The Georgetown Department of Education yesterday hosted a mathematics exhibition and walkathon as part of its efforts to ensure that pupils excel in the subject.
At least 22 primary schools participated in the walkathon, which began at the Guyana Teachers’ Union Hall on Woolford Avenue and ended at Queen’s College (QC) on Camp Street. As they walked along the route, pupils were heard chanting, “Mathematics is fun,” while holding placards. The placards depicted fun facts and jokes about the subject along with some encouraging words.
Before the exhibition officially opened at the QC auditorium, District Education Officer Adrian Elgin acknowledged the efforts of pupils, teachers and parents in executing the activity. He observed that the exhibition is one of many maths-related activities held during the year. The most notable is the Math Quiz, which was held last month. According to the official, these activities were held to ensure that pupils’ performances in mathematics remains their peak.
The exhibition was held under the theme “Building life skills through Mathematics.” Pupils were observed enjoying games, such as the Decimal Puzzle and Fun with Additions, among others, while teachers explained the rules of some of the games as pupils crowded around their booths. The games were brought by the various schools that participated in the exhibition.
Donna Gittens, a teacher from Tucville Primary, told Stabroek News that pupils from grades Three, Four and Six assisted teachers in preparing for the exhibition and she recalled their excitement during the preparations.
The winner of the 2019 Math Quiz, Dave Chowtie, expressed gratitude to the Education Department for hosting the exhibition especially because it involves a lot of
maths games, which, he said, would surely make people love mathematics even more. He said the subject plays a very important part in everyone’s life and since he began participating in those activities, he has significantly improved his performance in it. Chowtie added that his colleagues have also benefitted from those activities.
The Math Quiz winner then offered encouraging words for others. “I encourage you to take up the mantle and go for it. I may have won the Maths Quiz but we have the same ability so you can win it too,” he said. He then advised that persons should make the necessary sacrifices and adjustment in their life in order to improve in mathematics.
