Latest news with #problemSolving
News24
11 hours ago
- Science
- News24
SA's brightest minds bring home gold medals from Pan African Mathematics Olympiad
The Olympiad is more than a competition, it's an opportunity to grow through mathematics. Maths trains pupils with problem-solving skills to boost the country's economy. The SA Mathematics Foundation said the pupils' commitment embodies their goal to strengthen maths education. South Africa has emerged as the most accomplished nation at this year's Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo) held at the University of Botswana. The Olympiad ran from 8 to 18 June. The six-member team that attended the Olympiad delivered an outstanding performance, bagging six medals – one for each participant. The annual event has been held since 1987. It falls under the auspices of the African Mathematical Union. This year's Olympiad brought together the brightest young minds, who were challenged to solve six complex problems across four mathematical disciplines – algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics. Professor Seithuthi Moshokoa, the executive director of the SA Mathematics Foundation (SAMF), told City Press: Olympiad mathematics is designed to challenge how one approaches problem-solving and analytical thinking. It is different from the mathematics taught at schools. Professor Seithuthi Moshokoa In the search for the thought-provoking problems, El Manar, the associate professor of mathematics at the University of Tunis, and Professor Karam Aloui, the executive secretary of the Pamo committee, said the problems committee compiled a list of potential mathematical problems, from which a jury shortlisted 12. 'The supervising committee selected the final six problems, ensuring that each covered key areas of pre-university mathematics without adhering to a fixed syllabus. This aims to challenge creativity and rigorous reasoning in equal measure,' Aloui explained. The medals were awarded in a 1:2:3 ratio for gold, silver and bronze and the leading female scorer received the title African Mathematics Queen. Team SA led in the competition and secured medals for their exceptional performance, as Erik Senekal, a Grade 11 pupil at Hoërskool Menlopark, James Prins (Grade 12, SA College High School) and Noah Greenblatt (Grade 11, King David High School) were awarded gold medals. Silver was bagged by Olivia Castleden (Grade 9, Somerset College) and Ruth Trimble (Grade 11, Pinelands High School), while WanRu Zhou (Grade 11, Parklands College) earned a bronze medal. Countries were ranked by the combined scores of their six contestants. SA claimed the top spot, followed by Tunisia and Ivory Coast, in second and third place, respectively. I am very proud of Team SA's achievements. Their dedication, resilience and innovative thinking exemplify our mission to nurture mathematical talent and empower our educators and learners. Moshokoa Senekal said writing the maths Olympiad was not just to compete, but a chance to learn and grow through the process. 'I have been someone who likes to be challenged. Someone who likes to solve problems and find solutions. This is why I have participated in mathematical Olympiads every year since Grade 1. Always see an opportunity to learn – approach each problem as a chance to discover something new.' Greenblatt said he was inspired to compete in the Olympiad because of his interest in mathematics from a young age. He also wanted to extend himself in every way he could. Enjoying this exploration was not only fulfilling but also strengthened my creativity and problem-solving ability. Overall, it was in striving to grow my talents and interest. According to Moshokoa, the pupils, coaches and mentors, teachers and parents all contributed to the team's success. The pupils worked incredibly hard to get this far, and SAMF is delighted that their hard work paid off. Moshokoa He said that the preparation for international mathematics competitions in SA started in primary school. SAMF programmes linked to international participation for high school pupils SA Mathematics Challenge for primary school pupils Old Mutual SA Mathematics Olympiad (Samo) Mathematics Problem-Solving course for primary and high school teachers Samo Olympiad Training Programme 'Teachers are trained to prepare pupils for Olympiad mathematics from an early age and each year more than 200 000 primary and high school pupils enter the first round, with only the top few advancing to the finals. Most international candidates have been doing advanced maths since primary school. 'Once the top 200 primary school pupils reach high school, they are often invited by SAMF to participate in the Samo Olympiad Training Programme. This programme consists of two training camps per year, as well as 11 weeks of intense training,' Moshokoa said. He added that the selection of international participation was based on their academic performance in the programme. Moshokoa emphasised that mathematics Olympiads and similar advanced mathematics competitions played a crucial role for individuals and the country. They prepared pupils to contribute to the country's economy through advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
You've got the eyes of a hawk if you can spot the error in this number jumble in 20 seconds or less
IT looks like it should be easy when you first look at it. But it might be harder than you think to distinguish the odd mistake in this number jumble. 2 The chart features a sea of identical numbers, each reading 4502. However, there one different number, hiding in plain sight. And it takes someone with eyes as sharp as a hawk to spot the odd one out - especially if you manage to do it in less than 20 seconds. Ai Ching Goh, co-founder of Piktochart, said of the brainteaser: "This campaign is a fun reminder of how easy it is to miss small details, especially in data-heavy designs. "Imagine you're at work and your boss asks you to check over the latest numbers. "Would you be able to spot the mistake?" If you're struggling, it's a good idea to take the puzzle column by column. Scroll down through the rows as you flit your eyes up and down, trying to spot the number that doesn't fit. If things aren't getting any easier, try splitting the box of numbers into quarters - taking one at a time. And if your frustration is getting the better of you, you can find the answer below. What you see first reveals a lot about your personality - are you motivated or socially awkward? Brainteasers are excellent for your noggin because they stimulate cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills and enhance overall mental agility. They also challenge different areas of the brain, including memory, logic and spatial reasoning. So what's the benefit exactly? Improved neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. As well as this, activities like brainteasers, puzzles and riddles require you to think critically, which also sharpens your analytical and reasoning skills. If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website. Different images can test different parts of your brain. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. This image of pearls might be a good way to test your eyesight, while this maths puzzle helps improve your critical thinking. What about testing your eyesight by spotting the word 'Ball' in this mind-boggling illusion? Or if numbers is more your game, try and spot the number 879 in this sea of 876s. 2
Zawya
29-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Brighton College Dubai hosts 2025 UAE Tournament of Minds
United Arab Emirates, Dubai: This past weekend, Brighton College Dubai hosted the UAE regionals of The Tournament of Minds (ToM), an esteemed Australian educational competition designed to enhance pupils' ability to tackle complex challenges through innovative problem-solving. Five schools from Dubai and Abu Dhabi participated in the tournament's latest edition, with over 105 pupils forming 16 teams, fostering a competitive spirit and collaborative environment. Pupils tackled a variety of spontaneous and long-term challenges in global and topical contexts. The participating schools included: American Academy for Girls, Brighton College Dubai, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, The English College Dubai, and Private International English School (PIES) Abu Dhabi. Each school demonstrated their commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and divergent thinking among pupils. After six weeks of intensive preparation and presentations before a judging panel, the winners were announced. In the Social Sciences Primary category, Brighton College Dubai's Brighton Blitz took first place, and The English College's EC Invincibles earned honours. In the STEM Primary category, Private International English School's PIES Primary team secured first place, while Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's Team RAMLLA received honours. In the STEM Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's InnovEngineers claimed first place, with honours going to Private International English School's PIES Senior team. In the Social Sciences Senior category, Dubai British School Jumeirah Park's JP Geniuses took first place, while Brighton College Dubai's Andromas Advocates were awarded honours. Sarah Brannon, UAE Director of Tournament of Minds and Head of Prep at Brighton College Dubai commented on the event's success: 'It was fantastic to welcome so many talented and enthusiastic pupils to Brighton College Dubai for this year's Tournament of Minds. The creativity, confidence, and teamwork on display throughout the day were exceptional. The challenges demanded deep thinking and imaginative solutions, and every team rose to the occasion. Congratulations to all who took part – and thank you to the schools, judges, and supporters who helped make the event such a success.' During the competition, teams worked independently for six weeks to develop creative solutions to problems within predetermined parameters and criteria. In the STEM challenge, pupils were asked to focus on a specific aspect of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. Each team had to devise an innovative device to remove or mitigate their chosen type of plastic pollution, explain what would happen to the collected waste, create a prototype, demonstrate how it works, and produce a scaled drawing of the device. In the Social Sciences challenge, teams addressed a fictional event that caused the continents to move, re-connect, and release the Spirit of ToM. They were tasked with exploring how this would affect the world as we know it and building a 3D model of The New World. Bhadhra Vivek, Grade 7 pupil at Private International English School said, 'The 'Tournament of Minds' urged me to step outside of my comfort zone and taught me the value of fortitude, cooperation, and innovative problem-solving. Despite tight deadlines, difficult assignments, and moments of uncertainty, which were just a few of the difficulties our team had to overcome, we never wavered, but rather helped each other throughout. In addition to assisting me in building my leadership qualities, this experience demonstrated to me what can be achieved when perseverance and passion gleefully unite. Though it feels a dream to have won the national round for the second consecutive year, it is a great honour and pride to grab the opportunity to represent UAE, our second home, at the international level.' The Tournament of Minds is acclaimed for its dynamic educational approach, fostering experimentation and problem-solving among talented pupils in primary and secondary education. Pupils are organised into teams and participate in disciplines such as STEM, The Arts, Language Literature, and Social Sciences. Teams are evaluated on creativity, scientific understanding, technology use, application of STEM principles, design and construction, presentation skills, and overall performance, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. Aligning with international curricula, TOM encourages critical and creative thinking, equipping participants with essential skills for the evolving world. For more information and press enquiries please contact: Plus 1 Communications /madhu@ About Tournament of Minds The Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an Australian educational programme designed for talented and creative students across primary and secondary school education. TOM emphasises a dynamic approach to learning, encouraging students' enthusiasm for experimentation, problem-finding, and problem-solving. Teams of students from various schools form vertical group structures and undertake challenges within specific discipline groups. The programme aligns with international curricula, fostering critical and creative thinking skills in students. About Brighton College Dubai Brighton College Dubai is a co-educational independent school that offers a distinctively British education to pupils aged from three to 18 years old. As the sister school of Brighton College UK, Brighton College Dubai has strong and tangible links to England's 'School of the Decade', as named in the Sunday Times Parent Power League Table 2020. Since launching its purpose-built campus in Al Barsha South in 2018 the College has been crowned by Schools Compared Top School Awards as 'Best New School in the UAE 2018-2024', whilst Which School Advisor credits the College for delivering 'quite possibly the most outstanding early year's practice in the UAE'. In addition, the College was recently graded as 'Very Good' by the KHDA and achieved 'Outstanding' in all areas of a recent British Schools Overseas report and has also celebrated outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. Talk Education describes the College as 'One of the most desirable schools in the city'. Brighton College Dubai is operated by Bloom Education, a Bloom Holding subsidiary, and delivers the highest standard British curriculum in the UAE, as well as inspiring pupils to appreciate and value local heritage and cultural diversity. As well as Brighton College Dubai, Bloom Education operates a Brighton College campus in Al Ain, rated Outstanding by ADEK and another in Abu Dhabi, renowned for its outstanding GCSE and A Level results. For more information please visit: About Bloom Education Bloom Education supports the development of future generations through partnerships with world-class international education brands, owns brand schools and nurseries, and the operation of UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools. A pioneer in the Middle East education sector for more than 14 years, Bloom Education has introduced and operated leading American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum education brands in the UAE market and has provided exceptional educational experiences and opportunities to more than 20,000 students. The partner of choice for international school brand Brighton College, Bloom Education has been entrusted to deliver and sustain the highest international standards locally and has been selected by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to operate the Abu Dhabi Charter Schools programme. Bloom Education has also been chosen by Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to operate schools in the Northern Emirates, as part of the 'Ajyal' (new 'generation') school initiative.
Geeky Gadgets
28-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
How Anthropic's Claude 4 is Redefining AI and Human Collaboration
What if the next leap in artificial intelligence wasn't just about faster processing or bigger datasets, but about truly understanding and responding to human needs? Enter Claude 4, a new AI model that redefines what's possible in natural language understanding and problem-solving. With its ability to interpret complex scenarios, generate human-like responses, and adapt seamlessly across industries, Claude 4 isn't just an upgrade—it's a paradigm shift. Imagine an AI that can draft a compelling report, diagnose a medical condition, or optimize a supply chain, all while maintaining the nuance and precision of human reasoning. Bold claim? Perhaps. But as you'll see, the evidence speaks for itself. In this exploration of Claude 4, you'll uncover how this advanced AI is setting new standards in efficiency, adaptability, and usability. From its mastery of natural language to its ability to tackle intricate challenges with unparalleled reasoning, Claude 4 is designed to meet the demands of an increasingly complex world. Whether you're in healthcare, education, or finance, this model offers tools that can transform how you work, solve problems, and make decisions. But what makes it truly remarkable isn't just its technical prowess—it's how accessible and intuitive it feels, even for those without a technical background. As we delve deeper, consider this: how might an AI this powerful reshape the way we live and work? Claude 4 AI Overview Advanced Natural Language Understanding and Generation At the heart of Claude 4's capabilities is its mastery of natural language understanding (NLU) and natural language generation (NLG). These features enable the model to interpret and respond to human language with remarkable precision. By analyzing context, tone, and intent, Claude 4 ensures its responses are not only accurate but also contextually appropriate, making it a valuable asset for communication-driven tasks. For example: Customer service: Claude 4 can handle complex and nuanced inquiries, providing clear and concise answers that enhance communication efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Claude 4 can handle complex and nuanced inquiries, providing clear and concise answers that enhance communication efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Content creation: It can draft detailed reports, summarize extensive information, or generate human-like text that is coherent and natural, streamlining the creative process. This combination of advanced understanding and generation makes Claude 4 an indispensable tool for tasks requiring clarity, precision, and effective communication. Enhanced Reasoning and Problem-Solving Abilities Claude 4 distinguishes itself with its advanced reasoning capabilities, which allow it to process intricate scenarios, evaluate multiple variables, and propose logical, actionable solutions. This makes it particularly effective in addressing complex problems across a variety of fields. Consider these applications: Healthcare: Claude 4 can analyze patient data to suggest potential diagnoses or treatment plans, supporting medical professionals in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. Claude 4 can analyze patient data to suggest potential diagnoses or treatment plans, supporting medical professionals in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes. Technical fields: It can troubleshoot technical issues by identifying root causes and recommending solutions, helping to streamline workflows and reduce downtime. By navigating complex challenges with precision, Claude 4 provides insights that are both practical and impactful, making it a reliable partner in problem-solving. How Claude 4 is Setting New Standards in Artificial Intelligence Watch this video on YouTube. Gain further expertise in advanced AI models by checking out these recommendations. Improved Efficiency and Accuracy Efficiency and accuracy are critical benchmarks for any AI system, and Claude 4 excels in both areas. Using advanced algorithms, it processes information faster and with greater precision than previous models. This results in reduced task completion times and more reliable outcomes, even in high-stakes scenarios. Examples include: Financial services: Claude 4 can analyze vast datasets to identify trends or anomalies, providing accurate forecasts and minimizing costly errors in decision-making processes. Claude 4 can analyze vast datasets to identify trends or anomalies, providing accurate forecasts and minimizing costly errors in decision-making processes. Project management: It can automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling or resource allocation, freeing up time for teams to focus on strategic priorities. This combination of speed and precision ensures Claude 4 remains a dependable tool for industries that demand both reliability and efficiency. Adaptability Across Industries One of Claude 4's most defining features is its adaptability. The model can be tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. Its ability to integrate seamlessly into different workflows ensures it remains relevant across diverse sectors. Examples of its adaptability include: Education: Claude 4 can assist with personalized learning by analyzing student performance and recommending tailored resources, enhancing the educational experience. Claude 4 can assist with personalized learning by analyzing student performance and recommending tailored resources, enhancing the educational experience. Retail: It can analyze consumer behavior to suggest personalized product recommendations, improving customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. It can analyze consumer behavior to suggest personalized product recommendations, improving customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. Manufacturing: The model can optimize supply chain operations by predicting demand, identifying inefficiencies, and streamlining production processes. This flexibility allows Claude 4 to address the specific challenges of each industry, making sure its utility and effectiveness in a variety of contexts. User-Friendly Interactions Despite its advanced capabilities, Claude 4 prioritizes ease of use, making sure that users of all technical backgrounds can interact with the AI seamlessly. Its intuitive design and natural communication style make it accessible and approachable, encouraging widespread adoption. Key features include: Intuitive interface: The user-friendly design simplifies complex tasks, making it easy to navigate and operate. The user-friendly design simplifies complex tasks, making it easy to navigate and operate. Conversational responses: Claude 4 delivers natural, context-aware replies that make interactions feel fluid and intuitive. Claude 4 delivers natural, context-aware replies that make interactions feel fluid and intuitive. Broad application support: From professional projects to personal use cases, the model is equipped to handle a wide range of tasks effectively. This focus on usability enhances the overall user experience, making Claude 4 a practical choice for individuals and organizations alike. Claude 4: A Versatile AI for Modern Challenges Claude 4 exemplifies the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, offering a robust solution for tackling complex challenges. With its superior natural language understanding and generation, enhanced reasoning capabilities, and improved efficiency, it stands out as a powerful tool for modern applications. Its adaptability across industries and commitment to user-friendly interactions further solidify its position as a leading AI model. Whether you aim to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, or improve communication, Claude 4 provides the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Its combination of precision, versatility, and accessibility ensures it remains a valuable asset for addressing the demands of today's dynamic technological landscape. Media Credit: AI Explained Filed Under: AI, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong students must embrace creativity to complete globally
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong's education system stands at a critical crossroads. While our students consistently achieve impressive academic outcomes, our exam-focused framework is insufficient for preparing them to navigate a rapidly evolving world. Technological disruption , global uncertainties and complex societal shifts demand far more from students than rote memorisation and standardised responses – they require creative thinking. Creativity in education is often misunderstood as merely artistic talent or extracurricular enrichment. Fundamentally, creative learning involves cultivating essential skills: critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability. This point was brought home at last week's Knowledge Exchange Festival in Hong Kong, organised by the non-profit organisation Aftec with funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. There, Professor Anne Bamford, who's known for her research in creativity and lifelong learning, emphasised the urgent need for creative education. She said, 'To cope with all these challenges – globalisation, rapid technological changes, AI – you need an immense amount of creativity.' Hong Kong's schools, however, typically discourage creative expression through an emphasis on standardised testing and rigid curriculums. This approach promotes conformity. The consequences are evident: while Hong Kong students excel at examinations, their below-average ranking in creative thinking in a recent global assessment suggests they may struggle to cope with real-world challenges – a significant disadvantage in today's innovation-driven landscape. By contrast, Singapore scored first in the global assessment. At last week's event, May Tan, a director at Singapore's National Arts Council, explained how Singapore intentionally integrates creativity into education from early childhood, noting that sustained creative education significantly improves students' adaptability and lifelong engagement.
