Clone of Canberra Mathematics Enrichment Programme
For high school students who just can't get enough mathematics at school — enrichment classes in patterns, proofs, and problem-solving.

Overview

Since 1965, ANU mathematicians have run enrichment classes on Friday nights for talented high school students. We cover a range of extra-curricular material with an emphasis on solving problems in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Purpose. The core aims of CMEP remain constant over decades:

  1. foster enjoyment in mathematics;
  2. develop problem-solving skills; and
  3. prepare for proof-based mathematics competitions.

Schedule & Instructors. Classes are held on the ANU campus from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm for about 30 Friday evenings each year, all during school term. Instructors are professional mathematicians and university students who volunteer their time and enthusiasm for CMEP. 

Admission. Alas, it is necessary to restrict the number of students attending so the classes are by invitation only. Selection is based on student performance in other mathematical activities and on teacher recommendation. All invitations to participate will be sent through schools. Once a student is enrolled, they are entitled to continue until they finish school. Classes are free, though some volunteers are partial to gifts of chocolate, or mathematical limericks. 

Partnership. CMEP is organised in partnership with the Australian Mathematics Trust, through which we are collegiate with similar programmes around the country. We highly recommend the enrichment materials and competitions provided by the AMT, which are usually accessed through your school. Strong performance in AMT activities is a good indicator of a student's suitability for CMEP, and vice versa. Top performing students are eligible for invitation-only competitions in the AMT's Olympiad Pathway. 

 

For teachers

We need school teachers to recommend suitable students.
  • Who? Mathematical aptitude is our main criterion, especially in novel problem-solving rather than routine curriculum assessments. (See our sample material). Unusual enthusiasm is requisite for Friday night attendance. We actively seek diversity.
  • How many? We can only fit an average of one student per year level (8 to 12) from each ACT high school. Please coordinate with your colleagues to nominate a few students so we have some names in reserve rather than empty seats.
  • When? In October we request each school nominate two or three Year 7 students for our incoming Year 8 cohort in February. Please recommend top students at any time — we often have extra room in Years 11 and 12.

  • What do we need? Brief comments on a student's ability and enthusiasm help us compare across schools. We will send invitations to your school email address, and a second teacher's email is often useful redundancy.

       Teachers: please nominate your student(s) here  

  • Join our mailing list. Our October call goes out to a list of teacher email addresses that is always out of date. Please volunteer to be on that list!
  • Come and visit. We love to hear from teachers. Please consider visiting one Friday evening to see what we do, or chat with us about supporting enrichment at your school.

 

For students and parents  

  • Not school tutoring. We are delighted that you are enthusiastic about mathematics. Importantly, CMEP is not about helping you get better marks in school. Our material is outside the school curriculum. 
  • Go through your teacher. If you're still keen, then you should talk to your maths teacher about AMT competitions and enrichment, and perhaps recommending you for CMEP. We remain happy to discuss enrichment opportunities, but find it more efficient and productive to support a teacher who can then support many students.  
  • Invitations and class details. A teacher nomination does not guarantee you will be invited. Nominated students will go on our waiting list. An official invitation will be sent to your school if we have space. The invitation will include session dates, locations, and registration instructions.

  • Current students are automatically reinvited. Please note that in order to register for CMEP you must be either a current attendee or a newly invited student.

     

 Register here   (invited students only)

 

Contacts

For all enquiries about the programme please email maths.enrichment@anu.edu.au.  This mailbox is monitored by volunteers and it is usually a few days before you can expect a reply. 

This page last updated 11 November 2026.