Wellington School Maths Challenge

13 Jan 2016

 Pencils and brains were sharpened on Saturday as the Wellington School Maths Challenge once again attracted huge numbers of children. Two hundred students from 50 primary schools took part in the Challenge and enjoyed the competitive spirit.  The winner in this hotly contested competition was Wiveliscombe School, whose team of 4 beat off all other contenders for the prize.

Now in its twentieth year, this annual event is aimed at children aged 10 or 11 from schools across Devon and Somerset. Schools are invited to enter a team of four pupils who work together to solve 25 questions in one hour. Their problem solving skills are put to the test with a range of tasks which are based on principles from across mathematics.

“We were delighted to see so many enthusiastic and talented mathematicians working together and pitting their wits against eachother.  This event has grown over the 20 years we have been running it and it is always good to see new schools joining in”, commented Peter Buckingham, Head of Maths at Wellington School.  “These young mathematicians have impressed us all with their enthusiasm. They have successfully solved problems by working together and sharing their methods”.

The winners took home books, puzzles and the satisfaction of having risen to the challenge.

Joint second place were St George’s Primary School and Wellesley Park Primary School and in third place was Neroche Primary School.

Special prizes for the first estimating task went to Curry Mallet Primary School, East Anstey Primary School and Wellington Prep School.

 

Photo: Winners Wiveliscombe School with Head of Maths, Peter Buckingham and Academic Deputy Head, Dr Holly Barker.