Four High Schools Progress to Semi-Finals of 3rd Annual UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition
Dr. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport (FOSS) welcomes participating students and their teachers at the launch of the 3rd annual University of Technology, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition hosted by FOSS on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at LT50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
Over 100 eager students from 25 high schools from across Jamaica participated in the preliminary round of the 3rd annual University of Technology, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition hosted by the School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS), Faculty of Science and Sport (FOSS) on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus under the theme, “Mathematics, the Lifeline to a Bright Future.”Following the first round of the paper-based format with content centred on the CSEC and CAPE Level 1 Mathematics curricula, four high school teams progressed to the semi-final round. The semi-finalists are Campion College, Immaculate Conception High School, Knox College, and Manchester High School.The semi-final matches will be played on November 26 at the UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus with Knox College facing Immaculate Conception High, while Campion College will square off with Manchester High.
The annual Mathematics Quiz Competition is in keeping with the University’s thrust to promote the importance of Mathematics as a tool for problem solving across disciplines, and to generate a cultural change and deeper appreciation for Mathematics among students at the secondary level and the wider society. In her welcome at the Opening Ceremony, Dean, FOSS, Dr. Kamilah Hylton noted that “we are celebrating what is right in education and we celebrate those who are doing well in Mathematics.” She thanked participating students and their accompanying teachers and also thanked University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, conceptualiser of the Mathematics Quiz Competition.
Ms. Bridget Shaw, Regional Mathematics Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Youth and Information
Regional Mathematics Coordinator, Ms Bridget Shaw who brought greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, said that “we endorse the competition’s aims to promote and develop the awareness of mathematics as a tool for problems solving across disciplines,” adding that it is the hope of the Ministry that it will continue to generate more interest and love for mathematics not only as a subject but as an essential skill for everyday living. Emphasizing the need for mathematics competence in the current technologically complex and highly competitive era, she asserted that “we need to equip our students with a powerful set of tools, which include logical reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to think in abstract ways."
Mrs. Shaw reported that over the past few years, at the primary level improvements have been recorded by Jamaican students in the Grade 4 Numeracy Tests as well as in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). “The more recently introduced Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam has provided a basis for us to assess how students are mastering the National Standards Curriculum,” she noted.
The Opening Ceremony was chaired by Mr. Patrick Williams, Vice Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport. Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Competition Coordinator and Head of SOMAS, offered prayers and provided an overview of the Mathematics Quiz Competition.
Mr Patrick Williams, Vice-Dean, FOSS
Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head, School of Mathematics and Statistics, FOSS
The winning school and runners up will both receive a trophy and cash prize; while third and fourth placed teams will receive cash awards and other gifts from sponsors of the Competition. Sponsors of the 2019 UTech, Ja. Mathematics Quiz Competition, are Bryan Studio Ltd., CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Yello Media Group, Ultimate Touch Promotions Ltd. and Guardian Group.
Students go through the paces in the first round of the Mathematics Quiz Competition.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm