A solid and good foundation can build a very strong structure which can withstand any challenge facing it. This is also essential in the learning and teaching of mathematics as it needs to be taught and understood from an early age.
Entries for the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) for grade 4-7 learners are open and teachers can start building solid mathematical foundations by entering as many learners as possible. The first round will be written the week of the 8th till the 12th of May 2017 and the closing date for entries is on the 21st of April.
The SAMC is the premiere mathematics challenge in the country for primary school learners and aims to improve conceptual knowledge, the application of knowledge in new situations, problem solving, reasoning, communication and general mathematical thinking. The questions are not necessarily “difficult” – they simply address a different dimension of mathematics of which our learners in the traditional curriculum have very little experience – hence the name Mathematics Challenge.
Since the SAMC currently has no sponsorship, an entry fee between R10 and R25 per learner is charged to cover operational expenses. Quintile 3, 4 and 5 public schools, as well as private schools can enter at R12 per learner payable on entering for the First Round. South African schools with more than 100 entrants can enter at a reduced rate of R10 per learner and schools outside South Africa at R25 per learner. Quintile 1 and 2 schools can enter up to 100 learners free of charge. Learners who obtain at least 50% in the First Round will qualify for the Final Round on the 02nd of August.
Professor Johann Engelbrecht, Executive Director at the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) encourages all primary schools in the country to enter the Challenge. “The Challenge aims to popularise mathematics by developing and disseminating materials that may contribute to meaningful mathematical activity in classrooms. It also supports the new curriculum and helps learners to become empowered independent critical and creative thinkers,” said Professor Engelbrecht.
Awards such as the Best Performing School, Best New Performing School, Best Participating School and Best Performing per Quantile schools are presented at the SAMF annual award function to be held later this year. For more information regarding entry into the SAMC teachers can go to http://www.samf.ac.za/sa-mathematics-challenge to download the entry form or call (012) 392 9324/48 or e-mail info@samf.ac.za
