No fewer than 7 500 students from across the Western Cape converged on upper campus on 16 April to take part in UCT's Mathematics Competition. They came from as nearby as Rondebosch and as far afield as Bredasdorp and George, all with the single purpose of solving some of the toughest mathematics they will encounter in their high school careers.

Students from grades 8 through 12 are invited to participate, and the top performers are invited to a series of follow-up competitions, culminating in the UCT Mathematics Olympiad. Last night, all 18 schools involved in UCT's 100UP programme were represented.

Emeritus Professor John Webb, director of the UCT Mathematics Competition, says: "The UCT Mathematics Competition gives bright students an opportunity to show their high mathematical skills and to be challenged. It shows that maths can be fun and it encourages students to look beyond the school curriculum to allow their true mathematical talent to shine through."