Problem-solving sessions seek out hidden maths talent
On Friday 17 February 2017 the Barratt Lecture complex of Rhodes University was the scene of the sixth annual ‘Rhodes University Mathematics Experience’ (RUME).
Around 275 learners from 17 schools in the Grahamstown District spent a busy afternoon solving mathematics problems and engaging in ‘serious fun’.
The afternoon kicked off with a 20-question maths competition requiring ‘ out of the box’ rather than conventional thinking.
This was followed by a discussion on mathematical problem-solving by Andrew Stevens of the Rhodes Education Department.
While the learners were being ‘edutained’, a large contingent of their teachers was busy marking their competition papers.
The afternoon ended with a prize giving ceremony in which Professor Mellony Graven awarded the prizes which included three full scholarships for further study at Rhodes University.
The event, which has an established reputation in mathematics education circles was organised by Stevens and Deputy Dean of the Science Faculty, Joyce Sewry, supported by a group of enthusiastic local teachers who feel that the mathematical talent of local learners needs to be stimulated.
This is in line with recent policy shifts which have identified the need to improve the quality of the mathematics education in our schools. The event was sponsored by Seartec, the distributors of Sharp calculators and Rhodes University.
The event forms part of the vice chancellor’s initiative to improve the education opportunities of learners in the Grahamstown District.
At the closing ceremony, Stevens explained that one of the main purposes of the event is to identify hidden talent among local pupils and to continue to develop this talent through a structured programme in the coming months as part of the ‘Siyanqoba’ initiative of the SA Mathematics Foundation.
Pupils are invited to attend weekly problem-solving sessions at the Rhodes Education Dept on Friday afternoons to help them become better problem solvers and to assist them in mathematics competitions such as the SA Mathematical Olympiad.
Results of the 2017 RU Mathematics Experience competition are as follows: Grade 7 and 8
1 Erin Powers, Diocesan School for Girls 2 Ruby Graven-Dugmore, Diocesan School for Girls 3 Savannah Coventry, Diocesan School for Girls
Grades 9 and 10
1 Keanan Johns, Alexander Road 2 Alexander Pezarro, St Andrew’s College 3 Emma Koch, Victoria Girls' High School `
Grades 11 and 12
1 Chadleigh Ownhouse, Alexander Road 2 Tashin Patrick, Graeme College 3 Thomas Stot, Kingswood College
Rhodes University Bursary prizes
Chadleigh Ownhouse, Tashin Patrick and Thomas Stott.
School Prizes
Ntsika Secondary – Zandile Valela PJOlivier – Carla Odendaal, Jaime Brisley St Andrew’s Prep – Daniel Cotton Victoria Primary – Nana Abebreseh