Meet the maths whizzes

Peta-Ann Sawyers

School: The Hampton School

Grade: 9

Place in M&M Mathematics Competition: 1st

Score: 96.5%

Advice about mathematics: Mathematics is a subject of reasoning and thinking, and so I enjoy using my brain to perform mathematical calculations with my high reasoning ability, and so this allows me to develop my commendable interest in mathematics. Mathematics is very important, as one has to use it in daily life/activities, for example, simply reading a clock or budgeting your money. It actually builds your reasoning ability. Some advice I'd like to share is, even though maths may be challenging at times, in some areas, once you pay close attention to the principles or formulae to be used for each problem, work with others and keep practising hard and wise, then there will be a 100 per cent chance of doing well in maths.

Mentor/Inspiration: Most definitely my mother, Ms A. Heaven, who has both mothered and fathered me to know my wrongs and my rights, and also accompanied me along my educational path, especially in mathematics.

Amelia Dunkley

School: The Hampton School

Grade: 10

Place in M&M Mathematics Competition: 1st

Score: 92%

Advice about mathematics: I LOVE mathematics simply because it enhances my reasoning ability. The fundamental concepts of mathematics also aid me in other areas of science, for example, physics and chemistry. Maths is like a selfish person that does not try to be friendly towards you until you learn to accept basic things about it. To do maths, fundamental concepts are key. Once you grasp these concepts, the relationship you have with maths will become better. Just dedicate yourself to the subject. Learn it. Love it. Practise it. Live mathematics. And remember, with maths, there is always more than one way to approach a problem.

Mentor/Inspiration: My mentors include my mother, my grand-mother, some very excellent members of the Hampton School staff, Leighton McKnight, and, ultimately, God, who grants me the gift of life each day that enables me to delight in life experiences.

Shakquanna Facey

School: Black River High School

Grade: 7

Place in M&M Mathematics Competition: 3rd

Why I love mathematics: I love mathematics because it is challenging and it sharpens my problem-solving skills. My advice to students about mathematics is that one must adopt a positive attitude towards the subject as this will determine your altitude.

Mentor/Inspiration: My mother.

Rasharah Morrell

Grade: 11

Place: 3rd

Score: 93%

Why I love mathematics: Mathematics is challenging. It opens up my mind to infinite possibilities for solving one question, and the feeling I get when I do solve a rather difficult question is simply exhilarating. Some advice I would like to give about mathematics is that some individuals are blessed with the natural ability to excel in maths. However, other persons weren't necessarily blessed with that gift. Mathematics requires a great deal of practice. One also needs to know their strengths and weaknesses so they can correct and better themselves. If students have any queries, they shouldn't hesitate to ask. Many persons have a fear of maths and allow that fear to hold them back. However, what they should do is conquer their fears. Students should approach the subject with an open mind and acquire as much past papers as possible. Time management is also key in doing well in maths, so that's something students should also practise.

Mentor/Inspiration: My mentors are Ms Brown (Hampton maths teacher), Mr McLeod (extra-class teacher), and my parents.