Math skills is crucial for a wide array of analytical, technological, scientific, and economic applications. People cringe when they have to deal with numbers, formulas, and finding the value of x. I don’t. I used to spend part of my Saturdays attending MTAP classes during grade school and high school, which was a lot of fun to me. I challenge myself to compute manually unless I really need to use a scientific calculator. Having one in hand does make our life a lot easier, especially in Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Accounting and other similar classes.
It saddens me that the our country has only been ranked 96th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Mathematics and Science education. This is according to the latest World Economic Forum WEF Global Competitiveness Report (2013-2014). It is said to be a considerable improvement from being ranked 115th (WEF 2011-2012). However, we’re still lagging behind our neighboring countries, where Singapore continues to be on top of the list.
In an effort to uplift the status of mathematics in society and recognize the extraordinary math skills of today’s youth, Sharp Calculators partners with Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematics Society of the Philippines (MSP) and Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators Inc. (MathTEd) as it launches the very first search for the TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS (TOYM) from National Capital Region.
Nomination Mechanics
- The search is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two (2) years of high school. They must be a Filipino citizen, either naturalized or born.
- The nominee must be among the top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal.
- The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competition. These competitions must be recognized by the Department of Education or Department of Science and Technology.
- Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.
- Students who contribute to the promotion of mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered.
Criteria for Judging
- Performance in Mathematics Competitions – 75%
- Research and Publications in Mathematics – 10%
- Leadership and Promotion of Mathematics – 15 %
Screening Process
Judging will be based on a recommendation from school principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be one of the bases of the judges’ questions for the panel interview.
Representatives from the Department of Education NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP, and MathTed will conduct the deliberation / final interview of finalists.
These Ten Outstanding Young Mathematician awardees will be receiving a plaque of excellence, cash prizes and gifts from Sharp Calculators and sponsors. They will also serve as the first batch of Sharp Calculators’ Youth Ambassadors who will inspire and encourage the Filipino youth through school tours and mathematics symposiums.
If you know a deserving student, get a nomination kits at any National Book Store NCR branches or download it through www.sharpminds.ph. Deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015. The awarding ceremonies is scheduled on February 2015.
For more information contact Sharp Calculators at 681-6161 / 646-2867 and look for Ms. Mary Rose Rocha or Ms. Clara Camille Ocampo.