SHT Chapter 39

Olympiad Mathematics, in itself, belongs to the same lineage as mathematics. However, the learning content, problem-solving methods, and even the mindset are significantly different from regular mathematics.


Mathematics learned in schools focuses more on basic knowledge, with a strong systematic approach that suits the mathematical cognition and logical thinking abilities of most children.

Olympiad Mathematics, on the other hand, is an advanced course prepared for the minority of children with a talent for mathematics, with most topics falling under advanced teaching.

Edward is a physical education teacher, naturally clueless about Olympiad Mathematics.

"What's wrong? Are the results not as expected?" He asked with a smile. He doesn't understand anything about Olympiad Mathematics, but he knows a bit about Olympiad math competitions.
In fact, Olympiad math competitions share many similarities with sports competitions.

Competitions are divided into four levels: city-level selections, provincial level, national finals, and international Olympic competitions. Participants need to pass through strict selections and difficult tests to finally stand on the world stage.

This is quite similar to the path he took to enter the national team. Students who win prizes in the National High School Mathematics Olympiad or even the International Mathematics Olympiad are exceptional children with outstanding mathematical talents.

For students who win awards, bonus points in college entrance exams and direct admissions to prestigious universities are standard procedures.

"Hmm." Katherine nodded her head.

"Olympiad Mathematics is quite different from the math taught in textbooks, it requires a high level of thinking from students. Of the three top students we selected this year, it will be quite difficult for even one of them to win an award at the national Olympiad Math competition. This result is considerably worse compared to previous years."

She felt somewhat helpless. This year, it was her first time taking on the role of leading the Olympiad Mathematics team, hoping to achieve good results. However, after repeated testing and teaching, she realized that the probability of all three top students selected this year winning awards was almost non-existent.

"There are still ten days left. Who knows, maybe a miracle will happen?" Edward chuckled. He also recalled the mathematical talents of his students in class. Most students in Class 9 have average mathematical talents. Only three students can be considered excellent.


The student with the highest mathematical talent is "problem student" Jamie. He possesses a superb level of mathematical talent. However, his emotional scars have long prevented him from focusing on studying, rendering his exceptional talent useless.

Upon hearing Katherine mention the Olympiad Math competition, Edward started thinking differently. If he could solve Jamie's issues, maybe he could get him to participate in the Olympiad Math competition.


However, upon second thought, Edward felt somewhat at a loss when it came to Jamie's psychological issues. Upon hearing Edward's words, Katherine smiled helplessly. She felt that Edward was just trying to console her with those words.


After all, she knew very well the situation in Edward's Class 9 as a math teacher. The matter of the Olympiad Math competition had nothing to do with the students in Class 9. If they could listen to and grasp the basic mathematical knowledge she taught, and perform well in exams, she would already be very satisfied.

The idea of students from Class 9 participating in the Olympiad Math competition? She had never even considered such a thing.

….


During lunch break, in the Class 9 classroom.

"Oh my god! Did Edward Sir really give each of you a computer?"

"Keith, that's awesome. You didn't attend a single class this morning."

"So cool."

"What? Edward Sir is actually preparing a gaming room? To reward students who study well?"

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!"

"Keith, is this for real? Don't lie to us."

"Shh... Keep it down, Edward Sir told me not to tell you."

"Now that you've said this, I don't even feel like resting during lunch break. Let's study hard and try to enjoy Edward Sir's gaming room."

"Yeah, I don't feel like resting either."


After Keith and Mike returned to the classroom, they were surrounded by their classmates. Everyone was chatting lively, exchanging words with each other.

Keith and Mike were taken away by Edward early in the morning. He actually prepared separate rooms for Keith and Mike, one for playing games and one for writing a novel.

This treatment made other students envious. When Keith accidentally mentioned Edward's plan to create a gaming room for all the students, the students in the class were extremely excited.

The homeroom teacher creating a gaming room for the students in the class? Playing games for improved grades? It was simply unbelievable.

"Oh? Edward Sir is here."

Just as the whole class was discussing, Edward entered the classroom. He noticed many students in the class looking at him strangely, which puzzled him.

'What's going on? Why is everyone looking at me?' He was a bit puzzled.

Edward couldn't have imagined that his small gesture would suddenly boost the learning enthusiasm of the students in Class 9.

He walked to Andrew's side and called him out of the classroom.

"Andrew, how did it go? Did you find out?" Edward asked with a smile.

"Edward Sir, I found out for you." Andrew looked excitedly at Edward. He also loved playing. While speaking, Andrew gave Edward an address. Jamie's home address.

After receiving the address, Edward pondered that after the afternoon physical education class, he would personally go and investigate.

At 2:00 PM, the first class of the afternoon began. All the students of class 9 of grade 11 were on the ground eagerly waiting for Edward.

"Students, I keep my promises. For this class, you can have free time to do as you please but no misbehaving."

On the ground, after gathering the students of Class 9, Edward Sir smiled and spoke.

"Yes."

"Awesome."

"Great."

"Edward Sir is a real man of his word."

"Let's go, let's play some cricket."

"Those who want to play soccer, follow me."

The students of Class 9 cheered and dispersed as soon Edward finished speaking.

"Edward Sir, teach us how to play basketball."

Miles and his friends walked up to Edward with a basketball, showing an expectant look on their faces. They had been looking forward to this physical education class since yesterday.

Each of them felt like they were being tickled by a cat's paw in their hearts, itching uncontrollably.

If it weren't for Edward being their homeroom teacher, and if they didn't want to learn basketball from him, how could they have endured until now? They might have skipped class in the morning to play basketball.

"Let's go, today I'll teach you some skills." Edward smiled and gestured, leading Miles and the others towards the basketball court like a professional coach. They soon reached the basketball court.

Edward turned toward the students and said with a smile, "Students the best way to learn is by playing. So get ready." Hearing Edward's words, bells started to ring in Miles' and his friend's head who had played basketball with him yesterday.

Before Miles could say something his friends who had been eagerly waiting to see Edward skills said, "Okay Edward sir."

And soon what followed was a one sided showdown. Miles and his friends didn't participate in it knowing what would happen and they didn't want to embarrass themselves in front of the girls. They were laughing at their friends' conditions.

After beating them Edward started to teach them some moves and techniques.


"Wow. One-handed slam dunk!"

"So powerful! So brutal!"

"I didn't expect Edward Sir to play basketball so well."

"That's right. Edward Sir is the best player in our school that I've seen."

"Huh? Hasn't Edward Sir missed a single shot since he started playing?"

"Wow! You're right."

"No way. A 100% shooting accuracy?"

"Wow! That's amazing."

...

As Edward played with basketball, he explained his detailed movements to Miles and other students.

With word of mouth spreading, more and more students from Class 9 gathered around the basketball court.

Dribbling past defenders effortlessly, shooting with impeccable form, and slam dunking with power and style...

Edward, who ruled the basketball court with ease, once again impressed the students of Class 9 completely.