Tamim's ThinkLab

For many years now, computers have outperformed humans in chess. But instead of making chess less meaningful, that seems to have made us appreciate the game even more. This BBC article sheds light on how chess is helping young minds by developing problem-solving skills, focus, confidence, and friendship.

How chess 'boom' is building young minds Experts say the game is helping children solve problems, forge friendships and build confidence.

Congratulations to Ayana Fridkin, who won a Silver Medal at the 2026 European Girls’ Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI) in Cesenatico, Italy, placing her among the top young female informatics competitors internationally.

This year’s competition brought together 248 contestants from 67 delegations, and Ayana was one of only four students selected to represent Australia. Her result is a remarkable reflection of her talent and a wonderful example of girls excelling in STEM at the highest level.

EGOI an international computer science competition for young women with a passion for informatics and computational thinking. Students solve highly challenging algorithmic and computational thinking problems under competition conditions, requiring advanced problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, coding ability and persistence.

Three of my students will participate in the competition tomorrow from ThinkLab. I hope they will have fun.

Good luck to all the students participating in the Raspberry Pi Foundation Coding Challenge, which runs from today through to Thursday!

Are your students registered to get involved? It's not too late to register your students for this incredible opportunity to improve their programming skills! Register today for free!

https://amt.edu.au/rpfcc

🧠 Yesterday I gave my Year 8/9 extension students two AMC Upper Primary problems.

These are students I usually train with Year 10/11 style questions. So why go backwards?

Because in mathematics, a simple problem is often only simple at first glance.

One of the questions can be solved by trial and error, which is exactly what many younger students would do. But once a student understands prime factorisation and uniqueness, the same question reveals a much cleaner structure through the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic.

That is the value of mathematical maturity.

Stronger students do not just solve harder problems.
They see more inside ordinary ones.

That is the kind of growth I care about.

❄️ Winter Holiday AMC Workshop for Year 5–6
Online - 4 mornings - Limited spots

I’m running a short online workshop these school holidays for students preparing for the Australian Mathematics Competition.

The AMC is not about routine school maths. It is about clear thinking, problem solving, and learning how to approach unfamiliar questions with confidence.

Over four mornings, I will take students through AMC-style problems and teach key techniques in depth. The aim is simple: help students feel more familiar with the competition and better prepared for the style of questions they will face.

A quick note: this is not a magic fix. Four sessions will not suddenly change a student’s level. Real growth comes from consistent practice. But this workshop can give students a solid feel for AMC problems and a strong starting point for the weeks leading into the competition.

Details:
Monday 13 to Thursday 16 July
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Live online (Google Meet)
10 students only
$200 total

The AMC runs from 4–6 August 2026, and most students sit it through their school, so please check that your school is participating.

Message me for booking details.

In my opinion, the AMC is one of the most important mathematics competitions in Australia. However, many schools do not provide students with the opportunity to participate. I encourage teachers and parents to advocate for their schools to take part in this competition.

Did you participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) at school? You might remember it by its most famous and long-running sponsor: Westpac. The AMC still runs today, all across Australia and even overseas! Students from Year 3 to Year 12 are invited to participate from August 4 - 6 via their school.

Thinking of entering your students but want more information? Attend a FREE webinar about the AMC on Tuesday 9 June or Wednesday 10 June from 3:45 - 4:00pm AET.

AMC: https://amt.edu.au/amc
Tues 9 June AMC Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_drKfaf6gSgmZojmHMlQQyA
Wed 10 June AMC Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o9unZlOGT8SmM9D3UY9DNg

Two online slots opening for Term 3

I run small-group online maths enrichment for Years 3 to 9, with students across Australia. Two new batches are opening for Term 3, one for Year 4 and one for Year 5.

Small group, one class per week, 75 minutes, taught live online on a weekday evening. Both batches are for students who enjoy a challenge and want to go beyond school maths.

Students from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart can join the same class. Class times will be set to suit families across these time zones.

To register interest, send me a message on Facebook. Spots will be confirmed in order of interest. Please register by Friday 13 June.

📘 New release: Python for the Curious Mind

My Python book for beginners is now available on Amazon.

It's written primarily for high school students, though a strong Year 6 student should be able to work through it. My own son is in Year 6, and he's one of the readers I had in mind.

A fair warning: this isn't a book for kids looking for games and entertainment. It's real Python, built on logic and mathematics, for students who want to genuinely understand how programming works. The chapters draw on evidence-based learning techniques like interleaving and retrieval practice, so the material builds understanding rather than rushing past it.

Available on Amazon worldwide. Link in the comments.

💡 This week is Gifted Awareness Week.

I feel fortunate to work with students who are bright, curious, and willing to think hard. Some are gifted or high-potential. Others are simply students who come alive when the work gets harder. I see that often.

When the level is right, students really thrive. They become more engaged, more confident, more willing to stick with a hard problem.

That is also why I do not group too rigidly by school year. Sometimes a younger student belongs in an older class because the thinking level is a better match.

It is always nice to see what happens when a child is finally in the right place to grow.