Melbourne University Mathematics and Statistics Society

This year the Schools Maths Olympics was held on Sunday 21 August.

Each year, as part of the University of Melbourne's Open Day, MUMS holds an event known as the Schools Maths Olympics. This competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to apply problem-solving skills and enjoy themselves. Further, as part of the Open Day, students have a chance to learn more about the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, and the university as a whole.

In the Schools Maths Olympics, teams of students from secondary schools compete in an exciting and fast-moving event that combines physical and intellectual elements, in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Each team is split into two pairs, and a runner. The runner ferries questions between each pair and a marker. The problems are based more on lateral thinking than manual calculation. They require no knowledge of mathematics above year 10 level. The competition lasts for approximately one hour.

Prizes are awarded to the three highest scoring teams. The top five finishing teams will be invited to compete in the University Maths Olympics, a major annual university event, similar in style and involving university students and academic staff.

The 2011 Schools Maths Olympics is sponsored by the Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV). Please see the Sponsors page for more information.