1. The South African Mathematics Challenge is an educational opportunity for learners in Grades 4 to 7 to develop their mathematical abilities. The challenge was previously known as the AMESA Mathematics Challenge and is sponsored by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) and SASOL. It seeks to build the quality of the teaching and learning of Mathematics by providing senior primary school learners with interesting problems at their own grade level.

2. The Challenge aims to:

  • popularise Mathematics;
  • promote problem solving in Mathematics education;
  • promote a perspective that mathematical activity is more than calculating;
  • emphasise the importance of reading in mathematical activity;
  • disseminate materials that contribute to meaningful mathematical activity in classrooms; and
  • provide a diagnostic tool to enable teachers to identify learners' misconceptions.
3. The Challenge is not about competition, but about participation, even though some learners may initially find the questions challenging. There are two ways to participate: stronger learners may prefer to participate as individuals (singles), whilst others may prefer to work in pairs (doubles). The questions in the challenge are designed to develop understanding, applying knowledge in new situations, communication and general mathematical thinking.

4. To strengthen performance in Mathematics the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) encourages schools to participate in the 2014 Mathematics Challenge.

5. The 2014 Challenge consists of a first round (12 – 16 May) and a final round (30 July, during National Science Week), with separate question papers for Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7 set by a committee. Each paper is an hour long and consists of 25 multiple choice questions.

6. The first round is written at schools and schools are expected to make copies of the question papers for their learners. Given the aims and nature of the challenge, schools are encouraged to let all learners participate in the first round. Teachers will mark the answers themselves from the memorandum provided by SAMF. Alternatively, learners may mark it during a class discussion. The question papers will only be distributed via e-mail by regional organisers supported by subject advisers.

7. The final round is for learners who achieved 60% or more in the first round. It is written at a central venue in the different regions (a group of schools in geographic proximity). At the final round, learners interact and communicate with each other about Mathematics. Regional organisers take responsibility for the duplication of question papers and organising the Final Round for their region.

8. The Challenge recognises achievements and awards the following Certificates of Achievement: All learners scoring 80% and more in the final receive gold, those scoring 60%-80% receive silver and those scoring more than 50%-60% receive bronze. Gold recipients will each receive a voucher.

9. Participation in the first round is free for all learners. The entrance fee for the final round is R10 per learner, to cover the costs of the regional organiser. Schools are encouraged to pay the entrance fee for their learners.

10. Interested schools must register for the Challenge directly with their Mathematics subject advisors who will co-ordinate the events in each district. Please see Annexure A for contact details.

11. Please see Annexure B for the names of circuit organisers and schools that will host the Final Round of the challenge.

12. For more information as well as previous question papers with memoranda, see http://www.amesa.org.za/Challenge/Links.htm and go to "South African Mathematics Challenge Homepage – AMESA".

13. Principals are requested to bring this minute to the attention of all Mathematics teachers.


SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2014:03:19

Annexure A: Contact details of subject advisors  (size: 31 KB)
Annexure B: Contact details of circuit organisers and host schools  (size: 31 KB)