GRADE 5 PUPILS BATTLE FATIGUE IN QUEST FOR MATHS HONOURS
By KOPANO MONAHENG
Heavy eyelids, tired faces and early-morning exhaustion filled the classrooms as Grade 5 pupils gathered at Nigel Primary School on Saturday, 10 October, ready to put their mathematical skills to the test.
Despite the fatigue, the young contestants were there for one reason: to compete for top honours in this year’s maths competition.
Organised by WeSolve4X in partnership with Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, a toilet-paper brand Ntofo Ntofo, and South African Actuaries Development Programme (SAADP), the competition seeks to inspire pupils by ensuring that they not only pass maths but also develop a love for the subject.
Tsietsi Ngobese, founder of WeSolve4x Foundation, told The Imagy: “I am passionate about giving hope to learners who are afraid of mathematics in the classroom,” said Ngobese. “I also want to make mathematics easier for them (pupils) so they can have more opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
Pupils from different primary schools across the province came together to battle it out for mathematical glory, while other pupils in grade 4-7 participated online via WeSolve4X app.
Now in its third year, the competition was held at Nigel Primary School in Ekurhuleni. But for the young contestants, the real prize was not up for grabs just yet.
No trophies or prizes were handed out on the day, as Saturday’s competition was only phase one of the contest.
Ngobese said the Grade 5 pupils were fighting for something just as important: a place in the next round. Those who performed well will be selected to return on 14 November, when the competition heats up in phase two at the same venue.
For these pupils, the pressure is now on to prove themselves. Only those who make the cut will get another shot at competing for top honours.
The prizes up for grabs on 14 November have left pupils eagerly counting down the days to the final, as they look forward to competing for top honours.
