The MSED (in collaboration with SDU) Senior Phase Mathematics Bonds-Bee
(Roger MacKay, project co-ordinator)
The Metropole South Education District (MSED), as part of its endeavour to improve performance in mathematics, is constantly seeking opportunities to improve basic arithmetical competence in learners. To this end, the MSED contracted the Schools Development Unit (SDU) at the University of Cape Town, to conceptualise and implement a Mathematics Bonds-Bee competition for senior phase learners across the district, representing an expansion of a previously run competition during 2014 in the Grasslow-Park Project.
The focus of the Bonds-Bee is on mental arithmetic, targeting Grade 7 to Grade 9 learners. The intention is to contribute to an improvement in learners’ abilities to do basic arithmetical computations mentally, accurately and efficiently. At the same time, the Bonds-Bee endeavours to involve teachers, learners and their parents in developing learner competence and confidence. The competitive element is intended to foster an attitude of not accepting mediocrity, but to continue to strive for mathematical excellence.
The competition was conducted between 4 August 2015 and 12 September 2015 across 26 primary schools (Grade 7) and 11 high schools (Grades 8 and 9), in the 7 MSED Circuits, at three levels, i.e. inter-class, inter-school (5 learners per school) and knock-out rounds for the top individual learners. The quizzes consisted of mental arithmetical items linked directly to the curriculum for the respective grades. Learners were expected to perform the calculations mentally and efficiently (no pencils and paper). According to Bull and Johnson (1997), “children with arithmetic difficulties have problems specifically in automating basic arithmetic facts which may stem from a general speed-of-processing deficit”.
So, the competition culminated with the finals on 12 September 2015 at St. Augustines RC Primary School. Parents, teachers and MSED and WCED officials were blown away by the speed with which the learners were able to perform the computations, and the keen spirit of camaraderie and respect amongst the competing learners. The Grade winners, who received R1 500 for first place and R1 000 for second place, were:
| Grade 7 | First place | Brent Clarke (Die Duine Primary) |
| Second place | Siyolise Beja (St. Augustines Primary) | |
| Grade 8 | First place | Sisipho Ndiki (Simons Town Combined) |
| Second place | Ne’eem Daniels (Simons Town Combined) | |
| Grade 9 | First place | Ekraam Fataar (Fairmount Secondary) |
| Second place | Nikita Engelbrecht (Fairmount Secondary) |
Prizes were also awarded to pupils who participated in the Top 16 (R250), quarter-finals (R500) and semi-finals (R750).
In his remarks to the audience, Mr Glen van Harte (MSED Director) indicated that we should all assume responsibility for nurturing the talents of our young people, so that they become the next mathematics lecturers and professors. Therefore, the MSED envisages the Mathematics Bonds Bee as an annual event.
Jon Clark, the Director of SDU, said: “Never under-estimate the value of being good at mathematics, for in the words of the famous Indian writer and mental calculator, Shakuntala Devi: Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.”
As project-coordinator, I wish to acknowledge the roles of so many in making this inaugural MSED SP Mathematics Bonds Bee possible - MSED, SDU, the principals and teachers of the participating schools for coaching and chaperoning the pupils, the teachers who so unselfishly conducted the competitions and the learners, the stars of the shows. I trust that pupils and teachers enjoyed the participation as much as Mr Selwyn Page and I enjoyed organising it for you.”
Some comments by teachers
“It was a great event. It helped the learners to do calculations mentally and at at high speed. I used these maths activities with all my Grade 7s and there is now a great improvement in the concentration span. They listen more attentively because they know that the question is only repeated once. The learners have also improved the speed in answering the questions.” (Ms N.E. Mqoqi - Mkhanyiseli Primary)
“The pupils who know their Bonds and Tables well are steps ahead of others in coping with the challenges of school mathematics! Seeing our children grow during this competition has been awesome!!” (Ms L. Ferrera - Simons Town Combined)
“This has been a brilliant way to engage our learners with their curriculum, especially Maths being one of the challenging learning areas. The enthusiasm shown by learners was overwhelming especially when they started sharing with the rest of the learners at school, those who are not taking part. They willingly worked on their own without being told what to do and this prompted us to try and do our mini-competition at school in preparation for next year. During the competition rounds, I also felt like a kid again because of all the good hype and wonderful excitement. Big "UP" to you Roger! THIS IS BIG!!! “ (Mr M. Funo - Mkhanyiseli Primary)
“The learners in our team thoroughly enjoyed the Bonds bee experience this year. We had an array of different personalities in the team and each child gained or strengthened sound mathematical principles as well as developing emotionally and socially. Friendships were forged between both the learners as well as the educators. Great excitement was created as we visited each school and we thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality that each institution shared with us. It was awesome to experience the nail biting moments as well as the great relief and joy that the children shared when they answered their questions correctly. Above all, was the great camaraderie and support they offered each other when someone answered incorrectly. Our learners gained so much and this epidemic spread through our school as we in turn have hosted our version of the Bonds bee. I look forward to being a part of the team next year.” (Ms C. Felix - St Augustines Primary)
Some comments by learners (prior to the finals)
“The maths competition has helped me do sums in my head when I have forgotten my calculator at home. My marks have improved.” (Sisipho Ndiki - Simons Town Combined School)
“Taking part in this competition was a dream come true because I always want to take part in a mathematics competition. It was not only an exposure to me but also to all the other participants. This competition has been helpful because it has given me the ability to calculate a sum and solve problems mentally. In this competition I learnt not to underestimate someone smaller than you because I was competing against people who are older than me but somehow I was able to pull it off. So I am ready for this coming Saturday.” (Siphamandla Tshitsiba - Mkhanyiseli Primary)
“Thank you for bringing the maths competition to our school the BB really opened my mind. I never knew that I was able to answer all those questions; it really helped me to think better.” (Na’eem Daniels - Simons Town Combined School)
".....It was quite interesting to play against learners from other schools. ... The round of 16 was exciting and I can't wait for the next round." (José Gamba - Aloe Secondary)
“I experienced that with Mental Maths comes great pressure and anxiety. With great pressure, I gained confidence. This competition has improved my accuracy and sharpness when I have to think about and answer questions. I saw how sad people felt when they got their answers wrong. The Bonds bee was a good experience and a great opportunity for me to improve my confidence levels and my mathematics. I am very excited to be in Saturday’s finals because I know the competition is tough and we all are winners.” (Siyolise Beja - St Augustines Primary)
PHOTO 1: Grade 7 semi-finalists: Siyolise Beja (second place), Brent Clarke (winner), Siphamandla Tshitshiba (Mkhanyiseli) & Taahir Anthony (Pelican Park)
PHOTO 2: Grade 8 semi-finalists: Sisipho Ndiki (winner), Dayaan Abrahams (Lotus Secondary), Na’eem Daniels (second place) and Chryshe Wilson (Steenberg High).
PHOTO 3: Grade 9 semi-finalists: Ekraam Fataar (winner), Nikita Engelbrecht (second place), Samantha Chetty (Simons Town Combined) and Idrees Salie (Grassdale Secondary).
PHOTO 4: Grade 7 finalists: Siyolise and Brent
PHOTO 5: Grade 8 finalists: Sisipho and Na’eem
PHOTO 6: Grade 9 finalists: Ekraam and Nikita
PHOTO 7: Ekraam, Brent and Sisipho (the winners) with the directors of SDU and MSED
PHOTO 8: (l to r): Glen van Harte (Director of MSED), Jon Clark (Director of SDU) and Roger MacKay (Project-coordinator), with the final-day participants.