Maths whizkid off to Germany

This boy knows how to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Ethan Kirstein is off to Germany to compete in the Mental Maths World Cup. Photo: Supplied

A Grade 7 pupil from Laerskool Florida will be competing in the Mental Maths World Cup, which will be held in Germany later this year.

12-year-old Ethan Kirstein is ranked first in both Gauteng and South Africa, making him one of the country’s top math students.

“We are so proud of him and very excited. His hard work really paid off,” said his mother, Annemarie Kirstein.

He started classes with A+ Students at CMATHS (Calculating Mental Arithmetic Tuition with the Help of Japanese Soroban) when he was only five years old and has already competed in seven national and four international competitions, and won several prestigious awards.

When Marlene Mouton, the CEO of CMATHS A+ Students, received the World Cup invitation from Germany earlier this year, she immediately decided to nominate Ethan to try out for it. “To qualify to participate in the finals, students must complete an extremely difficult online exam in a limited time,” she said.

Ethan completed the online submission in April, and on 12 July he received the great news that he had qualified for participation in the World Cup, and the official invitation was sent to him.

The Junior Mental Maths World Cup 2016 will take place in Bielefeld, Germany from 30 September to 4 October. The top maths students from around the world will compete against each other in their respective categories, namely Juniors 1 (up to 11 years), Juniors 2 (12 to 14 years) and Seniors (15 to 19 years).

Pupils will test their knowledge by completing different assignments using addition, multiplication, extracting roots, and will also have to complete several surprise tasks.

“This is such a respected competition across the world that A+ students has decided to sponsor Ethan and one of his parents to participate in this momentous event, thus enabling him to make South Africa proud by showcasing his excellent math skills,” said Marlene.

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