MaP Academic

Australind Senior High School’s Mathematics and Philosophy (MaP) Academic Program is designed for students who enjoy challenge, problem solving and deep thinking.

The program supports academically curious students to explore complex ideas, ask thoughtful questions and develop strong analytical skills. Through enriched learning experiences, students are encouraged to think creatively, reason logically and engage with ideas beyond the standard curriculum.

MaP provides a supportive environment where students can challenge themselves, collaborate with like-minded peers and extend their learning in mathematics and critical thinking.

Why Choose MaP?

The MaP program provides students with opportunities to:

• Extend their mathematical thinking
• Develop strong reasoning and analytical skills
• Explore big ideas and philosophical questions
• Work alongside other motivated learners
• Prepare for future academic pathways

Through challenge, curiosity and collaboration, students develop the confidence and intellectual independence needed for success in their future learning.

Program Overview

Students in the MaP program participate in learning experiences that include:

• Advanced mathematical problem solving
• Logical reasoning and critical thinking
• Philosophy and inquiry-based learning
• Collaborative investigation of complex ideas
• Opportunities to participate in academic competitions and extension activities
• Exploration of real-world problems through mathematics and reasoning

The program encourages students to develop independence in their learning while building confidence in tackling challenging ideas.

What We Look for in MaP Students

Entry into the MaP program is competitive and designed for students who demonstrate strong academic ability and curiosity.

We are looking for students who:

• Enjoy solving complex problems
• Show curiosity about ideas and concepts
• Demonstrate persistence when learning becomes challenging
• Participate actively in classroom learning
• Have strong engagement in mathematics

Students in the program are expected to maintain high standards of effort and behaviour across all subjects.

How to Apply for the Mathematics and Philosophy (MaP) Academic Program

2027 Year 7 Students

• The MaP Academic Program is a selective entry program.
• Applications for 2027 Year 7 students opened in mid Term 1, 2026 and closed on Monday 18 May 2026. Applications are now closed.
• This program is open to students from any school intake area.

Australind Senior High School Students (Current Years 7–10)

Current students enrolled at Australind Senior High School are welcome to apply for the Mathematics and Philosophy (MaP) Program. Entry at these year levels depends on program availability.

Applications can be submitted by completing the MaP Program online application form via the Parent and Student notice on Compass. Paper application forms are also available from the school office.

Entry to the program is available at two points:

Semester 2, 2026 Entry

• Applications closed Friday 12 June with testing taking place during Week 11, Term 2.

2027 Program Entry

• Applications close Friday 20 November
• Testing will take place during Week 8, Term 4

Selection Process

Once applications have been received:

• Testing for 2027 Year 7 students was held on two days, Tuesday 2 June and Tuesday 30 June. Students who are invited to attend but were unable to make one date could attend the other session.
• Selected students were invited to attend Australind Senior High School for a MaP assessment day.  The assessment day is a full day visit, where students take part in a literacy task focussing on writing, an online numeracy test and an online abstract reasoning test. Students did not need to prepare for these tests. Students will also participate in group critical and creative thinking activities during the day.
• Assessments focus on problem solving, logical reasoning and mathematical thinking. Students do not need to prepare for these tests.

Following the assessment process:

• Program offers are issued in Term 3.
• Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified in writing.

Students who are not offered a place in the MaP program are still welcome to enrol at Australind Senior High School, where all students have access to a broad range of learning opportunities.