Math Competitions All Year Round: Why Your Child Should Join
- Nonthapat Hansiri
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Math competitions aren’t just for the top students or future mathematicians. In fact, participating in a math competition—even once—can unlock confidence, creativity, and critical thinking in students of all levels.
With events taking place throughout the year in Thailand and around the world, math competitions offer a powerful supplement to classroom learning.
Let’s explore why your child should give it a try—and how to get started.
🌟 Benefits Beyond the Trophy
Math competitions build more than just skills—they shape character.
Benefit | How It Helps |
🧠 Problem-solving | Tackles unfamiliar, open-ended problems |
💬 Communication | Explains reasoning, justifies answers |
😌 Resilience | Learns to bounce back from mistakes |
📈 Growth mindset | Focuses on progress over perfection |
🧑🤝🧑 Teamwork (in some formats) | Builds collaboration and leadership |
📚 Research: According to a study by Bicknell (2009), participation in math competitions improves motivation and persistence, particularly among students who don’t normally see themselves as “math people.”
📅 Major Math Competitions in Thailand
There are many local and international opportunities available to Thai students:
🏫 In-school and national:
Thailand Mathematics Olympiad (TMO)
IMC – International Mathematics Contest (Thailand round)
Thailand Junior Mathematics Competition (TJMC)
OBEC Academic Competitions for public school students
🌏 International (open to Thai students):
IMSO (International Math and Science Olympiad)
Kangaroo Math Competition
SASMO / SIMOC / APMOPS
AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) – hosted by some Thai international schools
🧒 Is It Just for Gifted Students?
Not at all!
Many competitions are tiered by age or ability, offering entry-level challenges. Some are multiple choice, some focus on team collaboration, and others reward creative solutions, not just speed.
✅ It’s about exposure, not perfection.
Even if your child doesn’t win, they gain:
New ways of thinking
Deeper confidence in math
Excitement from seeing math as a game, not a test
👨👩👧👦 How Can Parents Support?
Encourage participation without pressure.
Celebrate effort, not just results.
Use past competition problems for fun, low-stakes practice.
Connect with after-school programs or math clubs that prepare students.
🇹🇭 Thai Schools That Emphasize Competition
Some private and international schools in Thailand, such as:
Chulalongkorn Demonstration School
Mahidol Wittayanusorn School
Assumption College
SISB, NIVA, and other international schools
…actively support math competition training and preparation.
Even if your school doesn’t, your child can still join independently through open registration websites like:
✨ Final Thoughts
Math competitions aren’t just for top scorers—they’re a stage for creativity, challenge, and fun. Whether your child is a beginner or advanced, these contests offer a chance to grow mathematically and personally.
You don’t have to win to gain from the experience. Sometimes, the biggest prize is discovering you’re better at math than you thought.
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