Scitech has applauded the inaugural cohort of teachers from the Alcoa Champions of Maths program.
On November 13, teachers, parents, and students celebrated the end of the program at a family evening at the Leschenault Pavilion, hosted by maths comedian and numeracy ambassador Simon Pampena.
Eight teachers - Judith Stribley (Australind Primary School), Susie James (Glen Huon PS), Kate Archibald (Treendale PS), Lisa Tatham (Treendale PS), Hilary Campbell (Eaton PS), Rachel Spalding (Glen Huon PS), Arnalise de Robillard (Eaton PS), and Jodie Walton (Australind PS) - were praised for their achievements during the school year.
Scitech chief executive Kalien Selby said all-eight teachers have increased their confidence to teach problem-solving skills in their primary maths classes by over 50 per cent.
"The Alcoa Champions of Maths program is breaking new ground in how maths is taught to primary school students," she said.
"The remarkable results from the first year's cohort show how motivating and impactful this approach can be, with some Year 6 students showing an interest and ability to work at a university-level of thinking.
"We are excited to continue to deliver this program in partnership with Alcoa of Australia throughout the South West, Peel, and Kwinana regions.
"It contributes a vital component to up-skilling Western Australian students with the skills needed to participate in a STEM-enabled future workforce."
The Champions of Maths program was set up earlier this year, as an extension of the Alcoa Maths Enrichment program.
The initiative is expected to help more than 8000 students through coaching and mentoring for teachers.
Over the course of a year, the program aims to create leaders within the school community with the ability to inspire colleagues and students alike.
Alcoa Australia corporate affairs director Jodie Read said they were excited to help schools within the Greater Bunbury region.
"Alcoa is proud to continue to support ground-breaking ways to enhance maths education to help ensure students have the knowledge and confidence to be successful in the modern workplace, where STEM skills will be paramount," she said.
Scitech will repeat the program in 2020 with four new schools and eight new teachers.
