Specialist Mathematics Program
A focus on numbers
The selective-entry Specialist Mathematics program aims to cultivate an appreciation of the beauty of Mathematics beyond the high school curriculum.
The program supports students to develop a deeper understanding of the connections that Mathematics has to so many aspects of our modern world, as well as an awareness of the history and progression of Mathematics throughout civilisation.
Specialist Mathematics Program students at Rossmoyne are sometimes also known as ‘Mathematics Honours students’ or ‘the Fermat Club’.
Eligibility to apply
Both local students and students who live outside of the local-intake area are eligible to apply for the Specialist Mathematics Program.
Specialist Mathematics applicants:
- should be currently enrolled in Year 6.
- should be able to demonstrate exceptional ability and passion for the study of mathematics.
- are encouraged to take a look at the online sample entrance test before choosing to apply. (For students to be in the top 20% of applicants and be deemed competitive, they should be able to independently score 50 or above on this test.)
Application process for local students and students who live outside of the local intake area
Both local students and students who live outside of the local-intake area are eligible to apply for the Specialist Mathematics Program through the selective entry process.
Applications for Year 7 2026 are now CLOSED.
- The application form and supporting materials must be submitted online by 4pm, Friday 21 March, 2025.
- Registered candidates will be invited to take an entrance test on Thursday 15 May 2025.
- Selected applicants will be invited for an interview in early June.
- A referee report may be requested from selected applicants’ Year 5 Teachers.
- All applicants will be notified of their outcome in writing by mid June 2025.
Supporting materials
The application form and supporting must be submitted online by 4pm, Friday 21 March, 2025.
Supporting materials to upload (link provided in online application form for upload) are as follows;
- Copies of the applicant’s previous year’s Semester 2 school report.
- A passport size photo of the applicant.
- Details of any Mathematics awards (maximum 2) received by the applicant.
If you have any questions, please contact our school Enrolment Officer, Elaine Van Baardewijk on telephone 08 9235 1621 or email elaine.vanbaardewijk@education.wa.edu.au
About the Specialist Mathematics Program
How the program works
The Specialist Mathematics Program accepts around 25 new Year 7 students into the program each year.
These 25 specialist students receive expert mathematical instruction at an accelerated pace, up to one year in advance of the regular curriculum. The program emphasises the development of passion and talent beyond the required content knowledge, encouraging students to explore and investigate all facets of Mathematics.
Students involved in Mathematics Honours will also participate in the Honours Science program. Honours Science compliments the Specialist Mathematics program.
Students are expected to embody Rossmoyne’s iCARE values in everything they do – exhibiting ‘integrity’, ‘connection,’ ‘aspiration’, ‘respect’, and ‘excellence’ both within the specialist program and beyond. Students are expected to participate enthusiastically in all opportunities afforded them, such as competitions and extra-curricular activities.
Teaching by experienced mathematicians
Specialist teachers are experienced mathematicians with in-depth knowledge of mathematical applications in wider contexts. All Mathematics Honours teachers are specifically trained to work with mathematically gifted students. Students stay in the same class with their teacher for the full four-year program, allowing the development of strong, positive relationships between the teacher and students and facilitating the very best personalised instruction for every student.
Extracurricular opportunities
Specialist Mathematics students have many opportunities for mathematical enrichment, including competitions, local and international excursions and regular Fermat Club events.
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) Training Camp is open to all Specialist Mathematics students and is a highlight of the Specialist Mathematics extracurricular calendar. One focus of the camp is to provide explicit training for the Australian Mathematics Competition. Between training sessions students also participate in physical activities, team building, and other tasks to challenge them to be outside their comfort zone.
The Fermat Club
Specialist Mathematics students are collectively known as the ‘Fermat Club’. Fermat Club alumni are exceptional mathematicians, they possess a high level of proficiency in mathematical problem solving, the ability to approach authentic challenges using both logic and creativity, and the mathematical fluency and flexibility to equip them for success in their future careers.
Once a term, the Fermat Club gets together outside of school hours for team building and collaborative problem-solving activities. The purpose of these gatherings is to have fun! We like to give our students the opportunity to explore intriguing aspects of mathematics, technology and innovation outside the pressures of daily classroom requirements.