The 2004 senior Harmony South African Mathematics Olympiad: An analysis of the results of the senio group, second round

Abstract

South African learners’ insufficient achievement in mathematics is of concern to everyone involved in learning facilitation i mathematics. Interested parties constantly seek ways in which learners’ insight into and achievement in mathematics can be improve in order to equip them to attain a successful life. In this regard mathematics olympiads worldwide are regarded as excellent mechanism to, on the one hand, identify talented learners and improve their problem solving skills in mathematics, and on the other hand, to prepare learners for future study in the field of mathematics in general. This article analyses several aspects of the 2004 Sout African Mathematics Olympiad and offers several suggestions. An important conclusion is that although the Harmony South Africa Mathematics Olympiad accomplishes its goal, it still does not reach as many learners and educators as one would hope. The idea of the Harmony South African Mathematics Olympiad will probably only be realised if all schools are provided with proper facilitie and if the standard of mathematics education is simultaneously improved on a national level. It is therefore vital that all intereste parties discuss and reassess this matter promptly and incisively.