
Credit: Utech.Edu.Jm
Ardenne High School achieved a notable triumph, securing a 20-17 victory over Wolmerโs Boysโ School in the tightly contested final round of the 5th Annual UTech Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition. The event took place recently at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaicaโs Papine Campus.
The overarching theme for this year’s Mathematics Quiz Competition was “Building Resilience with Mathematics in Challenging Times,” aligning with the University’s commitment to instigate a cultural shift and enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes in Mathematics among secondary-level students and the broader community.
The competition commenced with an opening ceremony and preliminary round, featuring the first paper-based playoff match on November 30, 2023. Fourteen high schools from across the island participated in the initial round, including Ardenne High, Bishop Gibson High, Cornwall College, Hampton High, Herbert Morrison Technical, Holy Childhood High, Jamaica College, Manchester High, Merl Grove High, Munro College, St. Georges College, St. Jago High, Tarrant High, and Wolmerโs Boys.
Ardenne High and Wolmerโs Boys emerged as finalists after the semi-final matches, which included a preliminary paper-based quiz focused on CSEC and CAPE Level 1 Mathematics, followed by a face-off match.
Ardenne High School secured victory in the first semi-final against 2022 Champions, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, with an overall score of 78 to 55. Similarly, Wolmer’s Boys triumphed over Cornwall College with a close score of 35 to 33.
The intense final match, lasting 40 minutes, comprised three riveting rounds where both teams showcased their proficiency in Mathematics.
The questions, spanning CSEC and CAPE Level 1 and 2 Mathematics curricula, were presented by Ms. Judith DeLisser, Quiz Master, and Lecturer at the School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS) in the Faculty of Science and Sport, UTech, Jamaica. Topics covered included trigonometry, complex numbers, functions, probability, polynomials, logic, and differential equations.
The top two schools, Ardenne High and Wolmerโs Boysโ, received trophies, plaques, cash prizes, and gifts, generously provided by sponsors Bryan Studios Ltd., H & L Ultimate Touch Promotions Ltd, and National Baking Company. All participating students were awarded Certificates of Participation.
In her welcome address, Professor Kamilah Hylton, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Sport, expressed enthusiasm for the final round and commended the faculty members for organizing the event. She acknowledged the coaches from high schools for their dedication to nurturing students’ love for mathematics.
Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics, provided insight into the competition’s background, emphasizing its goal to increase critical thinking in mathematics, promote the subject’s importance for problem-solving across disciplines, and foster relationships between students and teachers from different schools.
Mrs. Camae Johnson-Burrell, Regional Mathematics Coordinator, conveyed the Ministry of Education and Youth’s continued support for the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Competition. She praised the initiative for intellectually challenging students and developing essential qualities for navigating the complexities of the modern world.
Consulting Actuary, Ms. Catherine Lyn, emphasized the importance of Actuarial Science and the role of mathematics as a valuable tool in society. She encouraged students to consider the profession as a means of making a difference.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Dennis Xavier, Head of the Division of Pure and Applied Mathematics, FOSS, expressed gratitude to the participating schools and individuals who contributed to the competition’s success.
The event was chaired by Mr. Kevin Williams, Lecturer at SOMAS, with closing remarks delivered by Mr. Merrick Mullings, Head of the Division of Statistics and Research Methodologies.
This year’s victory adds to the prestigious list of winners, with Ardenne High School joining the ranks of past champions in the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition.
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