Learners to show their maths skills
It is that time of the year when teachers can register their mathematics learners for two of the country's premium mathematics competitions.
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) announced last week that teachers nationwide can now register their learners for the country’s two best-known mathematics competitions.
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 Nestlé Nespray South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) is open for all Grade Four to Seven learners, and the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad, co-sponsored by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA), welcomes all Grade Eight to 12 learners.
Both contests are open to all schools in South Africa and neighbouring countries. Schools that rely wholly on the government for funding – known as Quintile 1 and 2 schools – can register their learners for free. Quintile 3, 4 and 5 schools and private schools pay a nominal registration fee. 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. Our holistic support spans the entire education value chain, from early childhood development to comprehensive financial education programmes targeted at a 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 SAMF.
“We are exceptionally proud of the initiatives in place to strengthen maths education among our youth, and we remain confident that we can jointly drive high impact in the space,” said Celiwe Ross, human capital director at Old Mutual.
“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, chartered accountancy.
As a critical stakeholder in South Africa, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) 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 can enter these careers,” said Robert Zwane, SAICA executive for learning, development and national imperatives.
Parents who want to register their children must reach out to their school’s mathematics teacher. The entry forms will be available on www.samf.ac.za. Registrations for the Olympiad closes on February 21 and for the challenge on February 24.
For more information, send an email to info@samf.ac.za.
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