Maragon Private School in Ruimsig took part in the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) on 13 May.
According to Executive Director of the South African Mathematics Foundation, Professor Johann Engelbrecht, more than 18 000 high school pupils across the country competed in the second round of SAMO. “The Olympiad takes place over three rounds and consists of a junior division for grades 8 and 9, and a senior division for grades 10 to 12. The first round of the Olympiad took place on 13 March with more than 82 000 pupils from 1 030 schools participating, breaking the record of the previous year’s entries. Those pupils who scored 50 percent and above in the first round proceeded to the second round,” he said.
Olympiad marketing and project director from the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (Saica) which is co-sponsor, Nwabisa Mphakalasi said it is also important to remember that participation in the olympiad is not reserved for those only clever, nerdy children in school. “Classroom mathematics has recently moved more and more to what could be called mechanical calculations or numeracy. It is therefore very important that we continue to emphasise that mathematics is about thinking and the discovery, and validation, of problem solving methods.”
Engelbrecht pointed out that another important mathematical calendar event is the long-awaited International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) from 3 to 13 July 2014 that will be taking place on African soil for the first time since its inception 56 years ago.
“More than 600 young competitors from all over the world will be visiting Cape Town for this prestigious Olympiad. Following that are the final round of the South African Mathematics Challenge for pupils in grades 4 to 7 on 30 July as well as the final round of the South African Mathematics Olympiad for pupils in grades 8 to 12 on 12 September,” he added.
Details: South African Mathematics Foundation 012 3929372
