National Mathematics Summer School
by Year 12 student Hussain Al-Ibrahim
During the 6-week end of year break, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the National Mathematics Summer School (NMSS). Alongside approximately 70 other Year 11 students from across Australia, I spent two very fabulous weeks at John XXIII College, located in Canberra’s ANU (Australian National University).
It goes without saying that mathematics was a very major part of the program. We explored concepts that went beyond what is taught as part of the regular school curriculum, learning about topics like number theory, algorithms, and projective geometry. During lectures, professors would provide us with the bare minimum information regarding the topic. This forced us students to explore the problems ourselves (almost like a self-taught experience) during our tutorial sessions, really building upon our skills to think deeply and critically about (what sometimes seemed to be) simple things.
Of course, mathematics was not the only part of the NMSS. From my perspective, one of the biggest contributors to what made the NMSS so enjoyable (besides the maths) was the opportunity to meet new people from all across Australia. The fact that I had made so many friends who all shared a similar passion for math over the short two weeks at the NMSS made it an unforgettable experience.
I would like to thank everyone who helped in providing me with this opportunity. In particular, I would like to show my gratitude towards MTANT for generously covering the expenses for my NMSS experience. I also want to give special thanks to DHS and (in particular) Mrs. Tan who nominated me for the NMSS.
