‘I love math’: Montreal students get perfect scores in online competitions

He got a perfect score in the largest online math competition in the world. Meet Omar Aly, grade 6 student at Montreal’s Royal Vale school and his peers who are rocking math problems.

“I got 100 and I was really happy,” said Aly, whose dream is to become a scientist or mathematician.

Over 13,000 international participants were in the Grade 5-6 category for the contest – Caribou – an online educational platform that aims to make math fun, offering learning resources and competitions for students.

Aly, the only one to get a perfect score in his category.

Omar Aly, grade 6 student at Montreal’s Royal Vale school whogot a perfect score in the world’s largest online math competition. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

“When we announced his results to the class, the entire class erupted in cheers,” said Steve Spetsieris, vice-principal, Royal Vale school. “It was really a proud moment.”

“He’s a very good kid,” added Spetsieris. “He’s very humble, very gracious.”

Done in the school’s library, the online exam saw about 40 Royal Vale students participating.

But it wasn’t their only online competition.

As they recently completed the Beaver Computing Challenge – introducing computer science to students.

Champions from the school here too: Nara Norouzi and Olivia Yeung, both grade 6 students.

Omar Aly announces the grade 6 students who aced their Beaver Computing Challenge. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

“Math helps us a lot in this world,” said Norouzi. “You might not realize, but are using it as everyday things.”

“It’s a really fun subject,” added Yeung. “Because you can do so many things with it.”

#WATCH: He got a perfect score in the largest online math competition in the world.

Meet Omar Aly, grade 6 student at Montreal’s Royal Vale school and his peers who are rocking math problems.

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How Aly prepared for his perfect score: the practice problems he did with his father.

“My dad is an engineer,” explained Aly. “He teaches me a lot about math.”

Royal Vale grade 6 math workbook. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)

Though they’ve been competing – the grade six students are always cheering each other on.

“It makes for a happy environment,” said Spetsieris. “Kids learn best when they’re in a safe and happy environment.”

“I love math because, like, it’s almost like a puzzle,” explained Royal Vale grade 6 student, Xavier De Koos. “There’s so many ways you could put it together.”

“My dad just taught me so many things,” added fellow peer, Jason Broadbent. “I was in grade three and I already knew algebra.”

“Math is one of the most important things you’re going to do in your life,” said Aly. “I’m just passionate about it.”