Super problem solvers are regional champions

Four second level students with unique skills at finding solutions to the most intricate challenges are at an advanced stage to proving that they are the best junior problem solvers in the country.

William Wang, Newport; Annabel Keane, Castleconnell; Katie Clohessy, Murroe, and Kevin Karpovs, Murroe, students at St Mary's Secondary School, Newport are the regional winners of the brain challenging IAMTA Junior Problem Solver Competition.

The Irish Applied Mathematics Problem Solving Quizzes have become a highlight of the academic calendar, encouraging mathematical thinking and teamwork among students nationwide.

Organised annually by regional Applied Maths teachers, these events provide students with an opportunity to apply problem-solving skills in a fun, competitive setting while fostering collaboration and enthusiasm for mathematics.

At the regional final of the national competition, St Mary's Secondary School team were successful against tough competition from Ard Scoil Rís (second) and Villiers (third) to win the place in the national final taking place in Dublin on April 18.

The competition consistently bring students from across Ireland together to celebrate teamwork, logical reasoning, and mathematical thinking as they compete for regional and national honours.

The competition is designed for teams of at most four students who are in either Junior Cert or TY (maximum of two TY students per team).

The format consists of six rounds with four questions per round. Rounds 1-4 are of eight minutes duration and rounds 5 and 6 are of ten minutes duration in responding to questions which are based on the Junior Cert HL Maths course.

Best of luck to William, Annabel, Katie and Kevin in the national final.