Leading Lights: World’s top scorer in IGCSE maths and computer science exams reveals best way to understand the subjects
Garris Choi from West Island School has tips on how to make sense of and ace the two complex subjects
The fact that mathematical and computer science problems always have absolute answers is one of the reasons Garris Choi is so fascinated with these two subjects.
The 16-year-old West Island School whizz-kid received two Outstanding Cambridge Awards for being the world’s top scorer in international maths and Hong Kong’s number one in computer science in the IGCSE examinations this year.
The Year 12 student started developing an interest in maths in Year Seven, when he came across his first investigation task in school.
He enjoyed the process of exploring a question using trial and error just as much as he enjoyed the satisfaction he gained from finding the solution to a problem, he said.
Garris added that he loved how mathematical theories always stemmed from the fundamental principles of logic. He argued that this is what makes maths “one of the few things you can be certain of”, as opposed to other subjects like English and art, which are subject to constant debate and change.
What Garris likes about computer science is how practical and useful the subject can be. He also enjoys learning the language of coding.
“It is literally learning a new language. Like any other language, learning a programming language involves learning its syntax, the specific rules, and you need a lot of practice to become fluent in applying these rules,” he said.
Since coding, like maths, involves a lot of problem solving, Garris said the discipline allows him to think outside the box and be more creative when tackling problems.
“There are often multiple solutions to a problem,” he said, “whereas with science subjects like biology, answers are pretty much set in stone.”
When asked to point out the challenges of this year’s exam, Garris said the maths questions in the investigation paper were the most unexpected.
“The paper requires you to come up with a general formula for patterns, and challenges you to apply maths skills in a more creative way,” he says.
He added that the problem-solving paper of the computer science exam, which tests students’ programming knowledge, was unusually complicated when compared to previous years.
However, he was able to approach the problems in a calm and systematic manner by breaking them up into smaller, more manageable parts.
Garris advised students hoping to score well in international mathematics to get used to recognising the different types of questions, and know which method you should use to solve them.
He says the best way to practise this would be to do a lot of past papers, adding it might also help to watch videos on YouTube if you’re struggling with certain types of problems.
“For the theory part of computer science, making notes based on marking schemes helped me to learn the keywords examiners look for in your answers,” he said.
Lastly, Garris urged students to stay organised. Especially if you who have several exams close together, he suggests setting up a revision timetable and revising in school to help you stay focused on studying.