Maths and science geniuses shine in Bali
LONEHILL- Competing at the International Mathematics and Science Olympiad in Bali were 20 mathematical and scientific geniuses from Crawford Preparatory in Lonehill and Fourways.
The Olympiad saw pupils from over 40 countries compete for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Each country had a select few pupils, all under the age of 13, who took part in a series of practical and theoretical tests which determined the best of the lot.
Beverley Evangelides, the national academic co-ordinator for Crawford Schools, accompanied the pupils on their trip. She also emphasised that it took a team of educators, dedicated students and five months of preparation to get ready for the trip to Bali.
Crawford’s 12-year-old pupil Nakeisha Naidoo, who had participated in the event before, won the bronze medal for science. “I really enjoyed all aspects of the Olympiad this year, from the cultural shows to the actual tests. It was not only mentally challenging, but it was a life-changing experience,” she said.
She hopes to go into the scientific field when she leaves school.
Grade 6 pupil, Kyle Smit was the second science bronze medal winner and explained how extremely difficult the tests were at the event. Smit emphasised the tests averaged on a Grade 9 standard.
He is an avid scientist and is often putting in extra hours after school to learn more about the subject.
Additionally Rahul Naidoo explained how he got the good news of being one of the selected pupils to go to Bali. He went on to say he aims to go into the actuarial sciences field one day and is grateful for the experience of going to Bali.
Lastly, Aoi Togasaki is not only a budding musician, but she is also a mathematical genius. This was her first time attending the event and she found it extremely inspiring. She has not entirely decided what she wants to do when she leaves school as yet, but hopes to compete at the Olympiad again.
