St Peter’s College learner reaches top 100 of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad competition
SUNNINGHILL – Matheri said being part of the competition that involves learners from different schools across the country helped him realised that mathematics is broad and complex.
St Peter’s College alumnus Gathuku Matheri has encouraged learners to take part in different subjects based competitions beyond classrooms in order to broaden their learning experience.
Seventeen-year-old Matheri, who finished school last year, participated and reached the third and final round of the annual Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad competition last year.
The competition is an initiative of Old Mutual Limited and South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) aimed at creating a mathematically enabling environment, which provides opportunities for Grade 8 to 12 learners across the country to develop to their fullest potential. Matheri said being part of the competition that involves learners from different schools across the country helped him realise that mathematics is broad and complex.
“Participating in the competition was a great learning curve and good extension for me because it doesn’t only test your knowledge of the curriculum, it also pushes and enables you to think outside the box. It takes you beyond classroom activities and expose you to the broad and complex world of mathematics. I always loved to be part of something that will challenge me to stretch my mind,” he said.
He added that even though the competition was challenging and demanding, he would encourage other leaners to participate in it. “I would encourage other learners to be courageous and take part in it because it will help them learn more about the world of mathematics and improve their school performance as well.”
