As the new year unfolds, young minds are invited to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of mathematics through the 2024 Math Olympiads designed specifically for primary school students. These competitions not only challenge their problem-solving skills but also fosters a love for mathematics that goes beyond the classroom.
So what are the Math Olympiads that your primary school child can join in 2024? We’ve created this guide for you as we cover the 7 competitions – SMKC, SASMO, RIPMWC, SMOPS, NMOS, AMC and AMO!
Why Participate?
The Math Olympiads present a unique platform for students to tackle challenging mathematical problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities from an early age. Success at the Math Olympiads boosts confidence, providing students with a sense of achievement that extends beyond academic grades. The competitions’ engaging problems and puzzles aim to instill a passion for mathematics, making it a subject to be enjoyed rather than feared. Participants have the opportunity to interact with other young math enthusiasts, creating a supportive community that encourages learning and collaboration. By joining Math Olympiads, it can also further strengthen your child’s portfolio for his/her DSA application to top secondary schools.
Key Details
1. Singapore Math Kangaroo Contest (SMKC)
Ideal for beginners seeking an introduction to the realm of Math Competitions, the Kangaroo Math Olympiad proves to be a fitting choice. Specifically designed for those starting out, it evaluates the Singapore Math curriculum, ensuring a beginner-friendly experience. Notably, this competition uniquely extends its invitation to students in both P1 and P2.
The Kangaroo focuses on assessing logical combination skills rather than mere formulaic knowledge. Its problems necessitate creativity, logical thinking, and encourage students to approach challenges from diverse perspectives.
| Organiser | SIMCC |
| Date of Competition | 14 April 2024 (Updated on 6 April 2024) |
| Registration Deadline | 25 March 2024 |
| Eligibility | P1 onwards |
| Exam Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Format | P1-P4: 24 MCQ P5/6: 30 MCQ |
| Topics Tested | Arithmetic operations with 1 and 2 digit number, distinguishing simple figures, time, clock, number of days in a week, number of months in a year |
| How to register | Sign up for as a member at SIMCC and verify your account through this link. https://form.simcc.org/registration-form-contests/ To register for the contest, log in as a member. Select from the drop-down menu > Registration > Contest Registration Form > Select SMKC |
2. Singapore & Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO)
SASMO stands out as a competition suitable for beginners. Its problem sets are crafted to encourage students to apply previously learned concepts in innovative ways, rather than testing knowledge beyond the syllabus.
Setting realistic and elevated standards, SASMO contests are geared towards expanding the untapped thinking potential within the student community. Participation in SASMO not only contributes to improvement in school mathematics but also enhances higher-order thinking skills (HOTS).
| Organiser | SASMO |
| Date of Competition | 30 March 2024 (updated on 21 March 2024) |
| Registration Deadline | 11 March 2024 |
| Eligibility | P1 onwards |
| Exam Duration | 90 min |
| Format | P2: 10 MCQ + 5QsP3/P4: 20 QsP5/6: 25 Qs |
| Topics Tested | Arithmetic and Statistics, Geometry and Mensuration, Solving word problems using model method (or any other non-algebraic methods), Non-routine problem solving (including number patterns, divisibility tests, spatial visualisation, logic problems and simple cryptarithms) |
| How to Register | Sign up for as a member at SIMCC and verify your account through this link. https://form.simcc.org/registration-form-contests/ To register for the contest, log in as a member. Select from the drop-down menu > Registration > Contest Registration Form > Select SASMO |
3. Raffles Institution Primary Mathematics World Contest (RIPMWC)
Organised by Raffles Institution, RIPMWC is a prestigious competition that draws students from all corners of Singapore. It provides a distinctive combination of mathematics and real-world problem-solving. Contestants engage with mathematical challenges that demand innovative thinking to address practical issues. The competition actively promotes the application of mathematical knowledge in various scenarios.
The contest unfolds in two rounds. For Round 1, participants will engage in an online competition conducted within their respective primary school premises. In Round 2, a written contest is scheduled to take place at Raffles Institution.
Invitations for Round 2 will be extended to the top 2% or approximately the top 40 pupils (whichever is lower) from the Junior Category, and the top 3% or around the top 60 pupils (whichever is lower) from the Open Category based on their performance in Round 1.
In 2024, Raffles Institute has renamed RIPMWC to Raffles Mathematical Olympiad (RMO).
| Organiser | Raffles Institution |
| Date of Competition | Round 1: 26 March 2024 Round 2: 19 April 2024 |
| Deadline for Registration | 19 February 2024 |
| Eligibility | By invitation through school |
| Exam Duration | Round 1: 1 hr on-line Round 2: 60 min written paper |
| Format | 20 MCQ / 15Qs |
| Other Details | Students below Primary 5 will compete in the Junior Category while Primary 6 students will be ranked accordingly in the Open Category. Top 40 and top 60 students from the Junior and Open Category will be selected for Round 2. |
4. Singapore Mathematical Olympiad for Primary School (SMOPS)
SMOPS is recognised as one of the prestigious Mathematics Olympiads in Singapore, hosted by the Hwa Chong Institution. Open to primary school students from Primary 3 to Primary 6, the competition unfolds in multiple stages, featuring a preliminary round and a challenging final round.
Participants encounter intricate mathematical challenges that require both creative thinking and determination. Beyond honing problem-solving skills, SMOPS fosters a competitive spirit among emerging mathematicians.
SMPOPS consists of two competition rounds. In early April, the first round takes place simultaneously in local schools and overseas centers. Outstanding performers from both local and overseas locations during this initial round will receive invitations to participate in the Invitation Round of SMOPS. This culminating round is conducted in the last week of the first semester school term in Singapore, where participants vie for top positions in the competition.
| Organiser | Hwa Chong |
| Date of Competition | APMOPS Round 1: 18 April 2024 (online and hosted in schools) APMOPS Invitational: 25 May 2024 |
| Date of Registration | 1-29 February 2024 |
| Eligibility | P6, P5 (max 10 per school), sent by schools |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Format | 30 Qs |
| Topics Tested | Arithmetic and Algebra, Number Theory, Geometry, Combinatorics and Counting, Principles, Number Pattern, Puzzle Word Problems, Logic Problems |
| Link | https://apmops.hci.edu.sg/ |
5. National Mathematical Olympiad of Singapore (NMOS)
NMOS, conducted annually by NUS High School of Math and Science in July, stands out as a prestigious competition offering a valuable addition to your portfolio for a DSA spot at their school. Notably, registration is exclusive to schools. As of 8 March 2024, only students who are in Primary 5 will be eligible for the NMOS.
As a nationwide competition, NMOS is crafted to identify the most adept young mathematicians who can represent Singapore internationally. Accessible to primary school students, NMOS presents challenging mathematical problems that assess participants’ problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning. It serves as a pivotal platform for students aspiring to excel in the field of mathematics.
| Organiser | NUS High |
| Date of Competition | 16 July 2024 |
| Eligibility | P5 students only |
| Exam Duration | 1.5 hours + 0.5 hours |
| Format | R1: 30 Qs R2: 20Qs As of 8 March 2024, the NMOS will be conducted in a single round. This single round will comprise of 35 Questions. |
| Topics Tested | Number Theory, Geometry, Algebra, Combinatorics |
| Link | https://www.nushigh.edu.sg/news-and-events/primary-school-competitions/mathematical-olympiad-of-sg/introduction/ |
6. American Mathematics Competitions (AMC)
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) is a series of renowned mathematical contests designed to challenge and inspire students across the United States. Organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the AMC consists of several rounds, including the AMC 10, AMC 12:
- American Mathematics Competition 8 (AMC 8): AMC’s middle school level competition*
- American Mathematics Competition 10/12 (AMC 10/12): AMC’s high school level competition*
The problems posed in the AMC are known for their depth and creativity, requiring participants to apply advanced problem-solving techniques. Successful performance in the AMC can lead to further opportunities, such as qualification for the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), making it a prestigious and influential part of the American mathematical landscape.
| Organiser | Mathematical Association of America |
| Date of Competition | 18 Jan 2024 – 24 Jan 2024, dependent on organiser |
| Eligibility | AMC8: Before Grade 8 or 14.5 years old AMC10/12: Before Grade 10 (17.5 years old) and 12 (19.5 years old) respectively |
| Exam Duration | AMC8: 40 mins AMC10/12: 75 mins |
| Format | 25 MCQ & 5 Qs |
| Topics Tested | Counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry including the Pythagorean Theorem, spatial visualization, everyday applications, and reading and interpreting graphs and tables. Some of the later questions may involve linear or quadratic functions and equations, coordinate geometry, and other topics traditionally covered in a beginning algebra course. |
| Link | https://maa.org/math-competitions |
Psst, did you know that Think Academy is one of the centres where you can register for AMC8 in 2023 and 2024? If you are looking forward to join the AMC8 2025, check out our website for updates in Nov/Dec 2024.
7. American Math Olympiad (AMO)
The American Math Olympiad (AMO) stands as an esteemed international mathematics competition tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students. This collaborative effort between SIMCC and Southern Illinois University (SIU) aims to foster a heightened appreciation and comprehensive comprehension of mathematics.
Open to students from Grade 2 to 12, AMO’s structure aligns with The US Common Core Standards, ensuring a curriculum that reflects the essential mathematical principles. The competition not only serves as a platform for showcasing mathematical talents but also encourages participants to delve into the intricacies of the subject, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for mathematics among students of varying grade levels.
| Organiser | American Math Olympiads |
| Date of Competition | TBC |
| Eligibility | Grade 2 to 12 |
| Exam Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Format | 15 MC Questions, 5 Open-Ended Questions, Open-Ended Questions |
| Topics Tested | Algebraic and geometric ideas, focusing on flexible understanding of number systems, algebraic expressions, polynomial functions, exponential functions, geometric transformations, and their applications in problem solving. Strategic counting, data analysis, and conditional probabilities are also covered. |
| Link | https://amo.sg/ |
How to Sign Up:
Registration details can be found on the official Math Olympiads website. Make sure to register before the deadline to secure your spot in this exciting competition.
Preparation Tips:
To excel in the Math Olympiads, start early! Brush up your child’s fundamental math concepts, practice regularly, and explore past Olympiad questions. Consider seeking guidance from teachers to enhance your child’s preparation.
Want some FREE Math Olympiad and GEP Practice? We’ve got you covered. Our team at Think Academy has prepared a resource bank: https://www.thinkacademy.sg/resource to get you started on your Math Olympiad competition preparation.
Looking to sign up for 2024 Math Olympiads?
The 2024 Math Olympiads offer primary school students a golden opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of mathematics. Beyond the thrill of competition, participants will develop valuable skills that will serve them well in academics and beyond. Embrace the challenge, and let the mathematical adventure begin!
