CONGRATULATIONS:
*Congratulations to Cristiano B – Our Maths Olympiad Champion!**
Cristiano B 4G secured first place in our school's Maths Olympiad competition earlier this term. Competing against students from both Years 4 and 5, along with other schools in Australia and New Zealand. His achievement is a reflection of his hard work, passion for learning, and ability to think critically under pressure.
Cristiano was recognised in front of his peers at our last assembly for this wonderful achievement and we decided to ask him a few questions to get a deeper understanding of his love and passion for maths:
- When did you first realise that you had a passion for maths?
When I started multiplication I liked it and did a lot of it. My brother was teaching me when I was in kinder. He is also very good at maths.
- What do you enjoy most about solving mathematical problems?
It’s fun and I like doing it because I want to make my family proud by being an engineer. I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was 7 because if I don’t become a professional soccer player for an Italian team called
Juventus, then I would become an engineer.
- How did you prepare for the Maths Olympiad, and what strategies helped you the most?
I read over the 12 times tables and the division tables a bunch of times, that helped with my accuracy and speed. More than it being a competition, I just found it fun!
- Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to learning maths, and why?
My dad, my mum and my brother and sister because they all love maths. I think definitely dad loves it the most though because he does it a lot and is the one who helps me and my brother.
- What is your favourite topic or type of problem in maths, and what makes it exciting for you?
Equivalent Fractions because it’s satisfying to change a number!
- What advice would you give to other students who want to improve their maths skills and compete in future competitions?
To work hard and to try and do your best best. You definitely need to know how to multiply and divide very quickly.
- What does it feel like to compete against older students and come out on top in a competition like this?
I was surprised and proud, but I didn’t really think too much about it!
Well done Cristiano, continue to excel and inspire others with your passions and talent!