A new generation of mathematicians will be inspired through a series of free and innovative Maths Camps for teenagers across Victoria, as part of the State’s Excellence in Every Classroom vision.
In a major achievement for the peak body of mathematical sciences in Australia, the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) will deliver 24 Maths Camps in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV) and The YMCA (Y), funded by the Department of Education of Victoria.
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 during term breaks and will be completely free to students.
The Maths Camps aim to inspire and advance high-ability students with an existing passion for mathematics. The academic program will be devised and led by AMSI and MAV with support from their members. The program will employ a workshop-based approach to explore team-based, practical problem-solving scenarios.
By placing mathematical problem‑solving in real‑world contexts, the camps seek to make abstract concepts more tangible — lowering perceived barriers to access and making mathematics a more appealing choice for further study.
“Placing maths in a fun and collaborative ‘out of classroom’ environment can have a transformative effect on student attitudes.”
AMSI Director, Prof. Tim Marchant
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.
Long-term vision
Excellence in Every Classroom is Victoria’s 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 emphasizing 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. Maths Camps will play an important role in realising this ambition.
By placing mathematical problem‑solving in real‑world contexts, the camps seek to make abstract concepts more tangible.
AMSI Director Professor Tim Marchant welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that this is just the first step for a program with far-reaching potential: “These camps are not just a milestone for AMSI, but for the future of mathematics in Victoria. Placing maths in a fun and collaborative ‘out of classroom’ 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.”
Meaningful mathematical learning
Mathematical Association of Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Bowden spoke of her pride in MAV’s involvement: “This 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 AMSI: increasing the value of, and appreciation for, mathematics in education and in society.
“We look forward to supporting the development of an engaging curriculum and experiences that build students’ interests, capabilities and dispositions for success in senior secondary mathematics, as well as future tertiary study, careers in mathematics and maths education.”
“Graduating with advanced skills in mathematics is already a significant advantage across many industries,” said University of Melbourne Dean of Science Professor Moira O’Bryan. “This advantage will only grow as graduates engage with a rapidly changing world. Programs like Maths Camps are a vital – and fun – way to help students see what is possible and how a career in the mathematical sciences could be their future.”
A spokesperson for The Y added, “We’re proud to be partnering with AMSI, the University of Melbourne and the Mathematical Association of Victoria to host 24 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.”
Media Inquiries:
Robbie Byrne
Marketing, Communications and Events Coordinator, AMSI
robbie.byrne@amsi.org.au
