Entries are open for Maths competitions
TEACHERS from across the country can now register their mathematics pupils for two premium mathematics competitions.
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) said both competitions have full digital capabilities for the registration, payment processes and submission of first-round papers.
The NESTLÉ NESPRAY South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) is open to pupils from Grade 4 to 7, and the Old Mutual Mathematics Olympiad, co-sponsored by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA), accepts submissions from Grade 8 to 12.
Both competitions are open to all schools in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Schools relying wholly on government funding, known as Quintile 1 and 2 schools, can register their learners free of charge.
Quintile 3, 4 and 5 schools and private schools pay a nominal registration fee.
For the first time, schools will have the option of writing the first rounds of both competitions online.
'Our support for STEM education is one of the ways we are working to improve maths literacy by collaborating with the South African
Mathematics Foundation.
‘One of the biggest challenges South Africa faces is that our education system does not produce enough learners with acceptable levels of mathematical proficiency to support the country’s dire skills shortage in scarce skill careers such as medicine, actuarial science and chartered accountancy, to name a few,' said Human Capital Director at Old Mutual, Celiwe Ross..
'As a critical stakeholder, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants plays an active role in improving mathematics education across the country through initiatives such as the South African Maths Olympiad to aid the country’s economic growth through the development of young professionals who are able to enter these careers,’ said Robert Zwane, SAICA Executive: Learning, Development and National Imperatives.
'Parents who want to register their children must reach out to the school's mathematics teacher.'
The entry forms will be available on www. samf.ac.za.
Registrations for the Olympiad close on 21 February and for the Challenge on 24 February.
For more information, send an email to info@samf.ac.za.