Primary Schools Maths Challenge

Despite the pandemic and the country being plunged into lockdown, young mathematicians from around the South West took part in the 25th Wellington School Maths Challenge.

This year’s entry was surprisingly, even bigger than usual, with huge numbers of children taking part from their own schools. Over 250 students from 63 primary schools took part in the Challenge and enjoyed the competitive spirit.  Wellington School sent out boxes of resources to all participating schools, containing questions, answer sheets, certificates, pencils, prizes and the essential chocolate money – part of a question! The schools selected teams of 4 children and they all did the challenge together in solidarity!

Now in its twenty-fifth 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 that so many enthusiastic and talented mathematicians participated in this challenge and the spirit of competition and collaboration is alive and well – even remotely.” This event has grown over the quarter of a century 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 worked together, shared their methods and engaged enthusiastically. We have had so many comments from schools who are delighted that we have continued with this challenge despite the tricky circumstances – the children really appreciated a fresh challenge”.

Gold medals in the challenge went to Stockland Primary School, Parkfield Primary School and St James Church School.

 

Aims

To engage local Primary schools in an academic challenge.

63 local schools presented teams of 4, so over 250 children participated.

 

Background

The Maths Challenge is in its 25th year and has grown significantly over the years. Normally, children come onto our site and we run the challenge - this year, we had the lockdown challenge and we had to find a way around that. 

Resources

Invitations were sent to all local primary schools Bespoke boxes were prepared and sent out to all schools, containing question papers, answer sheets, certificates, pencils and chocolate coins.

Schools ran the challenge in the classrooms and notified us of winners.

Impact

Over 250 children had the opportunity to challenge themselves mathematically, work collaboratively in teams and solve problems

Pupil Involvement

Year 5 and 6 children - teams of 4.

 

The children used their skills and collaborated to work out problems.

Frequency

This has been an annual event for the last 25 years - this year was different do to the challenges of covid