Jane’s Blog

Hi, I am a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary – Maths) at University of Technology, Sydney.

I did my Maths/Computing degree at Sydney Uni “a while ago”!

Since then I have worked in Computing starting at IBM as a programmer/analyst for 5 years, then contracting in the UK for 3 years and then returning to work for CSC Australia as a software designer, then Quality Specialist, then Business Redesign Consultant at places like Long Bay Gaol for Department of Corrective Services, Dairy Corp and RailCorp.

I have tutored high school students in Mathematics on and off since uni days.

During my UK stint I spent 4 months in Africa where I nearly had all my money and passport stolen on day one, my tent was nearly squashed by a hippo, had my motorbike driven off a deserted road by a truck at sunset on my own, rode camels around in North Kenya, bathed in croc-infested rivers (throw a rock in first … to scare them away?) and got frustratingly close to the top of Mt Kilimajaro. Then I spent 5 months travelling around Scandinavia and Eastern Europe in a battered old Kombi with 4 friends (& we are still friends today although we had our moments).

Now as a student and a Mum life is not the same but very full! (of soccer, hockey, swimming, washing, taxiing,……)

My aim as a teacher will be to make Maths accessible to all, encourage a passion in Mathematics, and make Maths fun where possible – the power of the “Maths Oddity”.

Try this:

Square 34, now square 334, now square 3334, now square 33334,….etc!

Jane’s Recommended Reading List

Fermat’s Last Theorem (Simon Singh) – this is a great pop style Maths read – a must for Maths-lovers! A concise easy-to-read history of the beginnings of Maths and things you may have never really thought about before (or not for a long time).

jpodcast