State Conference 2026

Dr Caty Morris

Maths Senior Project Coordinator with the Computer Science and Education Research STEM PL Team

Mathematics is embedded within, and shaped by, culture. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority (CCP) in the Australian Curriculum invites educators to engage with First Nations peoples’ knowledges, experiences, values and perspectives (ACARA, 2026). Through 9 rich contexts woven throughout the mathematics curriculum, the CCP provides powerful opportunities to connect concepts, contexts and content in ways that deepen learning and relevance for all learners.When mathematics is taught through culturally responsive contexts, First Nations learners are better supported to see themselves and their communities reflected in mathematics (and STEM) learning. At the same time, all students benefit from richer, more meaningful mathematical experiences.

This keynote showcases classroom examples from the Maths in Schools project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education including Where’s the Mankarr? from Martu Country in Western Australia, which explores statistics through the context of Caring for Country.

I share my place as a non-Indigenous educator who has worked in this space for many years, and my role as an ally that continues to evolve. It requires ongoing reflection, accountability for my learning, and a commitment to advocating for culturally responsive mathematics education that supports equitable and positive outcomes for First Nations learners across Australia.

Dr John Eckersley

Retired Geotechnical Engineer

Mathematical modelling by engineers helps designers to limit the risk of failure while also saving money. In this presentation, retired geotechnical engineer Dr John Eckersley outlines the mathematical details used to design the pile-supported footing for a tall sugar mill chimney against blowing over in cyclonic winds. This presentation illustrates the significance of mathematics and physics applied to a real-world engineering problem, including topics from senior Specialist and Methods subjects.

Kate Mason

Primary teacher, Riverside Christian College

and

Anja Van Hooydonk
Senior Mathematics and Physics Teacher, St Mary’s Catholic College

Persistence, practise and problem solving: a tale of two teachers

In this engaging session we hear from two teachers, one in primary and the other in secondary schools, about a practical issue that is dear to their hearts – helping students to solve problems and be successful in mathematics.

Kate Mason, a primary teacher from Hervey Bay, will explore how success in mathematics is not determined by natural ability alone, but through persistence, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. She will share some of her favourite practical strategies to increase student participation, nurture curiosity, increase confidence and deepen conceptual understanding.

Anja van Hooydonk is a secondary teacher in Cairns. She will share two strategies for problem solving. First, the FISH strategy for junior maths as a way of breaking worded problems into manageable parts. Second, the PSM approach which has been used both for helping senior students to prepare for PSMTs, and in an Exam preparation course for methods that the QAMT Cairns runs in the September holidays.