Junior Olympiad Starts February 14

The Vivian Rochester Memorial Mathematics Competition has been Jamaica’s oldest national mathematics competition. This year the University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Insurance Association of Jamaica are collaborating to relaunch this competition. It will be organized by the Department of Mathematics under a new name and with a new format.

The new name of the programme is the UWI-IAJ Vivian Rochester Junior Mathematics Olympiad. It is open to all students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 in a Primary, All-Age, Preparatory, or other recognized school in Jamaica. The format of the competition is similar to that of the Jamaican Mathematical Olympiad for high school students. However, it has been tailored to the circumstances of the younger students.

The 2011 Junior Olympiad will be conducted in three rounds: the Qualifying, First, and Final Rounds. After the Final Round, the Department of Mathematics will declare a National Mathematics Champion for each of the Grades 4, 5, and 6. Each Champion will be recognized as a Gold Medalist. The Department will also recognize Silver and Bronze medalists for the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each grade. Honourable Mentions will be awarded to all other students

who finish in the top ten in their grade.

In order to have their students compete, each school will be asked to nominate a Competition Coordinator for their school. The Coordinator will liaise with the Department of Mathematics throughout the programme. The Coordinator will also take primary responsibility for administrating the First Round Examination in their school.

Before the Qualifying Round begins, a practice examination will be published in the Gleaner's Children's Own. This will appear on Monday, February 7, 2011.

Below are some frequently asked questions together with their answers.

Is the Junior Olympiad for individuals or schools? The Olympiad is only for individuals. Only individuals will be named National Champions or receive other awards.

Who may enter the Olympiad? Any student in the upper primary grades in Jamaica may enter. A student in the upper primary grades is someone who is registered in Grade 4, 5, or 6 in a Primary, All-Age, Preparatory, or other recognized school.

Who else may enter the Olympiad? If you are home schooled you may still participate. You will be assigned to a grade according to your age.

How do I register for the Olympiad? First, fill in your personal information at the top of the question paper. Also, consult with your Principal and ask him or her to nominate a Competition Coordinator. Fill in the information in the space provided. Then take the test and mail it in. You may also have it delivered to the Department of Mathematics. As long as we receive it on time, you are entered in the 2011 Junior Mathematical Olympiad.

How do I take the test? The test is multiple-choice. Circle the correct answer for each question on your paper. When you are finished, mail the completed test (including all the information requested) to:

Junior Olympiad

P.O. Box 94

Mona Post Office

Kingston 7

You may also deliver your entry by hand or by courier directly to the Department of Mathematics at the UWI, Mona. In all cases, entries must be received by February 28, 2011, to be considered.

Where can I get extra copies of the Question Paper? You can download extra copies of the question papers from this website.

What happens next? Students who qualify will be invited to participate in the first round examination on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Visit this website to see if you have qualified for the first-round examination. We will also notify your principal and request that he or she provide you with the relevant information.