79 Jerudong International School (JIS) students from Years 9 to 11 took part in one of the UK’s most popular national maths competitions, the Intermediate Maths Challenge (IMC), run by the United Kingdom’s Mathematics Trust. Students in these years were encouraged to participate, although this was purely voluntary for them to do so.
The challenge is aimed at Year 9 – 11 students (age 13-16) and involves answering twenty-five multiple choice questions in ninety minutes – without a calculator! It is a paper designed to stimulate interest in maths for a large number of students. The questions are aimed at testing students’ mathematical dexterity – their ability to apply the mathematics they’ve learnt in class in unusual and creative ways.
The top 60% of students nationally receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate in the ratio 1:2:3. This year fifteen JIS students received a Bronze award, six received a Silver award and five received a Gold award.
Head of Maths at JIS, Mr Phil May explained, “developing resilient problem solvers is at the heart of what we try to achieve as a Maths faculty at JIS – this is exactly what the IMC is all about. The challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. It is these sorts of problems and puzzles that are at the heart of why I became a maths teacher and the reason for my love of maths. I am very proud of all of those who took part and especially those who managed to gain a certificate – well done!”
The highest achievers are then invited to take part in the Maclaurin Olympiad – a two hour challenge requiring students to write full written solutions. This year, Jerudong International School invited two of their highest performing students to take part; Yahya Husain Ul Hasan (Year 11) and Ahmad Jamsari (Year 11).
Phil May also commented, “I wish both Yahya and Ahmad the best of luck in this upcoming competition – well done for this fantastic achievement. We hope to see many more taking up the challenge at JIS next year!”
I am tremendously proud of all our students who participated in this challenging Maths competition. Yahya Husain Ul Hasan and Ahmad Jamsari especially have excelled in progressing to the Maclaurin Olympiad. We hope to see many more taking up the challenge at JIS next year!
Principal Mr Nicholas Sheehan
