership of their learning.
Through inquiry-based methods, they were able to explore mathematical ideas and strategies independently, all while being supported by their teachers and parents. This balance of structure and freedom fosters a deeper understanding and helps students develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
As students shared their Snakes and Ladders designs, they not only used mathematical concepts such as probability and geometry but also engaged in written and verbal communication. Presenting their ideas to an audience helped them hone their literacy skills as they explained their thought processes, justified their designs and reflected on their learning.
Our Year 6 Teacher, Jacqueline Martin-Hill, commented at the conclusion of this event:
Our holistic approach to learning is the same in mathematics as it is in literacy and is key to nurturing well-rounded learners; it supports our students in developing both the technical skills necessary for success in all areas and the communication skills essential for articulating their ideas and engaging with others.
The Year 6 Olympiad Showcase concluded with a well-deserved sense of accomplishment. Students left the event with a sense of pride in their work and the knowledge that they had tackled challenging problems, embraced mistakes as part of the learning process and celebrated each other’s successes.
By combining a love for learning, a dash of curiosity and a boost of confidence, we create the perfect equation for fun in mathematics; this is the sum of fun. We are proud to see our students thrive in an environment that combines explicit instruction with inquiry-based exploration, where they can grow not only as mathematicians but also as communicators, problem-solvers and lifelong learners.
