Competition News from Math Department
Problems and problem-solving are at the very heart of mathematics. Through participation in contests, we give our students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to solve problems. It is hoped that, in the process, they will develop a greater confidence in their mathematical ability and gain more of an appreciation for the beauty of the subject. February is a busy month for many of our students in mathematics, with the majority of the competitions that we are entered into taking place. This year we are taking part in three internationally recognized and respected competitions.
The Grade 12 IB Higher Level class participated in one of the most demanding competitions open to high school students, the American Mathematics Competitions AMC12 contest. We should have results back from this in time for the next issue of the Globetrotter.
On February 22, the more able mathematicians in grades 9 and 10, along with the students in the Grade 11 IB Higher Level class, took part in the Pascal, Cayley and Fermat competitions, respectively, of the Canadian Mathematics Competition.
Finally, all our students in Grades 5–8, and as many students as are interested in Grades 9–12, will be taking part in the ECIS Mathematics Leagues from mid-February to mid-April. There are four age groups, each containing three sets of six questions to be completed. This year we are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Grade 5 students, who will be joining the Secondary School for the first time in this competition.
In May, many of our students in Grades 7 and 8 will take part in the Canadian Mathematics Competitions Gauss Contest.
More information about all the above competitions, along with information to support the courses we offer in school, can be accessed through the department's website: www.aischool.org/uppermaths.
We wish all the students involved in the competitions good luck.