This week we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our Year 9, 10 and 11 students who have excelled in the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Otago University Junior Mathematics Competition.

Mathematics is not just a subject; it is a vital skill that shapes our understanding of the world. It empowers us to solve problems, think critically, and make informed decisions. Mathematics has a beauty and elegance that can take time to appreciate. The satisfaction of uncovering solutions to complex challenges is second to none and being able to share that experience with teachers and classmates is a strength of our department.

While mathematics is abstract and challenging, it is one of the simplest subjects to practice. There is no trick to it other than trying as many problems as you can and asking lots of questions!

As we celebrate these students, we also recognise the invaluable relationships they have built with the dedicated teachers within our mathematics department. Together, they share a passion for learning and discovery that inspires a love for mathematics beyond the classroom.

Many of these students have embraced opportunities provided by all mathematics teachers in the department including taking extra resources home and attending after school and holiday tutorial opportunities.

Well done to all who were recognised for their efforts at the assembly. To those who did not receive special recognition, know that your efforts do not go unnoticed, the act of attempting such opportunities to extend yourself is just as admirable and you have made yourself, and your teacher very proud. Know that the King’s High School Mathematics department will always do everything we can to support your academic endeavours. That is our promise. 

The Australian Mathematics Competition is an annual competition designed to challenge students with a wide range of mathematical problems, from basic arithmetic to complex problem-solving. It tests logical reasoning and creative thinking, requiring students to apply mathematical concepts in unique ways. The competition attracts participants from around the globe, making it a prestigious event that pushes students to excel in math. Students are awarded the following grades:

• Credit: for placing in the top 55%

• Distinction: for placing in the top 20%

• High Distinction: for placing in the top 3%

The Otago University Junior Mathematics Competition, hosted by our very own University, is a New Zealand-based competition for younger students keen on advancing their mathematical skills. This competition focuses on analytical thinking and problem-solving skills through a set of challenging questions tailored to stretch young minds.

Students are awarded the following grades.

• Merit: for placing in the top 50% nationally

• Distinction: for placing in the top 15% nationally

See our list of prize-winners below:

Year 9

• Stephen Burke: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Samar Dangare: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Charlie Drew: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Samuel McLaughlan: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC 

• Eddie Panting: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Jackson Phillips: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC 

• Lukas Yurjevic-Young:  Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Zakari Evangelou: Distinction in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Riley Henderson: Distinction in the Year 9 OUJMC

• Logan McFarlane: Distinction in the Year 9 AMC

• Pavel Calvert: Merit in the OUJMC and 1st Place in the Otago Mathalon

• Heath Stamou: Merit in the Year 9 OUJMC and Distinction in the Year 9 AMC

• Noah Crannitch: Distinction in the Year 9 OUJMC, Distinction in the AMC, and 1st Place in the Otago Mathalon

• Logan Gray: 1st in the Otago Mathalon, Distinction in the Year 9 AMC, High Distinction and Top 30 Nationally for the OUJMC

• Conor Kerr: 1st in the Otago Mathalon, High Distinction in the Year 9 AMC, High Distinction and Top 30 Nationally for the OUJMC
  Year 10

• Levi Baxter: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• William Blakie: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Chris Booyens: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Eddie Bracey: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Will Heggie: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Owen Jack: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Nived Menon: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Felix Newell: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• James Reay: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Lachie Rowley: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Jackson Sam: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC 

• Levi Simpson: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Ethan Shirley: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC

• Gabe Scott: Distinction in the AMC

• Nathan Maree: Distinction in the AMC

• Logan McFarlane: Distinction in the AMC

• Ben K Nguyen: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC and Distinction in the AMC

• Gregor Watts: Distinction in Year 10 OUJMC and Distinction in the AMC

• Villie Steenkamp: Merit in Year 10 OUJMC, 3rd Place in the Otago Matholon

• Ben T Nguyen: Distinction in Year 10 OUJMC, 3rd Place in the Otago Matholon

• Kais Shaheer: Distinction in Year 10 OUJMC, Distinction in Year 10 AMC, and 3rd place in the Otago Matholon

• Henry Zhong: Distinction in Year 10 OUJMC, Distinction in Year 10 AMC, and placing 3rd in the Otago Matholon

 Year 11

• Sam Cooper: Merit in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Joshua Evangelou: Merit in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Rhys Milmine: Merit in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Finn Stanley: Merit in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Raymond Yang: Merit in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Ewan Diggle: Distinction in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Rohan Savarimuthu: Distinction in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Aidan Blakie: High Distinction and Top 30 Nationally in the Year 11 OUJMC

• Dominic Xia: Distinction in AMC