Primary school learners from across South Africa showcased their mathematics skills in the Horizon Mathematics Competition, which aims to encourage greater interest in maths and science among children.
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Thousands of primary school learners across South Africa put their mathematics skills to the test this year as participation in the Horizon Mathematics Competition reached a record 97 000 entries from more than 100 schools.
The annual competition, aimed at Grades 5, 6 and 7 learners, was created to encourage greater interest in mathematics and science among children at an early stage of their schooling.
Educators involved in the programme have raised concerns about declining learner interest in mathematics and science, warning that it could negatively affect mathematical and scientific literacy in future generations.
The competition begins with a first round hosted at participating schools, while finalists advance to rounds held at Star College campuses and other venues in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Young mathematics learners were rewarded for their hard work and problem-solving abilities during the Horizon Mathematics Competition awards ceremony in Pretoria.
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On Thursday, Star College Pretoria hosted an awards ceremony honouring the top 100 learners in the Pretoria district.
“What makes this competition truly remarkable is that learners from different grades challenge themselves with the same paper, that alone shows courage, determination and confidence,” said Director-General of the Horizon Educational Trust, Isak Turan.
“From the technology we use every day to the financial decisions we make, mathematics shapes the world around us. Whether you are building a house, running a business, managing investments, studying medicine..mathematics is everywhere,” said Turan.
Learners competed for prizes including bicycles, iPads and electronic gadgets.
The evening’s programme recognised the top 100 learners before awards were presented for the best performing school, best performing learner and top educators.
Learners placed between 51 and 100 received a stationery maths set and bronze medal, while those ranked between 41 and 50 received earphones. Learners placed between 21 and 40 were awarded Casio calculators.
The top two learners each received Raleigh bicycles, while the top performing learner was awarded a new iPad.
The top three learners in the competition were Kganya Monaheng from Glenstantia Primary School, Janco Jordaan from Laerskool Elarduspark and Tyler Fourie from Hatfield Christian School.
Among the top three educators recognised were Dr Tahita Reddy from Glenstantia Primary School, Sarel Myburgh from Laerskool Elarduspark and Nicola Joubert from Hatfield Christian School.
Crawford International School received the award for best performing school.
“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the children, the individual, to have that personal learning journey…we believe they have a voice and a choice in their education and what they learn and how they learn,” said Deputy Principal of Crawford International School, Etienne Engelbrecht.