Pupils put speed, brains to the test

Wakari School pupil Lyra Stevens, 10, runs her team’s answer to markers at the annual O’Mathalon in the Edgar Centre. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH

The pounding of feet did not distract Dunedin’s top math brains from their problem solving at the annual O’Mathalon.

Otago Mathematics Association secretary and Trinity College teacher Daniel Kelly said 930 pupils from schools across Dunedin took part in yesterday’s event at the Edgar Centre.

Mr Kelly said he was delighted by the turnout of competitors and supporters.

Kaikorai Primary School pupils (clockwise from left): Genevieve Hodgson, Seb Gillan, Toby Whittaker and Betty Hart won the year 6 competition of the annual O’Mathalon.

"I’m not quite sure what the magic sauce is, but I think it’s the combination of having to do something very physical and lots of problem-solving at the same time, and that element of competition as well.

"We didn’t have to rark them up to do this, they just really like it."

In teams, the pupils had 30 minutes to solve maths equations and deliver their answers to markers scattered around the netball court at the indoor sports facility.

"You can feel the ground shaking a bit because there’s so much running going on," Mr Kelly said.

The event would not be possible without the volunteers who helped organise it.

"You can imagine how long it takes to write all the questions, write all the answers — that requires a team."

The Edgar Centre hosted competitors for years 5 to 10 yesterday.

The senior competition for years 11 to 13 was hosted at Logan Park High School last night.

ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz