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Raising the Profile of Maths. M.S.F.
Mathématiques Sans Frontières 2003
"The Love of mathematics knows no National Frontiers"
(Jean Marie Monnerat)
(Jean Marie Monnerat)
On Tuesday 11th March 2003, some 100,000 pupils in 3000 classes from 20 countries throughout Europe, took part in the international mathematics competition 'Mathématiques Sans Frontières', organised by the Institute of Research into Teaching Mathematics at the Academie de Strasbourg.
The competition was organised again this year on a Northern-Ireland wide basis by Mr Jim Cormican (NEELB maths adviser) and the maths teams from the five Area Boards.
The competition was organised again this year on a Northern-Ireland wide basis by Mr Jim Cormican (NEELB maths adviser) and the maths teams from the five Area Boards.
This year more than 1500 pupils in 81 teams from post primary schools throughout Northern Ireland entered this international mathematics competition, and the presentation of prizes for the Northern Ireland schools took place at the Ramada Hotel Belfast on 1st May.
The award ceremony was attended by approximately 120 pupils, together with their teachers and principals, representing the highest scoring teams from each of the five area Boards.
The prizes were be presented by Mr Brian Connelly (Adviser in International Education - North Lanarkshire Education Department)
Background Information:
'Mathématiques Sans Frontières' was founded in 1990 in Alsace with 2,500 pupils. This has grown to over 100,000 pupils in 20 countries. There are two levels of entry for the competition, Intermediate for pupils in fifth form and Advanced for pupils in lower sixth. The pupils work in groups to solve problems one of which is set and answered in a foreign language. The aims of the competition are to:
'Mathématiques Sans Frontières' was founded in 1990 in Alsace with 2,500 pupils. This has grown to over 100,000 pupils in 20 countries. There are two levels of entry for the competition, Intermediate for pupils in fifth form and Advanced for pupils in lower sixth. The pupils work in groups to solve problems one of which is set and answered in a foreign language. The aims of the competition are to:
- develop an interest in mathematics
- encourage discussion of mathematical problem solving
- encourage pupils to work co-operatively
- encourage the development of initiative in problem solving
- contribute to the quality of learning of mathematics
The NEELB's Adviser for mathematics, Mr Jim Cormican has organised the competition for NEELB schools since 1995 and has organised the competition on a Northern Ireland basis on behalf of the Northern Ireland Steering Group for Numeracy for the past four years.
He commented:
"'Mathématiques Sans Frontières' provides an opportunity for students from a wide range of abilities, to discuss and debate the possible solutions to interesting problems. The skills developed through such activities are exactly the skills and attributes that employers are seeking from our young people. We have been impressed by the high standards shown by all of the teams who took part this year".
"'Mathématiques Sans Frontières' provides an opportunity for students from a wide range of abilities, to discuss and debate the possible solutions to interesting problems. The skills developed through such activities are exactly the skills and attributes that employers are seeking from our young people. We have been impressed by the high standards shown by all of the teams who took part this year".
"I continue to organise the MSF competition for NEELB schools and throughout Northern Ireland as I am convinced that it provides interesting, challenging mathematical activities for year 12 and lower 6th form pupils. Every problem is new and different and heads of mathematics and maths teachers have commented on the positive attitudes to problem solving in mathematics that are produced by participation in the competition".
Every student who takes part, whether a winner or nor, receives a small memento of Mathematiques sans Frontieres; each school which took part receives a certificate confirming their participation; and the winners and runners-up receive plaques.
"I am delighted when visiting schools to see the Mathematiques sans Frontieres plaques taking pride of place along side the sports and other trophies in the schools' trophy cabinets. This confirms my belief that this particular competition is an excellent vehicle for raising the profile of mathematics in our schools, and I am grateful to the teachers and principals for their continued support for MSF".
MSF NEELB Entries:
In the 2003 competition, NEELB schools entered some 600 pupils in 31 teams.
350 pupils took part (17 teams) at Intermediate level
250 pupils took part (14 teams) at Advanced level.
In the 2003 competition, NEELB schools entered some 600 pupils in 31 teams.
350 pupils took part (17 teams) at Intermediate level
250 pupils took part (14 teams) at Advanced level.
(Full details can be downloaded below.)
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