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The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) is Canada’s largest and most recognized outreach organization for promoting mathematics and computer science. Based out of the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, it aims to increase interest and enjoyment in these fields among students and educators worldwide.
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Key Pillars of the CEMC
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World-Class Contests: Administers prestigious competitions like the Gauss, Pascal/Cayley/Fermat, and Euclid, frequently used for university admissions and scholarships.
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Workshops & Outreach: Hosts in-person and virtual programs, including the Workshop in Computer Science for Young Women and various math circles.
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Teacher Development (MMT): Offers professional development and a specialized graduate degree (Master of Mathematics for Teachers) to deepen educator expertise.
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Why It Matters
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The CEMC is more than just a testing body; it’s a hub for problem-solving. Their materials focus less on rote memorization and more on logical reasoning and creative thinking. For many students, a high ranking in a CEMC contest is a significant milestone for their academic portfolio.
Highland Academy of Canada and the CEMC
At the local level, Highland Academy of Canada serves as a premier training hub for these competitions. By aligning the school's curriculum with the CEMC’s rigorous standards, the academy ensures its students are not just participants, but top-tier competitors.
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Expert Mentorship: The cornerstone of our success is our team of diligent and highly qualified mathematics educators. These specialists don't just teach formulas; they are experts in competitive strategy, helping students master the specific logic required for the Waterloo tiers.
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Organized Training: Highland Academy provides structured prep programs tailored to each contest level—from the introductory logic of the Gauss to the complex proofs of the Euclid.
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A Proven Track Record: Under the guidance of our faculty, many Highland Academy students have consistently earned Certificates of Distinction (ranking in the top 25% globally) and School Champion Medals.
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The Academic Edge: This expert training helps students build the prestigious academic profile that the University of Waterloo and other elite institutions look for during the admissions process.
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The CEMC’s philosophy is that math should be an accessible and enjoyable challenge for all. For students at Highland Academy, these contests serve as a benchmark for excellence, providing them with the critical thinking skills necessary for success in STEM careers.
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Grade 9: Pascal
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Grade 10: Cayley
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Grade 11: Fermat
Grades 9–11
These contests are written concurrently in February and are the most popular among international students.
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Grade 9: Pascal
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Grade 10: Cayley
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Grade 11: Fermat
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Format: 25 multiple-choice questions (60 minutes). The final five questions (Section C) are significantly more difficult and reward creative problem-solving.
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Grade 9: Fryer
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Grade 10: Galois
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Grade 11: Hypatia
Grades 9–11
These are written in April and require students to show all their work.
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Grade 9: Fryer
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Grade 10: Galois
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Grade 11: Hypatia
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Format: 4 multi-part questions (75 minutes).
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Focus: These test mathematical communication. Students earn marks not just for the right answer, but for the clarity and logic of their written explanations.
Euclid
Grade 12 & Below
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Format: 10 questions, some short-answer and some full-solution (2.5 hours).
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Focus: This is the "gold standard" contest. While aimed at Grade 12 students, younger high-achievers (like those at Highland Academy) often take it early. A strong score here is highly valued by the University of Waterloo admissions team for Math and Engineering programs.
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Supplemental/Specialty Contests
The Canadian Intermediate (Grades 9–10) and Senior (Grades 11–12)​
The CCMS stands for Concours canadien de mathématiques de niveau supérieur. In English, this is known as the CSMC (Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest).​
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CIMC & CSMC: The Canadian Intermediate (Grades 9–10) and Senior (Grades 11–12) contests are held in November and serve as a "mid-year" check-in with a mix of short-answer and full-solution questions.
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CTMC: The Canadian Team Mathematics Contest, where students compete in groups, fostering collaboration.