Remodel your maths capability by entering the SA Maths Olympiad

Learners can get an early head start at mathematics by entering the annual South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO). Last year almost 82 000 learners from more than 1 000 secondary schools participated in this popular competition.

The junior division consists of separate papers for grades 8 and 9 and the senior division of one paper for grades 10 to 12. The entry fee is R26 per learner for schools in South Africa and R37 per learner for schools in other African countries. Schools with more than 100 entrants can enter at a reduced rate of R22 per learner. Quantile 1 and quantile 2 schools can enter free of charge.

Professor Johann Engelbrecht, Executive Director at SAMF emphasizes the importance for learners to participate in the SAMO which will expose them to various problems that they have not seen before, thus looking at different strategies to solve them. This accumulates a host of strategies and enhances problem solving and logical thinking skills.

“The aim of the SAMO is to incite an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. The type of questions asked in the SAMO train the mind to think and can be used by teachers to complement the day-to-day teaching. Furthermore exposure to this type of mathematics prepares you excellently for numerical university programmes such as engineering, actuarial or financial mathematics or accounting,” explained Professor Engelbrecht.

The SAMO is organised by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) and sponsored by Liberty and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
Joe Mwase, Divisional Director of Corporate Affairs at Liberty says, “Encouraging learners to strive for excellence is something we have always encouraged as Liberty. The SAMO is aimed at inspiring learners to understand the subject of Mathematics beyond what is generally required of them in their usual day to day studies. We hope that the Maths Olympiad will create a platform for learners to uncover future Mathematicians during high school years and guide them to make valuable contributions in society while enjoying a rewarding career. We wish all the 2016 entrants all of the very best and look forward to great results as the year continues.”
“SAMO is one of SAICA’s favourite events on South Africa’s education calendar. It gives learners the chance to develop a love for Mathematics, while entrenching just how important choosing maths and passing it well is. It always fills us with pride when we see just how many of the country’s top learners have also taken part in the Olympiad. As proud sponsors of this event, we can’t wait to see the talent it unearths this year,” says Chantyl Mulder, Executive Director of Nation Building at SAICA.

The closing date to submit entries is on the 5th of February 2016 and the first round of the SAMO will be taking place on the 9th of March 2016. The duration of the question papers is one hour and schools can schedule their own time. Learners who attain at least 50% in the 1st round will advance to the 2nd round on the 11th of May 2016. Schools are encouraged to enter as many learners as possible.

For more information call 012 392 9362 or send an email to info@samf.ac.za. The entry form is available online at www.samf.ac.za.