Maths Challenge

Pencils and brains were sharpened on Saturday as the Wellington School Maths Challenge once again attracted huge numbers of children. Almost 250 students from 58 primary schools took part in the Challenge and enjoyed the competitive spirit. The winner in this hotly contested competition was Milverton Primary School, whose team of 4 beat off all other contenders for the prize.
Now in its 28th 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 each other. This event has grown over the 28 years we have been running it and it is always good to see new schools joining in. These young mathematicians have impressed us all with their enthusiasm. They have successfully solved problems by working together and sharing their methods and we were delighted to welcome a school from Oman, who took part remotely.
The winners took home books, puzzles and the satisfaction of having risen to the challenge.
• First place was Milverton Primary School.
• Second place was West Buckland Primary School.
• In third place were Bolham Primary School and Bishop Henderson Primary School.
• Special mention should also be given to Thorverton Primary School for their high score on the Challenge.
• Bampton Primary School, Brent Knoll Primary School and Kentisbeare Primary School made the closest estimates of the number of sweets in the jar.

Aims

Provide enrichment activities for local primary schools who do not have extension opportunities.

Background

Now in its 28th 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 each other. This event has grown over the 28 years we have been running it and it is always good to see new schools joining in.

Resources

Maths department, students, prizes

Impact

Over 250 children from 25 schools came along for a morning of mathematical conundrums and a competition. There were also two international schools who took part remotely.

Testimonials...

Thank you so much for organising the Maths Challenge on Saturday, our children really enjoyed the experience.

Thank you for organising the Maths Challenge! The children and parents enjoyed it tremendously and are already excited about next year!

I wondered if you would be prepared to give me the titles of the four books awarded to the winning team? You mentioned in your speech that they might be considered inspirational and worthy of being passed round - we are always seeking to expand our book selection so any ideas would be gratefully received.

I would like to extend my gratitude to you and your team for hosting a wonderful event on Saturday, our team had a brilliant time - despite the disappointing result.

Some of the parents have requested a copy of the paper and I wondered if you might be able to email a copy for me to provide them with.

I just wanted to drop you an email to a say a huge thank you for hosting such a well ran event on Saturday. Both myself and the Chard School pupils had a fantastic day.

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and Lydia for another amazing Wellington Maths Challenge.

Team Bampton are still on a high (as are the parents) and I cannot thank you both enough for making maths both fun and challenging.

Thanks again for organising the maths competition - it's certainly getting bigger every year! I know this might seem like a strange question but I'm wondering if you've already set a date for next year? We're trying to plan something for the end of November but we want to make sure we don't clash with the competition.

We very much enjoyed the Wellington Maths challenge- thank you for inviting us to be part of it!

I have managed to start the British School of Salalah Maths challenge here in Dhofar. We had 17 teams enter. Your inspiration is far-reaching.