About Us
Association Kangourou sans Frontières (AKSF) is an international organization founded in France by mathematics enthusiasts from around the globe. Driven by the importance of mathematics in today's world, our mission is to spread the joy of mathematics, enhance mathematical education in schools, and foster a positive perception of mathematics in society. The primary activity of AKSF is to organize and regulate the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC) on a global scale. Sigma Publishing, an international association established in Romania, comprises science and linguistics enthusiasts from various countries. Sigma designs and conducts the International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) and the International Kangaroo Linguistics Competition (IKLC) worldwide. All competitions are regulated by AKSF.
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ACUMEN proudly serves as the authorized national member responsible for conducting these contests in all schools across Qatar.
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Aims & Objectives
ACUMEN brings together the expertise of education professionals worldwide with the goal of fostering a culture of critical thinking, clear reasoning, and effective communication skills. ACUMEN is dedicated to contributing to the educational advancement of Qatari schools and colleges through various initiatives, including hosting the world's largest mathematics competition as well annual International Science and Linguistics competition. These competitions offer early international recognition to school children, and we are committed to ensuring Qatari children actively participate in and benefit from these opportunities. These competitions provide a platform for them to demonstrate their talent on the global stage, asserting that their abilities are unmatched at the international level. The International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC) serves as a source of intellectual encouragement for all participants, challenging the brilliance of the most gifted minds. Our aim is to instill confidence in Qatari children regarding their mathematical comprehension, emphasizing the practical applications of mathematics in the laws of nature and human lives. We strive to develop their ability to find joy and fulfillment through intellectual pursuits, highlighting the crucial role of mathematical education in all aspects of life. Participation in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition multiple times during school education has been observed to positively impact performance in entry tests for medical/engineering colleges, universities, and other professional degree programs worldwide. This is attributed to the contest's emphasis on enhancing participants' skills in responding to entirely novel and original questions. ACUMEN is thrilled to announce the launch of the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (IKMC) in Qatar. IKMC provides an exciting avenue for participants to delve into the world of mathematics. ACUMEN is also taking charge of organizing the International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) and the International Kangaroo Linguistics Competition (IKLC) in Qatar. These competitions share the same ethos and goals as IKMC. The International Kangaroo Linguistic Contest (IKLC) specifically emphasizes the enhancement of English communication skills, acknowledging their pivotal role in education.
The Spirit of Competitions
All our competitions are designed with the aim of expanding the horizons of Qatari children, fostering and cultivating their capacity for unconstrained thinking. Our objective is not to evaluate their memorized knowledge; rather, we seek to provide students with an opportunity to showcase the exceptional capabilities of their minds when free from constraints. We strongly advise principals and teachers not to burden students with preparation for the Kangaroo exam. The Kangaroo Competition is not an exam; it is a unique lesson of the year, one of significant value. We encourage educators to let students enjoy this lesson without stress, ensuring that no child is deprived of this experience. Allow their minds to soar beyond the curriculum and textbook formulas, giving them the freedom to explore beyond boundaries and exhibit their individual natural talents. Each child has something valuable to gain from it, with the potential to learn something different based on their aptitude and interests. In our competitions, children will encounter a variety of problems and questions they may not anticipate. This unpredictability is a crucial aspect of the training we aim to provide. When students can successfully tackle unexpected questions, they develop a reliance on their own cognitive abilities. The learning experience from Kangaroo Contests extends beyond the contest period. Students take the question booklets with them, sparking dialogues between parents and children, as well as teachers and students, about these unexpected problems. This dialogue continues for an extended period, offering valuable insights into what children in other countries are engaging with. This is the genuine benefit of participating in an international contest. While we acknowledge that it takes courage from teachers to expose their students to such international contests, we believe the long-term benefits and unique learning experiences far outweigh any initial apprehensions.
Value of Competitions
The International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition boasts contributions from leading education experts hailing from over 100 countries, all holding doctoral degrees from some of the world's most prestigious universities. The extensive support for this contest comes directly from numerous universities worldwide. A significant strength of the IKMC lies in the backing it receives from dozens of National Mathematical Societies, research institutions, and various Math Trusts, including the esteemed UK Math Trust. In countries with well-developed academic systems, a National Mathematical Society typically represents all major universities and plays a crucial role in shaping education policies. Additionally, many leaders of International Mathematics Olympiads endorse and support the IKMC. The IKMC has earned numerous prestigious international awards, including the Paul Erdos Prize, acknowledging its exceptional contribution to enhancing the quality of education in schools. This recognition establishes the IKMC as a contest with the highest academic value. Similarly, all the contests organized by ACUMEN uphold the utmost academic standards for similar reasons.
Our Mission
To help students love math, science and linguistics nationwide enabling them to excel in a competitive global landscape
Our Vision
Empower the next generation of leaders for a diversified, knowledge-based economy by igniting a passion for learning through educational competitions
Our Values
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Care: Encourage students to master their mathematical, scientific and linguistic knowledge
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Creativity: Show how math and science relate to everyday life
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Discovery: Show that mathematical, scientific and linguistic education is significant in every part of the world
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Excellence: Develop their ability to derive pleasure and satisfaction through an intellectual life
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Performance: Give them confidence in their ability to compete
Benefits of Participation
For Students:
1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: The competitions offer intellectual challenges through unique problems that require critical thinking, logical reasoning, and creativity, helping to develop robust problem-solving abilities.
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2. Exposure to Diverse Topics: The competitions cover a wide range of subjects and themes, broadening students’ knowledge beyond standard curricula and sparking interest in new areas of study.
3. International Recognition: Participation leads to awards and recognition on an international scale, enhancing students' resumes and university applications.
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4. Boosted Confidence: Successfully tackling complex problems can significantly boost a student’s confidence in their academic abilities, encouraging a growth mindset.
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5. Improving Performance on Higher Education Entry Tests: Engaging with challenging questions aids in improving performance on higher education entry tests, giving students an advantage in their academic pursuits.
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6. Development of a Love for Learning: Engaging with innovative and fun problems can inspire a lifelong love of learning and curiosity, encouraging students to pursue further studies in STEM and linguistics fields.
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7. Preparation for Future Competitions: Early exposure to competitive environments helps students build resilience and adaptability, preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.
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8. Awards and Rewards: Every student participating in the International Kangaroo Competitions receives certificate of participation. The winners get medals, badges and certificates recognized worldwide in all member countries.
For Schools:
1. Enhanced Reputation: Schools that participate in International Kangaroo competitions demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, enhancing their reputation within the community and attracting potential students.
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2. Recognition and Awards: Schools with high student participation and strong performance receive awards and recognition. Coordinators and principals also benefit from awards, reinforcing the aim to ensure that no student misses out.
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3. Encouragement of STEM and Linguistic Education: Participation emphasizes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and linguistic education, aligning with global educational trends and standards.
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4. Engagement and Motivation: The competitions motivate students and staff, fostering a culture of engagement and enthusiasm for learning, which can lead to improved overall performance in the classroom.
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5. Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Schools can promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students, preparing them for future academic challenges.
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6. Professional Development for Educators: Coordinators and teachers involved in preparing students for the competitions may gain insights and skills that enhance their teaching practices.
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7. Holistic Student Development: The competitions encourage a holistic approach to education, focusing on intellectual growth and personal development, which can benefit the school’s overall educational mission.
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8. Data and Insights: Participation provides schools with valuable data on student performance and areas for improvement, informing curriculum development and teaching strategies.
