Spotlight on Math Education

The South African Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme is a free distance-learning course in mathematical problem-solving that can be completed online or via correspondence.

"It is aimed at developing the mathematical ability of promising learners whilst improving the overall results of participants in the Mathematics Olympiad," says Prof Johann Engelbrecht, Executive Director of the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF). "Furthermore it is also used to find talented youngsters to represent South Africa at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), which is the 'World Cup' of mathematical competitions and will be taking place in South Africa in 2014."

Through participating in the Olympiad Training Programme learners not only improve their performance in the Mathematics Olympiad but also prepare for University entrance exams, especially since these look more like math competition papers than school exams.

"Having taken part in the Mathematics Olympiad and its Training Programme is also something that can be added to your CV," says Nwabisa Mphakalasi, Project Director: Marketing of the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA) who is a proud co-sponsor of the Olympiad. "This could potentially improve your chances of a bursary."

There are seven sections to the training programme: Junior Round 1, Junior Round 2; Senior Round 1, Senior Round 2 ; Junior Round 3 ; Senior Round 3 and a Talent Search.

Learners who participate in the Olympiad Training Programme are also considered for awards at the Annual Gala Event. There are different awards including new incentives for schools, namely an award to the top participating school, top participating African school and previously disadvantaged schools that will enter for the first time.

With strong government focus on education, and mathematics education in particular, the South African Mathematics Foundation encourages teachers to enrol their learners in this Training Progamme. Applications forms for the Training Programme can be downloaded from https://www.samf.ac.za. For more information e-mail info@samf.ac.za or call the South African Mathematics Foundation at 012392 9362.