Bring on all the maths boffins

TEACHERS across the nation can now register their learners for the country’s two best-known maths competitions.

The SA Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) announced last week that teachers can register their learners for the Nestlé Nespray South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) and the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad, co-sponsored by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (Saica).

The SAMF said that for the first time in the foundation’s history, both competitions have full digital capabilities for the registration and payment processes, and the first-round papers.

The SAMC is open for all Grade 4 to 7s and the Olympiad welcomes all Grade 8 to 12s. Both contests are open to all schools in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

According to the SAMF, Quintile 1 and 2 schools can register their learners free of charge, while Quintile 3, 4 and 5 schools and private schools pay a nominal registration fee.

The foundation added that for the first time, schools will have an option to write the first rounds of both competitions online.

“Education is an integral part of our responsible business strategy at Old Mutual,” said Celiwe Ross, human capital director at Old Mutual.

“Our holistic support spans the entire education value chain, from early childhood development to comprehensive financial education programmes targeted at a wide range of audiences.

“Our support for Stem education is part of this approach, and one of the ways we are working to improve maths literacy is by collaborating with the South African Mathematics Foundation.”

Ross added that Old Mutual was proud of the initiatives in place to strengthen maths education among the youth

“We remain confident that we can jointly drive high impact in the space,” said Ross.

Saica’s executive: learning, development and national imperatives, Robert Zwane, said one of the biggest challenges South Africa faces is that the education system does not produce enough learners with acceptable levels of maths proficiency to support the country’s dire skills shortage in scarce skill careers such as medicine, actuarial science and chartered accountancy.

“As a critical stakeholder in South Africa, Saica plays an active role in improving maths education across the country through initiatives such as the South African Maths Olympiad.

“This is to aid the country’s economic growth through the development of young professionals who are able to enter these careers,” said Zwane.

The SAMF said parents who want to register their children must contact the school’s maths teacher. Entry forms are available on the foundation’s website.

Registration for the Olympiad closes on February 21, and the Challenge on February 24.