Year 7 and 8 students at Workington Academy are celebrating success in a national maths competition.
The Junior Maths Challenge is run by the United Kingdom Mathematical Trust (UKMT) and aims to promote problem solving and a love of mathematics in students. Students sit a paper containing 25 problem solving questions which are designed to make them think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.
The competition is aimed at students who have a particular aptitude for maths with Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates awarded to the top 40% of entries in the ratio 3 : 2 : 1. Workington academy students scooped a fantastic 27 certificates spread across years 7 and 8.
Three of these students not only achieved a Gold certificate but also qualified for the follow on Junior Kangaroo which is a prestigious invitation only international competition which they will take part in next month. Maths teacher Lewis Maxwell has been the maths department lead on UKMT events, working with students to promote the competitions, through work in class and after school practice. He is also working with colleagues to include maths challenge questions in maths lessons so that all students have a chance to further develop their problem solving skills.
He said “These competitions are an important part of our extra-curricular STEM provision so I am delighted to see so many students enjoying success. The fact that they have done so well in the Junior competition bodes well for future successes in the Intermediate and Senior challenges as these students progress through school. When I was at school, I really enjoyed taking part in the UKMT individual and team challenges, so I am really pleased to be taking a lead on this as a teacher.”
