Christian Alliance International School (CAIS) is committed to nurturing a strong foundation and enthusiasm for mathematics and science among its students.
In July last year, CAIS students proudly made their mark by representing the school at the prestigious Asia International Mathematical Olympiad (AIMO) for the first time. Remarkably, three high school students—Audrey Yeung, Jocelyn Lee, and Sean Ng—advanced from a competitive field of 9,000 participants to reach the AIMO finals held at Incheon National University, South Korea.
Grade 12 graduate, Audrey, believes taking part in the competition allowed her to learn and study knowledge beyond the school curriculum. “The AIMO questions are challenging since calculators are not allowed, so we need to think outside of the box to solve those questions,” she explains.
Jocelyn agrees that the AIMO has greatly enriched her learning experience by being introduced to math problems that “break free from the formulaic structures that are usually practiced at school”. She adds, “The competition showcases questions that require unconventional connections between different concepts. It’s a reminder that math isn’t just about memorizing formulas, but that it’s a dynamic subject for discoveries!”
The students’ performance not only demonstrates their individual talents but also exemplifies the school’s focus on nurturing excellence in mathematics. Sean shares, “The AIMO pushed me to explore mathematical concepts beyond the standard curriculum. I had never actively sought out additional math knowledge, so this experience challenged me to research functions and techniques I wouldn’t have learned in school.” In recognition of their outstanding achievement, the three students were awarded scholarships from the school to support their participation in the finals.
This year, Audrey, Jocelyn and Sean are passing the baton to fellow Grade 9 to 12 students. Nine CAIS students have qualified to represent the school at the upcoming AIMO, hosted in Tokyo, Japan, next month. This marked increase of representation underscores the growing passion and capabilities of CAIS students on an international stage. Jocelyn encourages this year’s participants, “Never fear mistakes and carry your confidence into every question! Competitions aren’t just about scores but the growth that comes with it. Stay curious, enjoy the process.”
Beyond competitions, CAIS cultivates a vibrant academic environment. In March, the school hosted the Dragon Maths Competition, welcoming over 300 math enthusiasts from 21 international schools across Hong Kong. This event provides a platform for friendly competition and collaborative learning, while sharing an enjoyment of mathematics among participants.
Throughout the school year, students engage in a variety of activities, for example, the annual Sci-Pi Week in high school. For CAIS upper primary students, STEAM Night offers an opportunity to showcase creativity and learning through science projects presented to parents. These hands-on projects, ranging from building simple machines to creating electricity and aerial models, enable students to apply STEAM concepts while instilling a sense of intellectual curiosity.
CAIS offers three distinct education pathways: Alberta (Canada) curriculum, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), and Advanced Placement courses. As a Canadian-curriculum international school, CAIS students consistently achieve excellent results in the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) math contests, based in the University of Waterloo. In this year’s CEMC contest, 17 CAIS students scored in the top 25% worldwide, with four students named School Champions for achieving outstanding scores.
Through the integration of rigorous academic coursework and competition opportunities, CAIS creates an enriching environment where students cultivate a lifelong enthusiasm for mathematics and science. As CAIS graduate, Audrey, reflects on her experience at the AIMO, “I hope students can enjoy the process and connect with other participating classmates, whilst improving their math skills and enhancing their interest in this subject.” The learning opportunities that CAIS offers not only prepare students for academic success but also equip them to thrive in higher education and future endeavours.
33 King Lam Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, HK
Tel: 3699 3862 / 3699 3863 / 3699 3865
Email: admissions@caisbv.edu.hk
Website: www.caisbv.edu.hk
