Students and teachers have been invited to demonstrate their creativity and excellence at the launch of the inaugural Choose Maths Awards today.

The partnership between The BHP Billiton Foundation and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) aims to increase the representation of women in mathematics.

A total of A$63,000 will be awarded nationally to teachers, students and schools in celebration of achievement, creativity and excellence in mathematical learning and education.

The Awards form one of four components of AMSI and the BHP Billiton Foundation’s Choose Maths program, a five-year A$22 million partnership to strengthen mathematics teaching and foster participation and career awareness of girls and women in mathematics.

AMSI Director, Professor Geoff Prince said young women and girls had not traditionally been encouraged to explore their maths potential or consider it as a career pathway.

“We are rewriting this narrative in Australian classrooms through Choose Maths. An important recognition of excellence, these awards are also a call to action through their demonstration of what mathematics education should and can be in Australia,” said Prof Prince.

The Awards will also put the spotlight on student talent through the Maths. Camera. Action program in which students are encouraged to showcase their creativity by creating short films about maths outside the classroom.

Welcoming the chance to challenge traditional gender narratives and acknowledge education at its best, BHP Billiton Chief of Staff and Head of Geoscience, Laura Tyler said the awards were an opportunity to foster the skills needed to secure Australia’s future.

“Investment in mathematics education is critical to provide students, particularly girls, with the foundational skills and confidence to drive industry and innovation into the future. Skilled educators make this possible by creating engaging learning environments,” she said.

“All students have maths potential and they should be given the opportunity to explore this without barriers.”

Now open nationally, applications for the teacher awards close 11 July and student awards 20 July. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Melbourne on 26 August 2016.

For more information, please see our News Release.