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Nexus Year 4 Learner Celebrates Success at International Mathematics Competition
At Nexus International School (Singapore), we believe in giving learners the encouragement, opportunities and support they need to pursue the things they are passionate about. Whether that passion lies in mathematics, sport, the arts or beyond, we love seeing our learners challenge themselves, discover what they are capable of and celebrate their achievements along the way.
For our Year 4 learner, Devina, a love of mathematical problem-solving has already taken her on an exciting journey of challenges and competitions. Most recently, she represented Nexus at the Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) 2026, achieving an impressive Bronze medal in the Math Olympiad (MO) and Silver medal in Math Warriors (MW).
Held in Singapore during the school holidays, SIMOC is an international platform for developing mathematical talent, bringing together some of the strongest young mathematicians from around the world. The competition goes beyond traditional problem-solving, with learners tackling challenging mathematical problems as well as interactive games designed to develop higher-order thinking, collaboration and strategic reasoning.
For Devina, mathematics is about much more than finding the right answer. She enjoys asking questions, recognising patterns and finding creative ways to solve problems, making SIMOC a natural opportunity to put her skills to the test.
A love of mathematics that started at five
Devina’s mum recalls that her love of mathematics began when she was just five. At a family function with little to keep her occupied, her grandmother handed her a sheet of paper filled with long addition problems and began timing her as she worked through them. What started as a simple way to keep her entertained quickly sparked a lasting love of mathematics.
That simple challenge sparked something that has continued to grow.
Today, Devina enjoys mathematical problems that require logical thinking and reasoning rather than simply following a familiar method.
It is an approach that has served her well in competition mathematics, where finding a solution often means looking at a problem from a completely different perspective.
From SASMO to SIMOC
Devina’s place at SIMOC came after she earned a Bronze medal at the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO) in April, earning her an invitation to take part in the competition.
Once her enrolment was confirmed, Devina began preparing for SIMOC, dedicating time each day to work through past papers and explore every resource she could find. Her hard work helped prepare her for the challenges of the competition, including one particularly difficult question that required her to think differently and change her approach before finding the solution.
The Math Warriors competition was also a new experience for Devina, as she had to play mathematical games against random opponents and adapt her strategy as she went.
She rose to the challenge, earning a Silver medal in Math Warriors, alongside her Bronze in the Math Olympiad.
“It is the support from the school, along with Devina’s own hard work and dedication, that has helped her come this far,” says Devina’s mum.
More than a competition
For Devina’s teachers, her success reflects qualities that extend well beyond mathematics.
“Devina is curious, focused and balanced in her approach to learning, all qualities that contribute to her being a strong mathematician,” says Ms Suzie, Devina’s Year 4 teacher.
“It’s been lovely to hear about her fantastic achievements at SIMOC, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her mathematical thinking as the year progresses.”
Ms Katharina, Head of Numeracy in Primary, also highlights the value of giving learners opportunities to apply their mathematical thinking beyond familiar classroom situations.
“Participating in maths competitions allows learners to apply their mathematical thinking in unfamiliar situations. These experiences can support learners’ confidence and curiosity while encouraging them to take risks and think creatively.”
At Nexus, learners have opportunities to extend their mathematical thinking through a range of competitions and experiences, including the FOBISIA Coding Competition, Primary Maths Competitions (PMC) and First Maths Competitions (FMC).
Congratulations to Devina on her fantastic achievements at SIMOC. We look forward to seeing where her curiosity, determination and love of problem-solving take her next.
