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More than 400 of the State’s best young mathematicians from over 35 schools will take part in the Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (WAJO) at The University of Western Australia (UWA) in early November.

Since 1998, the Olympiad has offered bright Year Eight and Nine students the opportunity to work together in teams to tackle interesting and challenging mathematical issues. Unlike the traditional Olympics, where athletic ability is tested, this Olympiad tests intellectual ability and gives students the opportunity to explore mathematics and statistics beyond the school curriculum.

Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger, from UWA’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and chairperson of the Olympiad organising committee, highlights the importance of young people developing their mathematical, analytical and problem solving skills. Professor Praeger, who is in the top one per cent of highly cited mathematicians in the world and a recipient of a national Citation for Excellence in Teaching, said such skills were highly valued by employers in today’s job market.

"I agree with Australia’s Chief Scientist Ian Chubb that "the better we do maths now, the better our future." Mathematics provides enabling skills and knowledge that underpin every aspect of modern life - from healthcare to telecommunications; from understanding climate change to making secure financial transactions," she said.

Almost $4,000 in prizes have been donated this year by sponsors including: The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, Data Analysis Australia, the Mathematical Association of WA, the Minister for Education and the New Edition Bookshop.

The Phill Schultz prize will be offered in honour of the Adjunct Associate Professor from UWA’s School of Mathematics and Statistics. This prize will be awarded to the student who, in the opinion of the WA Mathematical Olympiads Committee, has demonstrated the most outstanding performance in the Mathematics Challenge activities during the year.

The Minister for Education, Hon. Dr Peter Collier, will be a special guest at the WAJO Prize Ceremony. WAJO awards will also be given by the Parents and Friends Federation WA and the Association of Independent Schools.

The Olympiad will identify the most gifted students in Mathematics and those who achieve the best results will be invited to join the UWA Academy for Young Mathematicians.

The WAJO will be held at the UWA campus on from 9.45am on Saturday, 3 November 2012.

Media references

Shannon Hooper (Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics)          (+61 8) 6488 3992

Winthrop Professor Cheryl Praeger (Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics)          (+61 8) 6488 3344