Scotch College

Geoffrey Chu wins Maths Gold

Fourth in the world

Geoffrey Chu's modesty belies a prodigious talent. At this year's International Mathematics Olympiad, held in Bucharest, Romania during July, Geoffrey matched his ability against the best from 80 countries and came fourth. His was the first Gold Medal won by an Australian at the Maths Olympics.

The six person Australian team, which spent a week in Rome training before travelling to Bucharest, was selected from a group of 25 who took part in an Olympics training camp during the Easter holidays. The larger group had been selected after taking part in the Australian Mathematics Olympiad and the Asia Pacific Mathematics Olympiad.

The contest itself consisted of two four and a half hour papers on successive days, involving problem solving and proofs ranging across mathematics - from geometry to number theory, functional equations and algebra. Contestants had to answer three questions in each session. Then there were three days to wait for the results, the time taken up by sightseeing. Finally there was the closing ceremony, at which Geoffrey received his medal from the President of Romania.

Geoffrey's verdict on the contest? "It was said to be the most difficult ever held. Perhaps that was because the Olympiads began in Romania and they wanted to make sure the standard was high when they hosted them again. But probably the toughest thing about the trip was the very hot weather!"

And he will have the chance again next year to represent Australia at the Mathematics Olympiad - the most surprising aspect is that Geoffrey is presently only in Year 11!

Truly a Master of Maths

If Geoffrey Chu represents the youthful energy and enthusiasm in mathematics, then Dr Michael Evans epitomises experience, learning and leadership - the other side of the coin in education.

He is held universally in high regard by his colleagues at Scotch, who immediately defer to his wisdom, and praise his professional standing and his influence in making Scotch a leading centre for maths education among secondary schools in Australia.

The "heart and soul of maths at Scotch" is the sort of praise one hears for Michael's talent and commitment, which influences boys and teachers alike. "Teachers raise their standards in response to his influence" was one comment, and Michael's role as an innovator - for example, in organising an exchange programme for teachers with the Raffles School in Singapore and sponsoring attendances at the Asian Technology Conference in Mathematics - is highly appreciated.

After completing a PhD in Pure Mathematics at Monash University in 1973 and a Diploma of Education from Latrobe University, Michael taught in the government school system until 1979, then at St Michaels's Grammar where he became Head of Mathematics, before his appointment as Head of Maths at Scotch in 1988.

Apart from his work within the school, Michael contributes extensively to mathematical education in Victoria, for which he will receive the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa from Monash University in October. He is the author and co-author of several successful mathematics school texts and has been involved with curriculum development in the State over a long period. At present Michael is Chair of the VCE Mathematics Committee for the Victorian Board of Studies and over the past two years has been part of a team developing new courses for implementation in 2000. He has been Deputy Leader of Australia's Mathematical Olympiad team on three occasions.

For all that, he still finds time to pursue his interests in hockey, Byzantine Studies and Greek and Middle Eastern History!