It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.
Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777 ~ 1855)
Challenge
The ability to challenge oneself to grow more and more everyday is essential to succeeding in mathematics as well as competitions. It is through facing challenges that mathematicians cultivate resilience, sharpen problem-solving skills, and build their understanding of mathematical concepts. Each problem and though process behind solving problems with higher level of difficulty is the exact opportunity to stretch the boundaries of one’s mathematical skill. SJA Mathematics Contest, therefore, focus on challenging the young students as well as older ones to keep on discovering new concepts and theories that they have not seen before, and we believe that process is the key to unlocking the next potential for accomplishment. Many of the questions will be difficult for majority of students, but this experience is crucial.
Excel
Excelling in math contests does not merely represent the awards or the high scores some students achieve. The most important “excel” during the experience of math contest is learning the ability to demonstrate the mastery and proficiency in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving. Those with more experiences in variety of fields in mathematics will certainly do better than those who do not have such experience, but it is relentless pursuit of excellence, dedication and perseverance that we serve as a goal for the students to grasp on. Through participation in the SJA Mathematics Contest, students cultivate the proficiency and confidence needed to excel in subsequent national and global competitions. This enduring pursuit of excellence not only enriches their academic journey but also equips them with the resilience and adaptability essential for navigating the complexities of the mathematical landscape.
Collaborate
Collaboration in math contests is crucial where diverse perspectives meet together to tackle complex problems with effectiveness and efficiency. Unlike other typical math competitions such as American Mathematics Competition, SJA Mathematics Contest has implemented a way to push the limit of math contest further to serve as more than just a contest where you solve problems. In SJA Mathematics Contest, the students will register as a group and practice problems together before they arrive to the contest to collaborate, then solve same set of questions together during the team section of the contest. The collaboration during this section is crucial for success in one’s team, and the students have to accept diverse problem-solving strategies and approaches. The collaboration encourages active engagement and mutual support among the participants and the school itself.
