The Maths Challenge is a Mathex-style Relay Race
Tēnā koutou katoa
On Tuesday 28 May, Rutherford College hosted the first event in the annual Central West Auckland Maths Challenge for Māori and Pasifika juniors in the region. The Maths Challenge is a Mathex-style relay race that combines mathematical problem-solving, teamwork and athleticism in a battle of the wits for junior high school students.
It’s a great opportunity for our Māori and Pasifika students who often miss out on great opportunities to grow in their mathematical ability. This event is an extension of the popular and successful South Auckland Maths Challenge, sponsored by the University of Auckland, that has expanded to include West and Central Auckland schools, such as Waitākere College and St Peter’s College who joined us for the event. As it was also Sāmoan Language Week, the event doubled as an opportunity to celebrate Gagana Samoa and Pacific success in education.
The first event was for Year 9s only and Rutherford’s two teams performed well, placing 1st and 3rd out of a total of 6 teams. The winning team had JJ Bull, Presley Stone-Michaels and Karina Reddy. The third-placed team, who won a tie-breaker against St Peter’s to secure their podium spot, consisted of Paul Amerika, Isha Baynosa, Ruby Carter and Miri Hatalafale.
On Wednesday 12 June, Waitākere College was kind enough to host the second round of the annual Central West Auckland Maths Challenge. Alongside Rutherford, and our host school, we were joined by St Peter’s College and Massey High School. This event was a learning opportunity for Māori and Pasifika year 9 and 10 students; a chance to prove our mathematical skills.
The Year 10A team (Maire Hohepa, Ruby Paapu, Milana Alefaio and Tuva Botting) managed to pull away with the win, collecting a total of 30 points. This will guarantee at least a $30 Westfield voucher at the concluding event of the annual series. The other Year 10 team finished just shy of the podium. The Year 9 teams performed admirably as well, but unfortunately were unable to finish on the podium at the end of the event.
We’re looking forward to the next events hosted by Rutherford, St Peter’s and the final at De La Salle College with up to 25 teams competing for bigger prizes.
by Ruby Paapu (10BN)
