Nairobi Academy Junior Mathematics Contest (Years 8, 9, and 10) Triumph in Teamwork: Braeburn at the Nairobi Academy Junior Mathematics Challenge

On November 16, 2024, six students from Braeburn - Zohid and Xiao Xiao from Year 8, me and Khalid from Year 9, and Dhara and Khaleb from Year 10 - participated in the Nairobi Academy Junior Mathematics Challenge. This competition witnessed the participation of 18 schools from across Nairobi.

There were two main events throughout the day: the Individual Challenge and the Team Challenge. We started off with the Individual Challenge. Individually, we were given a question paper with a large number of questions and were told to try and solve as many as possible within the given time. In this round, Xiao Xiao won second place and clinched the silver medal in the Year 8 category!

After the Individual Challenge, we moved on to the Team Challenge. In this, we were given around 10 brain-racking questions that we had to solve as a team in 45 minutes. This round really allowed all of us to put our heads together and work collectively as a team. Our strategy originally consisted of equally distributing the questions amongst us and working on them individually; and then in the last 15 minutes, we would all go over them together. However, as we started working on our questions, we had to change that strategy and assist each other. But all in all, everyone operated together as a team. We realised that this was one of the best things and biggest achievements that we all should be proud of.

We used all the maths skills we have acquired over the years to secure the overall 5th position (Individual and Team together) out of the 18 schools participating. Our experience at this competition was memorable and one which pushed us to work with perseverance and resilience. Our performance overall demonstrates that this outcome was not a small feat and illustrates our dedication and hard work. This day was not just about solving complex problems, it was about pushing and believing in ourselves, supporting one another, and flourishing as individuals and a team.

I would like to sincerely thank all our teachers who supported us in preparing for this challenge and giving us this incredible opportunity. This is an experience that we have all learned a lot from and will cherish for long.

O’Maira Rane

Year 9