A group of talented Redhill learners will soon represent South Africa on the international stage after securing places in the upcoming International Junior Maths Olympiad taking place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The learners earned their selection through a rigorous process, co-ordinated by the South African organising body for the Junior Olympiads, known as Jim Corpssa.

The programme began with trial rounds in November, followed by two additional rounds in the new year.

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According to Jacolene Venter, team leader at Redhill, selection involved far more than writing tests. “The learners who qualified had to complete multiple rounds of trials, homework assignments, and training. Through that process, the organisers selected learners to represent South Africa.”

She added that because South Africa has previously hosted the international competition, the country has been granted the opportunity to send four key stage two teams and four key stage three teams, with each team consisting of four learners.

The competition itself includes both individual and team components, placing equal emphasis on academic excellence and collaboration.

Venter said before departing internationally, the South African teams will travel to Bloemfontein for a week-long training camp, where learners will prepare together and build team dynamics.

“They will spend a week training with their teams, so they can learn how to divide the work effectively and achieve success together. They also need time to get to know one another, build trust, and learn how to share knowledge.”

She believes one of the most valuable aspects of the competition is how it challenges traditional perceptions of mathematics.

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“People often think mathematics is a solitary activity, but this competition shows that communication matters.

The learners have to be articulate, supportive, and collaborative. There’s a huge social component to the training, and the teamwork involved is wonderful.”

Venter pointed out that South Africa has already built a strong reputation at the competition over recent years.

“Over the last two years, South Africa has won the Favourite Team Award because our children are exceptionally well-mannered, hardworking, and respectful towards participants from other countries. We are hoping to achieve that again and increase our medal and certificate count.”

The South African delegation will depart on July 17 for Ulaanbaatar and return later in the month.

For Redhill, participation represents more than competition results; it reflects years of investment into creating opportunities that allow learners to develop confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for mathematics.

“Redhill has put an incredible amount of effort into extending our children’s love for mathematics, because we believe they should have every opportunity possible to broaden their horizons through maths.”

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