Get your slice of maths olympiad pie

Quality passes in maths are still a challenge, but school pupils can boost their maths marks by entering the biggest olympiad in the country before Friday February 3.

Last year, more than 85 000 pupils from South Africa and neighbouring countries took part in the SA Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO).

The SAMO, which is organised by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF), consists of separate first-round papers for grades 8 and 9 and one first-round paper for grades 10 to 12.

This first round will be written on Wednesday March 15 at individual schools. Pupils who get 50 percent or higher in the first round qualify for the second round on Wednesday May 10.

The 100 best senior and 100 best junior pupils from the second round qualify for the third round on Thursday July 27.

SAMF executive director Professor Johann Engelbrechtstressed the need for pupils to be exposed to problems that tested and improved their thinking and problem-solving skills.

“The maths olympiad is recognised as one of the best vehicles to identify the most talented learners in the country.

“Participation will result in a better quality of product from the schools and will put their learners in a position to reap higher achievement levels at university,” he said.

Prizes will be awarded to the best junior and senior overall winners, best performing female pupil, best performing African pupil, best pupil from outside South Africa and best performing pupil per quintile at the annual SAMF awards in September.

There are also prizes up for grabs for participating schools.

Call 012 392 9372 or email info@samf.ac.za for details.

Visit www.samf.ac.za for an entry form.