THREE young students at Langwarrin Park Primary School have emerged among the country’s top “mathletes”. Year Six students Oliver Hateley, Ethan Moore, and Lennox Taranto each competed in the Australian Math Olympiad Competition last month. The trio exceeded expectations by finishing in equal first place, achieving 100 percent on their first attempt.
Langwarrin Park Primary School teacher Merilyn Reynolds said the students had honed their skills in a “high ability” program. “We have a high ability program I’ve been running for four years, from grades four to six. High achieving students are invited in, and we work together on a Friday,” she said. “We get together to practice mathematical skills, encourage them to think outside the square, to think flexibly with numbers, and apply their knowledge.”
Reynolds said the competition consisted of “four separate contests.” “There’s a written test with five questions, and it’s quite an abstract style of thinking. They also get context from real life to solve a problem with about 30 minutes to complete it, so they have think quickly,” she said.
“It’s the first time I’ve entered students into this – I wanted them to have that experience. It was a wonderful thing to perform so well, with all three in equal first place. This result sets them up for their future, and opens doors for them.”
For more information about the Math Olympiad competition visit apsmo.edu.au/competitions-programs/maths-olympiad-years-5-6
First published in the Frankston Times – 17 June 2025