Numbers up for maths competition pupils

PUPILS from Nelson Mandela Bay will have the opportunity to showcase their mathematics skills at an inter-schools maths competition which starts tomorrow.

The competition will be hosted by American maths fundi Tim Saunders, of Mathleague International, at Alexander Road High School from 2pm.

Schools that have shown an interest in the competition – aimed at grade 8-11 pupils – include Alex, St George’s, Grey, Woolhope and West Cape Academy.

The pupils take part in four different activities – two individual and two group.

The idea of the maths competition came up a few years ago and has generated huge interest among pupils and teachers.

“We normally take a group of pu- pils to the International Maths Olympiad in India every second year. It was at one of these events that I met Saunders, who was a guest of honour.

“We have kept in contact and three years ago he came to Port Elizabeth to run one of his competitions,” Alexander Road High School head of maths Dr Linda Emery said.

The purpose behind the competition was to stimulate and moti- vate pupils both to excel at school and to think laterally and enjoy the subject through the challenges and social aspects involved, Emery said.

In addition, Alexander Road decided to start its own Maths Relay League for high school pupils, where they solve problems in groups of four.

Emery encouraged schools interested in competing to contact her as soon as possible on (041) 365-1270 or 082-824-8118.