High school prepares students for math competitions

Werner seitz tries to inspire schoolchildren to take part in mathematics competitions. "In times of G 8, however, it has become more difficult to recruit participants", says seitz. That's why frobenius gymnasium is now starting as early as possible: in the new school year 2013/14, 5b will be a specialized "math plus" class-class composed.

"It is not meant to be an elite class", seitz explains: "we don't want any straight A students." Rather, children are asked to take the spab at the have a knob and like to solve mathematical problems. Seitz, a mathematics supervisor, has taken the arts as a model for his concept. For example, there are schools with theater and music classes in which choral singing or acting are particularly required.

In addition to the regular four hours of math lessons per week, the fifth-graders in grade 5b receive an obligatory intensification lesson and an extra hour of "math-plus" as an optional subject. Children learn the material that was eliminated for G8: roman numerals, the binary system, and the theory of numbers. "That in itself is an enrichment", says principal helmut schreiner, himself a mathematics graduate. However, the school tasks are no more difficult than in the other classes. They only cover the regular curriculum.

Seitz also prepares children for math competitions. Because the solutions often required a completely new approach and differed from the standard recipe used in the classroom. "Trying things out and trying them out often helps", seitz explains. Even he as a teacher could not manage the tasks of the higher competitions at the first attempt. Seitz: "I don't have that much patience."

Schoolchildren form a community
He wants to get as many as possible of the 5b class to participate. Having all the math-enthusiastic students in the same class is intended to create a sense of community among them.

Frobenius high school has a rank to defend. Time and again, schools successfully take part in award rounds. At the 15. This time, there were five participants in the bavarian state mathematics competition. For this, the grammar school can look forward to an award and prize money of between 1000 and 1500 euros, because it is one of the eight best schools in bavaria. In the past, there have already been two national winners. You have embarked on a career in science.

It pays to take part, because the winners of the national competition can look forward to a scholarship. Seitz also wants to bring the schools into the competitions because they are important for the university. However, the students are not forced to study mathematics. Being good at math doesn't automatically mean you'll get a math degree. "It's a tough business, says seitz from his own experience.

At least the fifth graders will be able to read the roman numerals on monuments after the math plus year, according to schreiner. "That is a cultural-historical gain."