PRIMARY MATHS COMPETITION Matthew Blake Head of Maths, Haileybury Almaty
At the back end of March, on the 17th and 18th, forty teams from twenty-three different schools and eight different countries assembled online for the two-day FOBISIA Junior Maths Competition. In total, one hundred and sixty children competed and although there were hiccups along the way – internet connection issues, Covid restrictions, and even power cuts meaning one team had to leave early – the two days were a great success, as children from across Asia grappled with the challenges set. Each day consisted of three separate events. These included a Maths based football game, an individual challenge and a final domino game, in which children had to take risks as they answered, knowing that a wrong answer would lead to losing points, and possibly a place in the final rankings. The interactive nature of the tasks meant that schools were able to be in constant contact with new students in different parts of Asia and, as we hopefully head back towards normality, it was a pleasant reminder for them that events with other schools are on their way back. The competition was eventually won by HELP International School in Kuala Lumpur, however all teams deserve a massive well done for both their resilience in their tasks, and their sportsmanship throughout. Again, a massive well done to all schools who entered and we look forward to seeing you for a live event in 2023!
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