St. George’s College retained its hold on the championship title, lifting the winning trophy and J$150,000 among other gifts and prizes at the seventh annual UTech Jamaica Mathematics Quiz Competition, defeating Ardenne High School 23–2 in an electrifying final showdown.

The North Street-based school previously claimed a 51-34 victory over Munro College with a 51 to 34 win during the sixth iteration of the math quiz competition held in 2024

Culminating on February 28, the competition was hosted by the Faculty of Science and Sport and staged under the theme, ‘Mathematics for a Changing World: Innovate, Integrate, STEM‘. 

The competition commenced on February 7, with fifteen participating high schools, following which the four top schools, St George’s College, Ardenne High, Glenmuir High and Jamaica College, advanced to the semifinal rounds held on February 21.

Speaking at the opening round president of the University of Technology, Dr Kevin Brown, noted that mathematics plays a critical role in national development. 

Reflecting on his personal journey as an aerospace engineer, the President stated that his success in the subject has furthered his professional growth, noting that “it is the basis of all STEM-based careers.”

Brown encouraged the students to view the competition as preparation for their own academic and professional pursuits.

“This is not just a competition; this is something that is going to be fundamental to your future careers, whatever you choose to do,” he stated.

Brown also credited mathematics teachers, noting that the work they do in preparing proficient mathematics students is essential to Jamaica’s development.

“We can’t have students who are mathematicians without teachers who are mathematicians. I want to thank all the teachers who have poured into these students, the love for mathematics and have prepared them for this competition, for CSEC, CAPE, and everything else in between,” said Dr Brown.

The finals unfolded over three rounds, where both schools demonstrated impressive problem-solving abilities and quick reasoning skills.

Questions were drawn from the CSEC and the CAPE Unit 1 and Unit 2 Mathematics syllabi, testing students on a broad range of topics. 

Quizmaster was Judith DeLisser, a lecturer in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. 

Speaking at the finals, Dr Olusegun Afis Ismail, acting head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics, congratulated all teams on their achievement and perseverance.

He reminded students that their accomplishments were built on years of preparation and dedication emphasising that “all of us are winners,” and commended every participant for their hard work and commitment.

The runner-up team, Ardenne High, and its coach were awarded prizes for their performance throughout the competition.  Third- and fourth-place teams also received prizes in acknowledgement of their commendable effort and determination.

Special recognition was also given to the Most Improved School, celebrating significant progress and growth demonstrated over previous years.