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The University of Western Australia is proud to once again host the Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad (WAJO), a competition for the state’s most gifted students in mathematics. The competition has been extended this year to include satellite competitions in Bunbury and Karratha for the first time.

The Olympiad is open to all bright year seven, eight and nine students and gives them the opportunity to work in teams to tackle interesting and challenging mathematical issues. The Olympiad is designed to test intellectual ability with students exploring mathematics and statistics beyond the school curriculum. Up to 400 students from 35 schools have competed every year since 1998. Competitors who achieve the best results will be invited to join the UWA Academy for Young Mathematicians.

Professor Andrew Bassom, 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.

Outgoing chairperson Professor Cheryl Praeger, who is in the top one per cent of highly-cited mathematicians in the world and a recent inductee of the WA Science Hall of Fame, said such skills were increasingly valued by employers in today’s job market.

“Mathematics is humanity's most powerful tool for comprehending the universe and is essential for many fields of modern endeavour such as science, technology, engineering and finance so it is vital to find ways to engage with the younger generations and foster their enthusiasm for this essential discipline. It is especially pleasing that the competition has grown to include regional centres in Bunbury and Karratha,” Professor Praeger said.

Prizes have been donated by this year’s sponsors including The University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, Data Analysis Australia, the Mathematical Association of WA, the Department of Education (Gifted & Talented) 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 Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable, will be a special guest at the WAJO Prize Ceremony.

The Olympiad will be held on the UWA campus, Alexander Lecture Theatre, from 9.45am on Saturday, 31 October 2015.

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