St. George’s College crowned champions in 6th Annual UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition
Professor Samson Omoregie (left), Dean of the Faculty of Science and Sport presents St. George's College, winners of the 6th Annual UTech Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition with their first place trophy. The competition took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Shared Facilities Building on UTech Jamaica’s Papine Campus. Team players (front row) are Gamaliel Williams, Mikhai Sillpatt and Jerome Hayles along with their coach, Miss Danielle Whyte. Supporting team members from left are Justin Baker, Joshua Clarke, Collin Haynes, Mr. Leroy Jones, coach, Jabari Freckleton and Jaheem Guthrie.
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President, University, in bringing greetings on behalf of UTech, Jamaica President, Dr. Kevin Brown, emphasized the university’s commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), stating, “we put science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into action,” as Jamaica’s national STEM university. Professor Barrett also highlighted the importance of the Mathematics Quiz Competition, noting “the leadership of the university is proud to join with the Faculty of Science and Sport to promote the awareness of mathematics as a tool for problem solving across disciplines.”
She underscored the significance of the competitions in offering students a competitive platform to challenge their math skills, noting that it, fosters students’ curiosity and interest in math, exposes them to advanced topics necessary for higher mathematical understanding, and improves their critical thinking, memory retention, and conceptual insights.
Professor Samson Omoregie, Dean, FOSS, emphasized the crucial role of mathematics in both scientific and non-scientific fields. He stated, “Mathematics is the invaluable skill that provides a wheel for all the scientific fields to move and thrive. It also provides the accuracy and premise for the beauty of the fields of arts and humanities.”
He further noted that mathematics has empowered and enabled all professions. “Mathematics is useful to everybody living on planet Earth, so it is therefore commendable to see our young people taking on tasks in the field of mathematics,” he said. Professor Omoregie expressed pride in the participating schools, stating that their involvement in the competition showcases their knowledge and commitment to the subject.
Mrs. Ave Maria McIntosh, Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics, FOSS, addressed the crucial issue of students performing poorly in mathematics, especially at the primary and secondary levels. She explained that the primary objective of the competition was to ignite students’ interest in mathematics and cultivate their critical thinking abilities as they nurture and encourage the students “to promote mathematics which will in turn promote national development.”
She also observed that three of the top schools that advanced to the semi-finals of the competition were all boys’ schools. Mrs. McIntosh expressed hope that this trend would serve as a “catalyst” to motivate more boys to engage with, and pursue mathematics.
Mrs. Camae Johnson-Burrell, Regional Mathematics Coordinator, expressed the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information’s ongoing support for the UTech, Jamaica Mathematics Competition as she congratulated the university for “promoting excellence in mathematics through this competition.”
She emphasized that events like this are what students need as they grow and enter the wider world affirming that, “this competition aligns seamlessly with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information and creates this platform for students to apply their knowledge in a competitive way, yet it is a supportive environment.” She further assured the participating students that “you are not only reinforcing your academic foundation, but also nurturing the analytical and creative skills crucial for success in today’s world.”
In the Paper Base Test, St. George's College scored 37, while Munro College scored 29. In the Face-off Final Round, St. George's College scored 14, while Munro College scored 5. As a result, St. George's College achieved a final score of 51, while Munro College ended with a final score of 34.
The final match featured three exciting rounds in which both teams showcased their outstanding mathematical prowess. They answered questions from the CSEC and CAPE Level 1 and 2 Mathematics curricula, presented by Ms. Judith DeLisser, Quiz Master and Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Statistics (SOMAS), Faculty of Science and Sport, UTech Jamaica. The teams demonstrated remarkable expertise across various topics, including trigonometry, complex numbers, functions, probability, polynomials, logic, and differential equations.
The winning schools were presented with trophies, cash rewards, and gifts, thanks to the generous support of sponsors Bryan Studios Ltd. and H & L Ultimate Touch Promotions Ltd. In recognition of their involvement, every student who participated was also awarded a Certificate of Participation.
- End -
Contact:
Michelle A. Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
Corporate Communications Unit
Advancement Division
University of Technology, Jamaica
237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 970-5299; 927-1680-8 Ext. 2299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm