News

On Monday (14 March), students from nine schools throughout the island converged on the Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS) to participate in the fourth annual CHHS Mathematics Competition. The competition, divided into two categories: Key Stage 1 & 2 (Primary) and Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), included participants from the following schools: Edna Moyle Primary School (EMPS), Red Bay Primary School (RBPS), Sir John A Cumber Primary School (SJACPS), East End Primary School (EEPS), Theoline L McCoy Primary School (TMPS), John Gray High School (JGHS), Cayman Academy (CA), Cayman International School (CIS) (Primary & High School divisions) and Clifton Hunter High School (CHHS).

Event Coordinator and CHHS educator Mr. Kamar Brown outlined that the competition, which commenced in 2019, aims to ‘expose students to healthy competition and a fun learning environment’.

CHHS Principal Dr. Richard Wildman further explained, “The goal is to improve mathematics attainment in our high schools to meet international standards. The trajectory that we are on suggests that it is going to be achieved relatively soon.”

The Department of Education Services (DES) Director, Mr. Mark Ray, was pleased with the day’s activities. “The Mathematics Competition organised by the Clifton Hunter High School has been good so far. One of the important things that I think competitions like this bring about is a healthy sense of camaraderie, competition, collaboration, working in teams, and young people understand that mathematics is nothing to be feared but certainly something that can be engaging and fun. It is an activity that we look forward to every year, and we continue to see its growth,” remarked Mr. Ray.

Cayman International School (CIS) teacher Ms. Krista Finch highlighted her students’ enthusiasm to participate in the Math Competition for the second consecutive year. “The kids who participated last year were keen and eager to participate as soon as I mentioned this year’s competition.”  Its Year 6 and 8 students emerged winners of their respective groups.

Kaz Connolly-Basdeo, a Year 9 student at the John Gray High School and member of the math team, also expressed his delight in participating in the competition. He added, “This competition has also enhanced my knowledge of math.”  His team and their Year 7 schoolmates emerged at the top of their groups.

Host CHHS emerged as the winner of the contest, featuring the combined teams.

The event held on ‘International Pi Day, an annual celebration of the mathematical symbol ‘π,’ was sponsored by Hon. Jay Ebanks, Cayman National Bank, the Optimist Club and other sponsors.

  It is one of several strategies the CHHS will employ throughout the week to bolster students’ interest in math. Other activities will include math-focused lessons and tutorials and the mounting of several displays at the school.