Fractions, powers, square roots, and polygons may not be some students’ favorite topics, but for many, a taste for math comes naturally. Here are the results of the 18th Mathematical Olympiad of Public Schools in Brazil (Obmep), where students from the State Education Network of Minas Gerais won 577 medals in the 2023 edition, of which 30 were gold, 131 were silver and 416 – bronze. In addition, more than 4,830 honorary degrees were awarded to candidates who performed well in the competition.
In addition to encouraging schools to move closer to a scientific environment, Obmep further awakens interest in the subject and annually recognizes the work of students and their teachers.
For Joao Marcos de Oliveira, 11, a 7th-year elementary school student at Escola Estadual José Ricardo Neiva, located in the town of Ferruginha, in the rural district of Conselheiro Pena, Valle do Acho, his ability with mathematics began early. The student made his Olympic debut and finished 10th nationally in the 2023 edition of Obmep.
“I realized that my effort, preparation and study made a difference. I am very happy that I was in the top ten of Brazil. I hope to get more medals in 2024 and the next editions. I can tell my colleagues that studying is worth it,” says the student who dreams of studying medicine. As an award, João Marcos will receive the gold medal of the national ceremony and a monthly stipend.
In addition, the student can easily solve mathematical operations, another skill that can help his performance in both stages of the Olympiad.
“In bi-monthly evaluations, in addition to calculations, he always makes justifications, explains how he achieved the result. João Marcos is an excellent student. Hard-working, responsible and committed to school assignments,” says Elien Fantaina, math teacher at EE José Ricardo Neiva.
Damiana Oliveira, Joao’s mother, talks about how proud she is to see her son recognized at a national level. “João Marcos follows channels about Obmep on the web, helping with referrals and content. I am very satisfied with the classification, because he prepared, studied and achieved what he wanted,” says the student’s mother, who is also a public school teacher. In the family, the ability of mathematics is also shared with the youngest son, Jose Augusto de Oliveira, who also took the 2nd place in Obmep Mirim in 2023.
Obmep is an initiative that provides a diverse and motivating environment in the school. During the two stages of the Olympiad, students are exposed to interesting and challenging math questions and are encouraged to work in groups. The 18th National Awards are scheduled for June in Rio de Janeiro.
Pathway to Math Success
State Education Network has a long history of commitment and skill in competitions, whether national or regional. This is the case of 26-year-old José Coelho, formerly of Escola Estadual João Wesley, Governador Valadares and Obmep gold medalist in 2012, who is completing his PhD in Mathematics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
“Participating in the Olympic Games was one of the defining moments of my life. The first time I took the test, I received an honorable mention, which was enough to participate in the Jr. to the Scientific Initiation Program (PIC), where medalists gathered to learn mathematics. Over time, I found a lasting passion in the discipline. Today, 12 years later, I am close to becoming a doctor of mathematics, and it all started with Obmep,” says the doctoral student.
Award-winning teachers
In addition to students, Obmep also recognizes the performance of teachers, who are important in preparing for the competition. Depending on the classification level, winners can receive diplomas, certificates, books and training in mathematics.
Professor William Antonio Pereira, from Escola Estadual Abeilard Resende Pereira in Lagoa Durada, was one of the teachers of the State Education Network awarded in the 18th edition and speaks about the importance of teamwork.
“Recognition motivates us to do our jobs better. I believe that this achievement was only possible because of the dedication of the students involved and the entire team of math teachers at our school. We work with our students on the skills needed to solve problems,” says the teacher.
Ivonete de Oliveira Lima, who teaches at the Escola Estadual Cesário Coimbra in Muzambiño, has a history of winning at the Olympics. The teacher, who was also awarded in 2023, was dedicated to the preparation and success of students.
“I started working with Obmep at the Padre Luiz Moreno Public School in Nova Resende, where we won the first gold medal for schools that belong to the Regional Education Control of Posos de Caldas (SRE). After two years of intensive work in Nova Resende, we also had our first gold medal and since then we have always had good incomes. The results are due to the transformative activities in the new classroom model, in which we use all possible tools, observing the characteristics of each student, encouraging their potential and actions for such competitions,” says the teacher.
The next edition of Obmep
Registration for the 19th edition is now open. Institutions offering grades 6 through 9 of elementary and secondary education are eligible to apply. 8,450 national medals, 650 gold, 1,950 silver and 5,850 bronze, in addition to 51,000 certificates, will be awarded at the competition. To further encourage student participation, Obmep will also reward students with the best state results. Schools can register until March 15 through this link.