Pupils from a Barrow primary school were put through their paces in a national maths challenge.
Chetwynde School youngsters successfully completed the Primary Mathematics Challenge 2024, held nationwide for pupils aged nine to 11.
They tested their skills in exam-style conditions answering 25 questions in a 45-minute paper, which gets gradually more difficult.
Beckie Ripley, year six teacher, said the challenge had offered a departure from traditional school maths, presenting scenarios with 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 four, received certificates in assembly and said they had found the challenge fun and enjoyed getting their brains thinking in a different way.
Stefan Olphert , head of maths, 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 six 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.
