Australian-Mathematics-Competition-cover1.

Deep Dive into the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

Introduction
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), organized by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) and founded in 1978 by renowned mathematician Peter O’Halloran, is one of the largest school-based mathematics competitions in the world. Each year, students from over 30 countries participate. The AMC is also a key benchmark for selecting Australia’s national team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

Competition Levels
The AMC is divided into five levels based on grade:

  • A – Middle Primary: Grades 3–4

  • B – Upper Primary: Grades 5–6

  • C – Junior: Grades 7–8

  • D – Intermediate: Grades 9–10

  • E – Senior: Grades 11–12

Students should register for the level corresponding to their grade as of the September competition.

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Exam Format

  • Duration:

    • Levels A & B (Grades 3–6): 60 minutes

    • Levels C, D & E (Grades 7–12): 75 minutes

  • Language: Bilingual (Chinese and English)

  • 2025 Competition Date: September 28

Question Types and Scoring
The total score is 135 points:

  • Questions 1–10: 3 points each

  • Questions 11–20: 4 points each

  • Questions 21–25: 5 points each

  • Questions 26–30: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 points respectively

Key Topics

  • Geometry: From basic observation and counting to complex statistical graphs

  • Distance, Speed, and Time Problems: Including pursuit and meeting problems using the formula s=vts = vt

  • Area and Volume: Mastery of basic formulas, often combined with factorization

  • Equations: Linear systems in practical applications

Awards

Global Awards:

  • Peter O’Halloran Certificate of Excellence: Awarded to students achieving full marks worldwide

China Regional Awards:

  • Prize (Excellence Award): Top 0.3% in levels A–E

  • High Distinction (First Award): Top 3% in levels A–D; Top 5% in level E

  • Distinction (Second Award): Top 20% in levels A–D; Top 25% in level E

  • Credit (Third Award): Top 55% in levels A–D; Top 60% in level E

  • Proficiency Award: Students who exceed the passing score but do not receive higher distinctions

Preparation Recommendations

  1. Stage 1 (1–2 months): Build foundational knowledge and establish a complete mathematics framework

  2. Stage 2 (3–4 months): Develop problem-solving skills and tackle medium-to-high difficulty questions

  3. Stage 3 (5–6 months): Final sprint, focus on high-difficulty, competition-style problems

Australian AMC vs. American AMC

  • For younger students: Australian AMC is recommended due to moderate difficulty

  • For middle and high school students: American AMC provides a higher-level challenge

  • Strategy: Students can prepare for both competitions simultaneously, using Australian AMC as practice for the American AMC

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