The SAMOs Training Programme is the vehicle through which the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) achieves its goal of nurturing mathematical talent and expanding the pool of mathematical excellence in South Africa. The programme is designed to develop talent from beginner to advanced level (international participation), providing them with the resources and training they need to excel in mathematics.
The SAMO Training Programme consists of three key "legs" that work together to support learners: the Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme, Mathematics Olympiad Training Camps, and Assignments. Each leg is designed to equip learners with the advanced mathematical skills and mathematical problem-solving techniques necessary to succeed at the highest levels, including the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme
The Siyanqoba Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme provides bi-weekly training at training centres mostly situated at universities. It aims to develop talent which has been identified through the South African Mathematics Olympiad. It is designed to help learners improve their learning of mathematics and in particular to develop higher order thinking skills and problem-solving techniques.
The training centres follow a standardised curriculum designed by emeritus Professor Poobhalan Pillay, the Academic Coordinator of the programme.
Mathematics Olympiad Training Camps
The annual training camps are held in April and December, bringing together the highest-achieving learners identified from the third round of South African Mathematics Olympiad. These camps are intensive and are used to select the South African teams for the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The Academic Coordinator for the advanced level training (i.e. the camps and assignments) is Dr Liam Baker.
Assignments
Assignments form an essential component of the SAMO Mathematics Olympiad Training Programme, allowing learners to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios. These assignments are tailored to be both challenging and enriching, often aligned with the types of problems encountered in the PAMO and IMO. Based on the learners' performance in these assignments, SAMF identifies those who are ready to advance to the next level of training and competition.