Young mathematicians prove they are equal to challenge

Primary pupils from Chetwynde School were put through their paces in a national maths challenge.

The children successfully completed the Primary Mathematics Challenge 2024, which is held nationwide for pupils aged 9 to 11.

They tested their skills in exam-style conditions answering 25 questions in a 45-minute paper, which gets gradually more difficult.

Year 6 teacher at Chetwynde Beckie Ripley said the challenge had offered a departure from traditional school maths, presenting scenarios with intriguing ‘real-life’ problems for them to solve.

“The paper sparked genuine enthusiasm and confidence in our young mathematicians,” she said. “This experience has truly ignited their passion for mathematics and I can’t wait to see them tackle future challenges with the same zeal and confidence.”

The pupils, including one from Year 4, received certificates in assembly and said they had found the challenge fun and enjoyed getting their brains thinking in a different way.

Head of Maths at Chetwynde School Stefan Olphert said the primary maths challenge formed part of a range of initiatives designed to encourage higher level skills in maths.

“We want to encourage pupils to be problem solvers and find the same enjoyment in maths that we have teaching it.

“For many of our pupils, this event will mark the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of competitive maths, paving the way for their involvement in prestigious contests like the UKMT maths challenges and other global competitions.

“This term we are also organising a Merry Mathsmas with our Year 6 pupils with a virtual masterclass exploring maths on a festive theme, a programme for our gifted and talented senior pupils, Axiom Maths, and running an after-school GCSE in Statistics, which pupils can sit in Year 10.”

Chetwynde School is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

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