Jan 22 Junior Applied Maths Quiz

Castleknock College won the first Junior Applied Maths Table Quiz which was held in Ratoath College on Wednesday 21 January.  This competition is a problem-solving contest for students in 3rd and 4th year.  It is organised nationwide by the Irish Applied Maths Teachers' Association to encourage students to become good at problem-solving and to think about doing Applied Maths in the Leaving Cert. 

In a closely-contested competition, the Castleknock College team (Left to right in the first photo: Ben Healy, Niall Williams, Niall Somers and Inigo Manueco) won by two points.  The photo shows them and their Principal Oliver Murphy with their prizes – beautiful glass trophies.

Another Castleknock College team from 3rd Year came second and they won the prize for the best 3rd Year team.  They are (left to right in the second photo)  David Nugent, Eoin McHugh, Killian Ronan and Mike Leahy.

The same contest was held simultaneously in 7 other centres around Ireland.  The winners of each will meet in March to see who are all-Ireland champions at problem-solving. 

Problem-solving skills are vitally important these days.  These are the skills that Google and Facebook are looking for in prospective employees.  They help in Project Maths, Applied Maths, Science and other subjects such as economics.  They are a huge help to students when they go to college, no matter what they study.  Students who can develop these skills in school are at a huge advantage – and Ireland needs them to ensure our future.

Thanks to Gary Cahill (and his team of helpers) of Ratoath College for organising this exciting event.