UTech, Jamaica Launches 2nd Annual Mathematics Quiz Competition
…Four High Schools Move on to Semi-Finals
Dr. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport welcomes high school students participating in the 2nd Annual University of Technology, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition at the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
The University of Technology, Jamaica through its School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS), Faculty of Science and Sport on Saturday, November 17, 2018 launched the 2nd Annual Mathematics Quiz Competition under the theme, “Mathematics the Choice of the New Generation” held at the Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus.
The Mathematics Quiz Competition which is open to all high schools, technical, vocational, agricultural and community colleges, seeks to increase interest and critical thinking skills in Mathematics and to promote the importance and development of the subject as a tool for problem solving across disciplines. The Competition also seeks to generate a deeper appreciation for Mathematics among students at the secondary level in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
Dr. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport in providing a background and overview of the Mathematics Quiz Competition noted that with current trends in Mathematics, the “new generation of students have no choice but to embrace Mathematics if they are to conquer new frontiers in academia in areas such as epidemiology, agriculture, material science, robotics and photography.”
The Dean noted that UTech, Jamaica is in solidarity with the current National Mathematics Policy which she said is an indication of the government’s commitment to improving the teaching and learning of Mathematics in Jamaica. Dr. Hylton reminded the gathering comprising high school students, their Mathematics coaches and teachers, that the Faculty of Science and Sport offers a BSc in Mathematics Education as well as a Master of Science in Mathematics teaching in collaboration with Church Teachers’ College. Additionally there are offerings in Applied Mathematics in areas such as Applied Statistics and Actuarial Sciences.
Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD, President speaking at the UTech, Ja. 2nd Annual Mathematics Quiz Competition.
Conceptualizer of the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition, President Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD, in welcoming the large gathering of students from 19 high schools across Jamaica who turned out to participate in the preliminary round of the Mathematics Quiz Competition, said that the University is happy to be providing an opportunity for students to develop their skills, competency and confidence in the subject as they prepare to sit their external examinations.
President Vasciannie noted that the inaugural staging of the Competition in November 2017 placed both UTech, Jamaica and the participating schools in “a very positive light.” He noted that he was impressed with the brilliant show of intellect and math skills demonstrated by last year’s participants and looks forward to an equally impressive showing at this year’s Quiz Competition.
The President thanked all persons in the Faculty of Science and Sport and wider university administration led by Dean, Dr. Kamilah Hylton for organising the 2nd staging of the Mathematics Quiz Competition.
Competition Background
Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head, School of Mathematics and Statistics
Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head, School of Mathematics and Statistics and chief organizer of the Mathematics Quiz Competition, provided an overview of the components of the Competition.
She noted that the Competition covers all the curriculum of the CSEC and CAPE Mathematics Level 1. Each participating school is allowed to register a maximum of three teams comprising no more than three students on each team. The competition rounds consist of both paper based questions and a face-face ‘Schools Challenge style’ play-off round.
The 2nd annual UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition was again endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information. The Ministry was represented by Mathematics Coach, Mr. Romaine Thomas, who in his remarks noted that the Mathematics Quiz Competition fits well with the Ministry’s thrust to increase the awareness and knowledge of Mathematics in the daily lives of students.
Mr. Romaine Thomas, Mathematics Coach, Ministry of Education Youth and Information delivers the Ministry’s endorsement.
The participating high schools at Saturday’s preliminary round were Ardenne High, Belair High, Camperdown High, Campion College, Clarendon College, Cornwall College, Excelsior High, Glenmuir High, Herbert Morrison Technical High, Immaculate Conception High, Jamaica College, Knox College, Montego Bay High School for Girls, Mount Alvernia High School, St. George’s College, St. Jago High School, Titchifield High, Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls and York Castle High.
At the end of the day’s proceedings, the top four semi-finalists from the preliminary round were Ardenne High, Campion College, Immaculate Conception High and Knox College. The four semi-finalists will move on to compete in the semi-finals and finals of the Mathematics Quiz Competition to be held on Saturday, November 24 and Thursday, November 29, 2018 respectively.
The winning school will receive a trophy and cash prize of $150,000. Second place school will also receive a trophy and cash prize of $100,000 and third and fourth places will receive $50,000 each. The top 9 schools will receive a gift basket courtesy of sponsor, Wisynco. The Competition is also sponsored by H& L Ultimate Touch Promotions Ltd.
The Opening Ceremony was chaired by Mr. Patrick Williams, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport. He thanked all the persons within the Faculty of Science and Sport for the dedicated work that enabled the realization of the competition conceptualized by President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie.
Participating high school students go through the paper-based preliminary round of the Mathematics Quiz Competition on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
All participating students were presented with a Certificate of Participation.
Professor Stephen Vasciannie, President, UTech, Jamaica presents Certificates of Participation to (l – r) Tiffani McIntosh, Belair High School and Kobe Cargill, Ardenne High School.
Dr. Kamilah Hylton, (left) Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport, UTech, Jamaica presents Certificates of Participation to Abigail Christie and Dominic Cupidon of Campion College.
Mr. Dennis Xavier, (left) Head of Division, Pure and Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Sport presents Luken Young of Glenmuir High School with his Certificate of Participation.
Miss Judith DeLisser, Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS) presents Certificates of Participation to students (l – r) Jonathon Laws, Jamaica College and David Wheatle, Herbert Morrison High School.
Mrs. Alphonsa Mathews, Lecturer, SOMAS presents a Certificate of Participation to Rumar Fong of York Castle High School.
Mrs. Tessy Joy-Thomas, (left) Lecturer, SOMAS present as Certificate of Participation to Britney Ming of Titchfield High School.
Ms. Vanessa Thomas, (left) Lecturer, SOMAS presents a Certificate of Participation to happy Knox College student, Ruth-Ann Blair.
Mr. Winston Senior, Lecturer, SOMAS presents Ashley Meadows, student of Immaculate Conception High School with her Certificate of Participation.
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm