Spotlight on the Maths Olympiad

01 Sep 2025

Mortlake’s Stage 3 students are taking on the challenge of the national Maths Olympiad. We interviewed Ms Pan to learn more about this exciting program.

This year, some of our Stage 3 students are taking part in the Maths Olympiad, a national competition that tests problem-solving and mathematical thinking.

We asked Ms Pan a few questions about the program and what makes it such a great opportunity for our students. Here’s what she had to say:

What is Maths Olympiad?

A problem solving mathematical competition that is run throughout terms 2 and 3 with 4 contest papers. Students are competing against other stage 3 students nationally.

Who is involved?

Stage 3 students who have demonstrated that they are excelling in  maths and wanting a challenge.

How often is it on?

One hour weekly on Wednesdays.

How are students selected?

Students who are identified as excelling in maths are nominated by their teacher or students can nominate themselves.

What is challenging about it?

They are answering multi-step questions that require problem solving and incorporating a variety of mathematical knowledge and concepts.

What do students seem to like about it?

The challenge of the problems given and tackling the problems with each other before the contest.

What is an example of the maths involved?

In the cryptarithm shown, each letter represents a unique digit.

No "crypto-word" can begin with the digit 'O.

What is the largest possible sum?

Any extra information can you share with us?

Students get a certificate at the end and the ones who do well get badges or patches to celebrate their achievements.

Thank you!