KP Sharma

Coinciding the 8th birth anniversary of His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, six students from various schools who won the Annual Gyalsey Mathematics competition were recognised and presented with awards in Thimphu yesterday.

The Gyalsey Annual Mathematics Award which was instituted in 2022 aims to foster and nurture students’ innate mathematical abilities.

The competition has two categories: the Higher Secondary School (HSS) category for students in classes 11 and 12 and the Middle Secondary School (MSS) category for students in classes nine and ten.

The competition was conducted at the national level on November 13 last year.

In the HSS category, Sonam Norbu, a class 12 student from the Royal Academy in Paro, secured the first prize of Nu 150,000. Following him was Sonam Tobgyal Dorji, also a class 12 student from Motithang HSS in Thimphu, who received the second prize of Nu 100,000.

Sonam Dorji Tamang, a class 11 student from Mendrelgang HSS in Tsirang, received the third prize of Nu 75,000.

Expressing his happiness and satisfaction regarding the competition, Sonam Dorji Tamang, who also participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) training in Gelephu, highlighted the distinction between mathematics at the international level and the content taught in schools.

He pointed at the potential benefits of aligning the Bhutanese school curriculum with the international standards in enhancing students’ proficiency in mathematics.

“It would be great if our curriculum in school also aligns with such standards,” he said.

Similarly, in the Middle Secondary School (MSS) category, Tandin Zangmo, a class 10 student from Lamgong HSS in Paro, secured the first prize of Nu 150,000. Following her was Karma Kelzang, a class 10 student from Dechentsemo HSS in Punakha, who earned the second prize of Nu 100,000. Tshering Choden Norbu from Gelephu HSS won the third prize of Nu 75,000.

Tandin Zangmo said that she worked hard and her preparation was the sole reason why she emerged as the winner.

“I relied on YouTube as my primary source for learning problem-solving,” she said.

According to Tandin, developing a robust mathematical foundation is crucial for tackling more complex problems and statements. “Mathematics becomes more manageable when we have a strong foundation of knowledge and skills,” she added.

The officials said that the international mathematics olympiad (IMO) for the year 2024 will take place in the United Kingdom and will become an annual event for the ministry.