Maths learning

Tauriko School PTA Mathathon – FAQ’s    

What is a Mathathon?A Mathathon is an educational fundraiser where students challenge themselves to learn a set number of questions, while at the same time gathering sponsorship.   

When is the Mathathon testing going to be held?On Tuesday the 8th of August 2017 at 9am  

What are the funds raised going towards?All money raised as part of the Mathathon will be put towards a tailored outdoor maths zone for students at Tauriko School.   

Why is Tauriko School PTA holding this fundraiser?The PTA chose to hold this event as they wanted to choose a fundraiser that was relevant to the school curriculum.  In 2017, Tauriko School is placing an additional focus on mathematics and by holding a Mathathon the PTA felt that this was a good option to raise money as well as support the mathematical focus.    The intention of the PTA is to raise money in a fun way, where children can clearly see the results of their hard work through the tangible outdoor maths zone, as well as being encouraged and rewarded with lots of prizes.  

How does my child know what questions to practise?A set of questions have been sent home with the sponsorship booklets with students during the last week of Term 2.   

Are the questions children answer at the Mathathon the same as the questions they have brought home?  Yes.  There will however be some minor changes to the questions such as the ordering of the questions and the numerals used within the question.  The questions are intended to be challenging, while at the same time be at a level where children will see success.   

Where are some ideas of where my child can seek sponsorship?The holidays are a great time to seek sponsorship! Family, friends or neighbours can be good options to approach. Some students can also approach local businesses. Always remember to politely introduce yourself and say that you are fundraising for an outdoor maths zone for Tauriko School.    

What dates do I need to be aware of? 

• 5th July – 24th July: Home learning of questions/seeking sponsorship
• 24th July – 7th August: Class and home learning of questions/seeking of sponsorship
• Tuesday 8th August - 9am. Mathathon assessment
• Wednesday 9th August: Marked answer sheets returned to students
• Wednesday 16th August:  Collection of money raised due back to school
• Thursday 17th August: Prizes announced at assembly  

What can I do to help my child prepare for the Mathathon?By helping at home to learn the questions children have been provided with, as well as supporting your child to seek sponsorship.   

How have my child’s maths questions been set?Tauriko School teachers have come up with 11 sets of questions.  Each classroom teacher has allocated what they feel is the most appropriate set of questions to each child’s current level and these are the questions children have to practise.  

What class prizes are there?The top class prize is a class trip to FlipOut for the class that gathers the most sponsorship.  There is a class lunch provided for the class that gathers the most in each of the three syndicates. Please note, these class prizes will be determined by calculating the overall percentage of funds raised to the number of students in each class.   

What individual prizes are there?There are prizes for the top three fundraisers in each class, as well as spot prizes for all those students who return their sponsorship booklets by Wednesday 16th August.   

My child has not received any information?  If your child has not received a sponsorship booklet, or a set of questions, or you have any general queries please contact the PTA on pta@tauriko.school.nz or 027 233 2676.   

Can we check the answers anywhere?  Yes.  All 11 answer sheets are linked on the Tauriko School website.

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We use the Mathletics programme extensively in both class and for homework. The students are on a differentiated programme at their own level with assigned activities relating to their Maths learning in class that week. When they have completed those assigned activities, they can explore other areas of learning or practice their basic facts speed recall in "Live Mathletics".

Link to NZ Mathletics website