Throughout my years at St Catherine’s I have found a great love for Mathematics. Ever since my first few days at the School in Year 5, up through to the Senior School, my teachers have encouraged me to participate in all the available Mathematics competitions and Olympiads, anything to increase my exposure to Mathematics. Indeed, exposure has played a major role in getting me to where I am today and continues to be an essential factor in my VCE studies.

Completing both Specialist Mathematics and Methods this year, the extra commitment and effort needed when studying two Mathematics subjects has had an undeniable effect on both my grades and confidence. Whilst the extra challenge of doing two Mathematics is definitely an important factor to consider, I have noticed an incredible rippling effect through both subjects which has allowed me to approach my final revision for the exams both composed and sure of my capabilities.

Notably, the confidence I have gained has irrefutably been a tribute to the encouragement of my teachers in their attempts to strengthen my dedication to work required of the subject. My teachers over the years have employed many successful methods to inspire me. Whether it be Mrs Johnstone’s chocolate frogs, Mr Wang’s pure glee and enthusiasm teaching Mathematics or Mrs Klancic’s never ending vouch of encouragement and secret stealing of her son’s Coles toys, the teachers at St Catherine’s are exactly what any student needs to succeed in Mathematics and are certainly there for you every step of the way.

My improvement in Mathematics this year is mainly attributed to my early epiphany; that if I truly wanted to succeed, I had to fully commit myself. I made it my goal to not let learning online affect me, and if anything, to use it to my advantage. It is for this reason that I ensured I always had my work done on time and always hassled Mrs Klancic and Mrs Matt for more work to do, because exposure is everything.

Most importantly, it is no secret that the Mathematics subjects are some of the hardest in the VCE curriculum. There have been times when I have cried to teachers because I failed to understand the principles of mechanics or when I simply felt like I wasn’t improving. It is thus important to recognise that Mathematics is a challenge for everyone and that you are not alone.

Nevertheless, my Mathematics journey at St Catherine’s has shaped me into the hardworking person I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing.