Koala Math Olympiad (KMO)
Proudly Australian | Open to the World - Number Sense, Logical Reasoning, STEAM Application
A New Era of Math Discovery
Mission & Objectives
The KMO introduces the core philosophy of Australian mathematics education: "Maths as Life." Unlike traditional competitions that focus solely on rote calculation and formulas, KMO emphasizes the application of mathematical logic in authentic scenarios.
Through our unique "Australian Contextual Questions," students are immersed in an Australian journey—planning itineraries, solving ecological issues, and managing resources. This approach enhances Number Sense, Logical Reasoning, and STEAM Application capabilities.
Organizer
Koala Excellence Olympiad (KEO)
Categories & Eligibility
The competition is divided into groups based on grade levels, suitable for Kindergarten through Senior Secondary students.
| Group Code | Category | Grade Level | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
KEO A |
Kindergarten & Lower Primary |
Kindergarten, Grade 1–2 |
Number Sense & Basic Ops: Counting, Shapes, Simple Addition/Subtraction, Intuitive Comparison. |
KEO B |
Middle Primary |
Grade 3–4 |
Operations & Logic: Fractions, Multiples, Measurement, Geometry, Logical Reasoning. |
KEO C |
Upper Primary |
Grade 5–6 |
Integrated Application: Rate & Ratio, Data Analysis, Algebraic Thinking, Percentage. |
KEO D |
Junior Secondary |
Grade 7–8 |
Geometry & Algebra: Linear Equations, Geometry Proofs, Statistics, Coordinate Geometry. |
KEO E |
Senior Secondary I |
Grade 9–10 |
Advanced Algebra & Trig: Quadratics, Trigonometry, Probability, Functions & Graphs. |
KEO F |
Senior Secondary II |
Grade 11–12 |
Advanced Math Concepts: Sequences, Permutations & Combinations, Basic Calculus, Logarithms. |
Competition Format
- Duration: 45 Minutes.
- Structure: Total 25 Questions
- 4 points per question, No marks will be deducted for incorrect or blank answers.
| Section | Content | Weighting | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Section A |
Basic Skills |
10 Qs |
Tests mastery of grade-level concepts. Questions are direct and fast-paced. |
Section B |
Logical Reasoning |
10 Qs |
Tests pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical sequencing. |
Section C |
Koala Discovery Challenge |
5 Qs |
The Core Feature. Questions are set against Australian geography, ecology, and culture (e.g., Sydney Opera House geometry, Koala habits, currency exchange). Tests integrated problem-solving. |
The KMO Difference: From "Counting" to "Data Analysis"
How we transform traditional math into real-world discovery.
- A. Lower Primary (K2 - Grade 2): Intuition & Basics
- Traditional Question: $5 + 3 = ?$
- KMO Contextual Question: "There are 5 mother koalas on a eucalyptus tree. Later, 3 baby koalas climb up. How many koalas are on the tree now?" (Visual aid: Koala illustration)
- Traditional Question: What shape is this? (Triangle)
- KMO Contextual Question: "Look at the roof of the Sydney Opera House (pictured below). How many hidden triangles can you find in the structure?"
- B. Middle Primary (Grade 3 - 4): Logic, Measurement & Fractions
- Traditional Question: A day has 24 hours. If you sleep 18 hours, how many hours are you awake?
- KMO Contextual Question: "Koalas love to sleep! They sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. If a koala named 'Koko' slept for $\frac{3}{4}$ of a day, how many hours was he awake?"
- C. Upper Primary (Grade 5 - 6): Rate, Ratio & Economy
- Traditional Question: Distance is 800km, Speed is 800km/h. Calculate Time.
- KMO Contextual Question: "Xiao Ming's family flies from Hong Kong to Sydney (approx. 7,400 km). The plane's average speed is 800 km/h.
- What is the approximate flight time?
- They buy a souvenir for $20 AUD. If the exchange rate is 1 AUD = 5.2 HKD, how much is this in Hong Kong Dollars?”
- D. Secondary (Grade 7 - 12 ): Algebra, Geometry & Statistics
- Traditional Question: Calculate the area of the irregular shape.
- KMO Contextual Question: "Bushfires are a serious issue in Australia. The map below shows an affected national park on a coordinate plane. If the fire spreads outwards in a circle, and the radius increases by 2km every hour... Calculate the affected forest area after 3 hours (in terms of $\pi$)." (Context: Environmental Conservation)
Syllabus Highlights
Kindergarten & Lower Primary:
- Addition/Subtraction within 100, 2D shapes, spatial orientation (left/right/front/back).
Middle & Upper Primary:
- Mixed operations, fractions/decimals/percentages, H.C.F./L.C.M., perimeter/area/volume, speed/time, currency.
Secondary:
- Linear equations, polynomials, geometry proofs, coordinate geometry, statistical analysis, probability, calculus basics (Senior).
Awards
To encourage students to take on challenges, the competition offers both individual awards and school awards.
Preliminary (National) Round Awards
| Award Title | Requirement | Prize / Recognition | Qualifies for Final Round |
|---|---|---|---|
Perfect Score Award |
The highest score |
Certificate + AUS$200 Bonus Prize |
Yes |
Gold Award |
Score ≥ 85 |
Certificate of Excellence |
Yes |
Silver Award |
Score ≥ 75 |
Certificate of High Distinction (Silver) |
Yes |
Bronze Award |
Score ≥ 65 |
Certificate of Distinction (Bronze) |
Yes |
Honorable Mention |
Score ≥ 55 |
Certificate of Honorable Mention |
Yes |
Certificate of Participation |
All other participants |
Digital Certificate of Participation |
No |
International Final Round Awards
| Award Title | Requirement |
|---|---|
Golden Koala Champion |
Rank #1 in the Final Round |
2nd Place Winner |
Rank #2 in the Final Round |
3rd Place Winner |
Rank #3 in the Final Round |
Perfect Score Bonus |
Score of 100/100 |
Gold Award |
Score ≥ 90 |
Silver Award |
Score ≥ 80 |
Bronze Award |
Score ≥ 70 |
National Finalist |
All other finalists |
Special Awards
Koala Discovery Champion:
Awarded to the student with the highest score in ” Koala Discovery Challenge.”
Outstanding School Award:
Awarded to schools with the highest number of participants and top-tier performance.
Registration Details
- Registration Opens: Now
- Submission Deadline: May 2026
(Partner may select any convenient time slot within this period)
How to Register and Participate
As a partner, you can register students as a school or a group.
- For paper-based/ online participation, your school or organization should contact the KEO organizing committee directly to arrange for the secure delivery of test materials and supervision guidelines.
- Registration fees and detailed deadlines are opened for discussion.
Rules and Regulations
- Participants must bring their admission ticket and original ID document.
- Calculators are not allowed (except for Secondary categories, subject to organizer discretion).
- All competition materials remain the intellectual property of the organizer.
- The organizer reserves the right of final interpretation of all rules and results.
Sample Questions - KMO
KMO A
KMO C
KMO E
KMO F
International (Final) Round in Macau (Near Hong Kong)
Contact and Support
Koala Excellence Olympiad
- Email: keo@koalaolympiad.com
- Australian Phone: +61 415 257 812
- Website: https://koalaolympiad.com/
- Australia Address: 459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW 2010
- Facebook: The Koala English Olympiad – KEO (https://www.facebook.com/share/1GfzNfus8n/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
- Instagram: koala_english_olympiad_keo
- Another contact with Hong Kong representative: +852 63327108
The Koala English Olympiad (KEO) Team
