Unlocking mathematical skills in the coast

The second round of the Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge concluded at Namib High School on Thursday, 18 April 2024, in Swakopmund. Facilitated by Orison Educational Services and supported by Bank Windhoek, the Coastal Maths Challenge observed a team of 12 learners from grades eight, nine, and ten who participated, with ten coastal schools represented.

Private School Swakopmund (PSS) was awarded the best-performing school. Marlene Keding, a grade 9 learner from PSS, was identified as the overall best individual performer.

The second round of the Challenge followed the first round, which took place at the beginning of the year. One thousand one hundred forty-one learners from 14 coastal schools participated in the first round. The second round of the Challenge consisted of three papers: an individual Speed Test, an individual Multiple-Choice Test and a Team Test.

Orison Educational Services believes local communities have many talents, but they are primarily highlighted in sports events. Hence, the Challenge is an opportunity to showcase mathematics and mathematical problem-solving talent.

Orison Educational Services Director Magret Courtney-Clarke agrees that the Coastal Maths Challenge is a way to develop the local community as it promotes and develops an interest in the love of mathematics and mathematical problem-solving among teachers and learners of local government and private schools.

She describes the event as a buzz among learners who attended the event. “While the learners solved mathematical problems, we could see the concentration on their faces. Their brains search for knowledge of facts, strategies and connections. After the event, while they enjoyed refreshments, there was much discussion about how they each solved the mathematical sums and some “aha” moments observed,” she said.

The Swakopmund cluster won the Challenge. Private School Swakopmund was awarded the Bank Windhoek trophy for the Best Performing School.

The Bank Windhoek Coastal Maths Challenge is an annual event that began in 2014. It provides an exciting platform for learners to engage in problem-solving activities. The Challenge brings together grade eight to ten learners from the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay secondary school

clusters. The learners compete in various mathematics skills challenges, showcasing their mathematical abilities.

Top performers

For each grade, Private School Swakopmund walked away with the top positions for grades eight, nine and ten. First-place spots were awarded to Marko van Zyl, Marlene Keding and Helena Husein respectively.

These groups emerged as top performing for grades eight, nine and ten in the group categories:

• Grade 8 first place: Alex Glück and Marko van Zyl from Private School Swakopmund.
• Grade 9 first place: AJ Bruwer and Marlee Mans from Pro-Ed Akademie.
• Grade 10 first place: Alex von Wietersheim and Ayden Herbst Private School Swakopmund.