South African Maths Challenge: Round 1 Highlights
On 18 March 2026, eighty girls from Grade 4 to Grade 7 were invited to take part in Round 1 of the annual South African Maths Challenge. This event is becoming a much-anticipated fixture on our academic calendar, and this year’s participants arrived with enthusiasm, preparation and a wonderful sense of team spirit.
In the weeks leading up to the challenge, the girls dedicated time to revising past papers, exploring strategies and collaborating with friends. Many families also got involved, offering encouragement, support and even joining in some of the problem-solving fun at home. A heartfelt thankyou to those parents who journeyed alongside the girls in their preparation.
When the day arrived, the energy in the room was electric. Girls worked mostly in pairs, engaging in healthy debate, reasoning through tricky questions and challenging one another’s thinking. They wrestled with complex problems with admirable perseverance, resilience, and determination - all qualities that lie at the heart of meaningful mathematical thinking.
Although not all participants will progress to the second round, every girl who took part has reason to be immensely proud. We commend each participant for embracing the experience with courage and positivity, and we look forward to seeing how this enthusiasm for mathematics continues to grow.
