South African Mathematics Challenge(SAMC)
Overview
The South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) consists of a first round and a final round, with separate papers for Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7. Each paper is an hour long and consists of 20 multiple choice questions. The first round of the SAMC is written during May. Learners who score at least 50% in the first round qualify for the final round in July.
Entry requirements
The entry fee is between R10 – R12 per learner payable on entering for the First Round. Schools outside South Africa pay approximately R25 per learner. Quintile 1 and 2 schools can enter up to 100 learners free of charge.
Host
The SA Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) is organised and coordinated by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF).
Benefits
Learners attain conceptual knowledge, the application of knowledge in new situations, problem solving skills, reasoning, communication and general mathematical thinking.
Target
Grade 4-7 learners.
How it works
The Challenge consists of a First Round and a Final Round, with separate papers for Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7. Each paper is an hour long and consists of 20 multiple choice questions. The First Round is written in schools on a specific date determined by the organisers at a time as arranged by the school. The papers are distributed only by e-mail to schools through Regional Organisers. Schools make copies of the papers for their learners. Learners who score at least 50% in the First Round qualify for the Final Round.
Cost
The entry fee is between R10 –R12 per learner. Schools outside South Africa pay R25 per learner. Quintile 1 and 2 schools can enter up to 100 learners free of charge.
Awards
Learners who enter the Challenge receive a certificate of participation and Final Round participants receive either a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate of achievement. The Best Performing School is presented with an award at the SAMF annual award function. Other awards include Best New Performing, Best Participating and Best Performing per Quintile School.
Competition timelines
The First Round is written at participating schools in May. Learners scoring at least 50% in the First Round qualify to participate in the Final Round which is written in July.