Pinjarra Senior Year 12 ATAR students were exposed to the future of their potential learning when the Associate Dean of Murdoch University’s Maths and Statistics Department visited the school.
Professor Douglas Fletcher teaches statistics and mathematics at Murdoch, and pays special attention every year to guiding select ATAR students into the various niche streams of mathematics.
“The important thing is they realise just how important maths and statistics are in all areas of science,” he said.
“Pinjarra often produces very capable students who are very passionate about their work.
“But even when you’re dealing with native animals, statistics and mathematics are core principles in understanding what you’re dealing with.”
The students who took part in the class are part of the Pathweays to STEM program, in which select students are guided through their ATAR and prepared for specialised course in university.
Teacher Craig Pickering said the program had been invaluable in preparing students for the often intimidating transition to university.
“Each Monday, as part of the program, there’s a university student or lecturer who teaches the students over the computer, which is a really great bridge between ATAR and university,” he said.
“But I thought it would be a really good idea to get a professor down to the school.
“The idea was to give them a different perspective on their curriculum while giving them a taste of what they can expect from uni.
“People can often look at this kind of stuff and just think, ‘What does this have to do with me?’ Mr Fletcher said.
“But hopefully we can show no matter what, good research is always going to take you that extra step.”