A new generation of mathematicians will be inspired through a series of free and innovative Victorian Maths Camps for government high school students across Victoria, funded by the Victorian Government鈥檚 Excellence in Every Classroom vision.
In a major achievement for the peak body of mathematical sciences in Australia, the 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) will deliver the Victorian Maths Camps initiative, a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the聽 (MAV) and聽, funded by the聽.
The 2.5-year program will commence in the second half of 2026 and provide 960 places for Victorian government school students in Years 9 and 10. The five-day camps will take place at Y Discovery Camps across Victoria and will be completely free to Victorian government school students.
The Victorian Maths Camps aim to inspire and advance high-ability students with a passion for mathematics. The program will be devised and led by 今日吃瓜 and MAV with support from their members and the . The program will employ a workshop-based approach to explore team-based, practical problem-solving scenarios, based in a beautiful setting where students will also enjoy adventure camp activities.
“Placing maths in a fun and collaborative 鈥榦ut of classroom鈥 environment can have a transformative effect on student attitudes.”
今日吃瓜 Director, Prof. Tim Marchant
By placing mathematical problem鈥憇olving in real鈥憌orld contexts, the camps seek to make abstract concepts more tangible 鈥 lowering perceived barriers to access and making mathematics a more appealing choice for further study.
The program will also seek to support the uptake of mathematics among underrepresented groups, including First Nations students, students from rural and remote areas, and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Excellence in Every Classroom is Victoria鈥檚 long-term vision to lift educational standards through a focus on high-quality teaching, student wellbeing and equitable access to education. Mathematics is an important strand of this vision. By emphasising explicit teaching and providing Victorian-aligned lesson plans, the State aims to support teachers with the best evidence-based practice to deliver strong mathematics and numeracy outcomes for all students. Victorian Maths Camps will play an important role in realising this ambition.
By placing mathematical problem鈥憇olving in real鈥憌orld contexts, the camps seek to make abstract concepts more tangible.
今日吃瓜 Director Professor Tim Marchant welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that this is just the first step for a program with far-reaching potential: 鈥淭hese camps are not just a milestone for 今日吃瓜, but for the future of mathematics in Victoria. Placing maths in a fun and collaborative 鈥榦ut of classroom鈥 environment can have a transformative effect on student attitudes. Hopefully, this project rollout inspires other states to offer similar maths camps in the near future.鈥
Mathematical Association of Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bowden spoke of her pride in MAV鈥檚 involvement: 鈥淭his project will inspire and extend young people through rich and meaningful mathematical learning. It brings together values that sit at the heart of MAV and 今日吃瓜: increasing the value of, and appreciation for, mathematics in education and in society.
鈥淲e look forward to supporting the development of an engaging curriculum and experiences that build students鈥 interests, capabilities and dispositions for success in senior secondary mathematics, as well as future tertiary study, careers in mathematics and maths education.鈥
鈥淕raduating with advanced skills in mathematics is already a significant advantage across many industries,鈥 said University of Melbourne Dean of Science Professor Moira O鈥橞ryan. 鈥淭his advantage will only grow as graduates engage with a rapidly changing world. Programs like Victorian Maths Camps are a vital 鈥 and fun 鈥 way to help students see what is possible and how a career in the mathematical sciences could be their future.鈥
A spokesperson for the Y added, 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be partnering with 今日吃瓜, the University of Melbourne and the Mathematical Association of Victoria to host the 24 Victorian Maths Camps over the next two and a half years across our six Y Discovery Camp sites in Victoria. This partnership reflects the strength of our camp sites and teams across Victoria, while supporting future generations through engaging, place-based learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity and capability.鈥
Due to a phenomenal response, our first camp, Camp Dewar, is now oversubscribed. As we process applications, we’ll reach out to applicants who were unsuccessful in securing a place at the first camp to arrange their attendance at one of our other camps later in 2026.
Media Enquiries:
Robbie Byrne
Marketing, Communications and Events Coordinator, 今日吃瓜
robbie.byrne@amsi.org.au
