The Jill Hughes Bequest is a legacy initiative of The Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA), funded through the estate of Jill Hughes.
Jill was an active member of MAWA and was bestowed life membership in 1996. Jill was a former President, and she made major contributions to the activities of the Association. She was one of the authors of the groundbreaking publication, 60 Mathematical Investigations. She worked very closely with Edith Biggs, the former Her Majesty’s Inspector of Mathematics who was a major consultant to the project of revising the Primary Mathematics Syllabus in the mid-1970s.
Jill Hughes was a committed advocate for mathematics education in Western Australia. Her bequest enables MAWA to support schools in strengthening mathematics teaching and expanding meaningful learning opportunities for students — particularly those who face the greatest barriers to success.
Objectives of the Bequest
The Jill Hughes Bequest provides financial support to Western Australian schools for initiatives that:
- Provide financial support for innovative projects that improve mathematics teaching and learning.
- Encourage sustainable programs that can be scaled or replicated across schools and communities.
- Support student participation in mathematics events, competitions, and enrichment activities.
- Strengthen the long-term capacity of schools and educators to deliver high-quality mathematics education, particularly for disadvantaged cohorts.
Eligibility
Applications are open to Western Australian primary, secondary and combined schools. Applications must be submitted by a school representative (individual student applications are not accepted).
Preference may be given to:
- Schools located in rural or remote areas of Western Australia.
- Schools with an ICSEA score below 1000, serving students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Schools leading and supporting culturally responsive practices.
What Can Be Funded?
The Bequest supports activities directly related to mathematics education.
Eligible activities may include:
- Student participation in mathematics workshops or programs including support with travel costs.
- Professional learning activities, including support with travel costs, and related resources focused on mathematics teaching.
- Community mathematics initiatives to engage families and students.
Examples of Supported Activities
The examples are provided as a guide only.
- Have Sum Fun – support to travel to a regional competition
- MAWA Problem Solving Program – support registration costs for individual students or to conduct a regional class
- WA Maths School – support with travel and registration costs
- Professional Learning – support with facilitator fees and travel
- MAWA Conferences – support with travel and registration costs
- Interschool mathematics activities
- School-based mathematics enrichment days
- Family mathematics engagement evenings
- Culturally responsive mathematics projects
- Mathematics outreach projects
Selection and Accountability
Applications are assessed through a competitive process based on demonstrated need, alignment with the objectives of the Bequest, anticipated impact on disadvantaged or regional students, and sustainability. Successful applicants must provide an acquittal report.
Funding Information
Funding amounts may vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Currently the expected level of grant funding will not exceed $1500 for project from a single school or $5000 for a network of schools.
Continuing Jill Hughes’ Vision
Through the Jill Hughes Bequest, MAWA honours Jill’s commitment to strengthening mathematics education and ensuring all Western Australian students have access to high-quality mathematics learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though no formal open and closing dates MAWA will review applications mid Semester 1 and 2. We encourage you to apply at least 10 weeks before the date of event.
Funding amounts may vary depending on the nature and scale of the project. Currently the expected level of grant funding will not exceed $1500 for project from a single school or $5000 for a network of schools.
Yes. Applications may be submitted by a single school or a group of schools.
Ongoing staffing costs are not eligible. Limited release time directly connected to the approved project may be considered where clearly justified. School support for casual relief teacher costs will be expected.
Yes. Funding may support participation in MAWA programs or other mathematics initiatives aligned with the objectives of the Bequest.
Successful applicants must submit a budget, improvement plan and an acquittal report outlining outcomes, participation numbers and evidence of impact. Photographs are encouraged with appropriate permissions. Budget and improvement plan templated will be available.