The HSBC Malta Foundation has sponsored the winning prizes of the sixth edition of the High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge 2021. The Science Centre Pembroke, within the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes (DLAP), organises this annual event which aims to challenge and improve the skills of mathematically talented students.

A total of 76 Year 5 and Year 6 students from different primary schools have completed the challenge, in which students were actively engaged in hands-on, enquiry-based, challenging mathematics tasks via five online after-school workshops.

Glenn Bugeja, manager Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Malta, said: "Science, technology, engineering and mathematics education (Stem) is crucial as it provides students with a skill set that helps them think through and overcome life's challenges. Through its support, the HSBC Malta Foundation is committed to assisting young learners to develop their Stem skills to ensure that they will be able to lead a successful professional and personal life when they grow up."

Desiree Scicluna Bugeja, assistant director at the Ministry of Education's Science Centre in Pembroke, said: "The young gifted participants in the High 5 JMC were presented with a variety of challenges through tasks/workshops emphasising problem-solving, analysis and critical-thinking. Through collaboration with the HSBC Malta Foundation, the Science Centre is strengthening the repertoire of enrichment programmes for gifted students."

The winner of the challenge is Daniel Grech (Theresa Nuzzo School) while Nathan Tedesco (St Nicholas College, Attard Primary) is the Top Performing Year 5 finalist.

All winners were presented with awards by the HSBC Malta Foundation. Finalists have also been invited to participate in a summer Stem Camp at the Malta National Aquarium organised by the Science Centre Pembroke in collaboration with the team at the Malta National Aquarium and sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation.

The next edition of the High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge will be announced through an official circular issued by DLAP, towards the beginning of October.