WITH CXC around the corner and the Grade Six Achievement Test now past, more and more parents have spent and are still spending on extra lessons, especially on the feared subject of Mathematics.

M&M Jamaica Limited, one of Jamaica’s largest construction companies based in Kingston, recognises how important the subject of mathematics is and for the past seven years has been hosting a mathematics competition in St Elizabeth where founder and CEO, Don Mullings, grew up.

“Mathematics is important to the efficient execution of all systems – from the housewife budgeting, to the governor of the Bank of Jamaica drafting and implementing fiscal policies,” said Mullings.

Dr Randolph Watson, co-ordinator of the competition, is passionate about its goals and feels that too often the island’s children have had a bad impression of the subject.

“It varies according to those developmental variables that are engaged in the total development of the child. The interplay of physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development all have a part to play in the process of development. Social psychologists may suggest that attitudes are formed based on early experiences. If early exposure to mathematics brought about happy feelings, it is likely that the learner will want those feelings to be replicated,” he said.

It is precisely this that the annual M&M Jamaica math competition is intended to address.

“If the experience is going to cause displeasure, why should the learner want to be exposed to these unpleasant experiences? Isn’t it normal to avoid or even run away from things that are negative? Negative attitudes toward mathematics can find residence in life of children who have had bad experiences. This competition offers our students a “feel good” experience when you excel in math,” noted Watson.

He also suggested that teachers attempt to remove the mystery from mathematics.

“Mathematics is an applied science. Teachers must remove the mystery out of mathematics. A concept that is not understood is “difficult” for the learner who does not understand; even if that concept is the addition of one plus one,” Watson said.

This year, 50 students participated in the competition held at Munro College on March 6. The competition consisted of 10 St Elizabeth high schools that are responsible to select their top mathematics student from each of the five grades. Students from grades seven, eight and nine students operated using the ROSE programme while grade 10 and 11 wrote their exam that was based off the CXC syllabus. The percentage score for each student was then calculated and the top three performers from each grade awarded a prize.

On Friday March 27, at Beadles Hall in Santa Cruz, the winners were awarded at a prize-giving ceremony. Senator Basil Waite, a St Elizabethan and mathematician, was the guest speaker at the event. In his presentation, he stressed that “we need more of these expressions of philanthropy and goodwill in Jamaica if we are going to fulfill our potential”.

“A solid foundation through numeracy provides our young minds with the knowledge and versatility to pursue any area of academic and professional interest. It would be heart-warming to see more initiatives from the private sector across the country and I commend M&M Jamaica Limited for their contributions to developing the minds of the youths of Jamaica.,” Waite added.

The winner of the competition this year is Hampton School for girls whose student, Samantha Rose, placed in the top percentile scoring 93 per cent. Munro College came in second, followed by Black River High School in third.