Teamwork, Thinking, and Triumph: Highlights from the 2025 IAMTA Quizzes
“Over 350 students took part in this year’s IAMTA Junior and Senior Problem Solving Quizzes, representing more than 50 schools nationwide.”
The IAMTA Problem Solving Quizzes have become a highlight of the academic calendar, encouraging mathematical thinking and teamwork among students nationwide. Organised annually by regional Applied Maths teachers, these events provide students with an opportunity to apply problem-solving skills in a fun, competitive setting while fostering collaboration and enthusiasm for mathematics.
The annual Irish Applied Mathematics Teachers Association (IAMTA) Problem Solving Quizzes once again brought students from across Ireland together to celebrate teamwork, logical reasoning, and mathematical thinking.
Junior Problem-Solving Competition
The Junior Problem Solving Competition took place on Thursday 23rd January 2025, across 12 regional venues, with over 200 teams of four participating nationwide. Each team consisted of students from Junior Cycle or Transition Year, with a maximum of two TY students per team. The competition featured six rounds, each containing four questions based on the Junior Certificate Higher Level Mathematics course.
Following the regional rounds, 24 teams qualified to take part in the All-Ireland Final, held in Athlone on Saturday 22nd March 2025. Teams represented schools from right across the country, including Athlone Community College, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Coláiste na Coiribe, St Benildus College, Alexandra College, Belvedere College, St Declan’s College, Ardgillan Community College, St Peter’s College Wexford, Gorey Community School, Christian Brothers College Cork, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Blarney, Patrician Secondary School Newbridge, Scoil Pól Kilfinane, St Vincent’s Dundalk, Sligo Grammar School, Mercy College Sligo, and St Patrick’s College Moyne.
After six fast-paced rounds, Athlone Community College, Alexandra College, Belvedere College and Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Blarney all finished on the same top score of 34 points. A tense tie-break round followed, with Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney emerging as overall champions.
1st Place: Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney
2nd Place: Athlone Community College
3rd Place: Alexandra College, Dublin
Senior Applied Maths Competition
The Senior Applied Maths Competition was held on Thursday 6th March 2025, across nine regional venues, attracting 144 teams from schools nationwide. Each team consisted of up to three students, including at least one student who was not in Leaving Certificate or final year.
The quiz featured eight rounds, each with three questions, covering topics such as Linear Motion, Relative Velocity, Projectiles (horizontal and inclined planes), Pulleys and Wedges, Collisions, and Logic.
Following the regional rounds, 25 teams qualified for the All-Ireland Final, which took place in Athlone on Saturday 22nd March 2025. Schools represented included Marist College Athlone, Moate Community School, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Coláiste na Coiribe, Calasanctius College Oranmore, Gonzaga College, Alexandra College, The Institute of Education, Castleknock College, St Kieran’s College Kilkenny, Presentation Brothers College Cork, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Blarney, Nenagh College, Scoil Pól Kilfinane, St Vincent’s Dundalk, and Clongowes Wood College Clane.
At the end of eight challenging rounds, Oatlands College, Mount Merrion, claimed first place with an impressive score of 34 points. Two teams from Clongowes Wood College tied for second place, with a tie-break round deciding the remaining podium positions.
The final results were:
1st Place: Oatlands College, Mount Merrion
2nd Place: Clongowes Wood College, Clane
3rd Place: Clongowes Wood College, Clane
Both the Junior and Senior competitions continue to grow in popularity each year, offering students an engaging opportunity to apply mathematics beyond the classroom while developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
The IAMTA would like to thank all regional organisers, supervising teachers, and participating schools for their continued support in making both competitions such a success.
The dates for this year’s competitions are as follows:
- The 2026 Junior Problem Solving Quiz will take place on Thursday 22nd January 2026 at 11:00am.
- The 2026 Senior Applied Maths Competition will take place on Thursday 12th March 2026 at 7:30pm.
- The All-Ireland Finals for both competitions will be held in Athlone on Saturday 18th April 2026.
