General News
11 April, 2025
Students wooed educator and YouTube star
Gilgandra High School recently welcomed one of Australia’s most beloved educators, Eddie Woo, for a two-day visit filled with engaging professional learning and inspiring student workshops.
A high school mathematics teacher, YouTuber, and author, Eddie is best known for his popular channel, Wootube, which boasts over 1.91 million subscribers and more than 140 million views.
Within the NSW Department of Education, he leads the Mathematics Growth Team, a statewide program of instructional leaders focused on engaging and evidence-based teaching practices.
He also serves as the education ambassador for the University of Sydney.
In 2018, Eddie was named Australia’s Local Hero in the Australian of the Year Awards and listed as one of the top 10 teachers in the world by the Global Teacher Prize. He is an internationally published author, TED speaker, TV host of ABC’s Teenage Boss and Channel 10’s Ultimate Classroom.
Last Tuesday afternoon (April 1), Eddie delivered a dynamic professional development session for mathematics teachers from Gilgandra High School and neighbouring schools.
His session focused on the overarching outcome of the kindergarten to year 10 Mathematics syllabus: Working Mathematically. Teachers were introduced to a range of rich and adaptable activities designed to spark student curiosity and deepen mathematical thinking.
His session provided practical strategies for the classroom, as well as a refreshing reminder of the creativity and relevance of mathematics in education.
On the following day, Wednesday, April 2, Eddie delivered stage-specific one-hour workshops tailored to different student year groups. Each session was uniquely designed to suit the developmental level of the students involved.
Stage four students were encouraged to grapple with the big question: What is the point of Maths? In a session that blended philosophical inquiry with real-world relevance, students considered the role of mathematics in everyday life.
Stage five students were introduced to the fascinating world of networks. Using network graphs and drawing from popular culture, Eddie brought mathematics to life by exploring the intricate relationships between characters in Harry Potter. Students participated in an activity that
Stage six students were treated to a blend of mathematics and illusion. A seemingly impossible card trick captivated the class - before Eddie revealed the clever mathematical reasoning behind the magic.
Following his visit to the high school, Eddie made an impromptu visit to the year one Echidnas class at Gilgandra Public School. With his signature energy and enthusiasm, Eddie showed students how mathematics is present in the world around us - from the paths of bouncing balls to the patterns in art and even the way blood vessels branch through our bodies.
Students were amazed to learn how the Sydney Opera House’s sails were designed by cutting and rearranging simple geometric shapes.
Eddie then challenged the class to a counter game where students had to develop winning strategies through logic and reasoning.
The simple yet powerful game had students buzzing with excitement as they began uncovering patterns to ensure victory.
The session wrapped up with a double act of card tricks by both Eddie and Mr Smithers, demonstrating how even magic can be explained through mathematics. The students were mesmerised, learning that maths isn’t just about numbers - it’s a powerful language for understanding and exploring the world.
Both the staff at Gilgandra High School and Gilgandra Public School extend their appreciation to Eddie Woo and the Mathematics Growth Team for making the journey from Sydney and sharing their passion for Mathematics. The visit left students and staff alike inspired, excited, and ready to embrace the wonder and power of maths in new and creative ways.
We hope to welcome Eddie back again in the future to continue spreading his love for learning and to remind us all of the beauty that lies within mathematics.
