OBMEP IN NUMBERS: MAPPING THE TRAJECTORY AND CHALLENGES OF THE OLYMPIAD CULTURE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ITAUEIRA, PIAUÍ (2005–2023)

Abstract

The Brazilian Public School Mathematics Olympics (OBMEP) represents one of the main public policies for encouraging mathematics education in Brazil, promoting the development of logical reasoning and stimulating students' interest in exact sciences. In this context, this study aimed to map the longitudinal historical trajectory of awards obtained by schools in the municipality of Itaueira - PI in OBMEP between 2005 and 2023, identifying performance patterns and challenges for the consolidation of the local Olympic culture. This is a documentary, descriptive, and qualitative-quantitative research, developed from official data available on the OBMEP electronic portal. The results showed a total of 14 academic distinctions in the analyzed period, including 13 honorable mentions and one bronze medal. A sharp male predominance was observed among the winning students (69.24%), a strong concentration of distinctions in the state public school network, and a discontinuous and intermittent behavior over the years, indicating a lack of institutional regularity in student preparation. It is concluded that the municipality has development potential in the Olympic scenario, but still faces complex structural and pedagogical challenges. Permanent strategic guidelines are suggested to strengthen mathematics teaching and engage the school community on a continuous basis.