At YCIS Shanghai, the robust Mathematics programme in both Primary and Secondary is bolstered by a plethora of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and events, including Maths competitions, throughout the year. Despite the current situation, the temporary closure of our school campuses, and busy e-Learning schedules, YCIS students keep achieving tremendous results in international Mathematics competitions! 

Last week, YCIS Pudong Primary students participated in the ‘Mathletics March Maths Challenge’. The aim of the competition, which took place from March 2–8, was to score as many points as possible by answering curriculum questions and competing against students from around the world in live mathematics challenges. The competition was introduced to students by Mr John McEnhill, YCIS Pudong Primary Coordinator, via a live Zoom session where he shared information about the challenge with each year level. “This was a great way to build excitement and show the children how mathematics is relevant to their daily lives,” said Mr McEnhill. In each year level, the best performers will receive prizes, and the best performing class will receive a ‘non-uniform day’ later this semester. A number of our students have also already been featured on the World and Asia leader boards of the competition’s website.

Similarly, over 45 YCIS Pudong Secondary students recently used their home devices to take part in the fun and challenging annual US-based ‘Math League’ contest. Hundreds of thousands of students participate in the contest worldwide, and it is especially popular throughout schools in China. Although the worldwide results are not yet available, Year 7-9 students have achieved some incredible results. In discussing such competitions, Mr Bryan Dennie, Head of Mathematics at YCIS Pudong Secondary, said, “These events are motivating and fun, they allow students to engage with others across the world, and they provide challenges outside of the formal curriculum”. Winning YCIS Pudong students described their feelings about the results: 

Seongbin - Year 7

Across the river, there is also a focus on taking Maths beyond the classroom at YCIS Puxi Secondary. For example, in October, students from Years 8 - 10 competed in the ‘High Four’ Maths competition in Beijing, and the ‘Year 10 Maths Fair’ is currently scheduled for April (exact date pending). Dr Chris Hurley, Director of Teaching and Learning at YCIS Puxi, described the upcoming fair, saying “This fantastic event showcases many university-quality academic research posters that the students design based on applying mathematical models to explore real-world phenomena. Over a period of several weeks, the students design a research question, participate in workshops to develop their skills in research, collect and organise data using electronic logging equipment, explore quality academic poster design based on university standards, and then conduct the investigations themselves. This is a top-quality event that showcases the high standards and innovative application of mathematics in analysing and providing potential solutions to authentic real-world problems.”