The numbers add up for mathematicians rising to the national challenge

TOP mathematicians have been crunching the numbers in a national challenge of numeracy and problem solving. TOP mathematicians have been crunching the numbers in a national challenge of numeracy and problem solving. Almost 200 of the best young mathematical brains attended Richmond School and Sixth Form College for an hour-long test of their skills. The UK Junior Mathematical Challenge is designed to encourage students to think. Organised by the UK Mathematics Trust from the University of Leeds, marks are awarded for correct answers and lost for incorrect ones, with gold, silver and bronze awards for the best scores. Students took part from Richmond School’s Year 7 and 8 classes and also the top maths pupils from Year 6 primary schools in the area. Our Assistant Headteacher and Maths lead, Scott Lunn, said: “All the students love rising to this challenge. They have been coming for extra classes and the Year 6s have also had to do their SATS.  They love it. It is a challenge but it is also meant to be fun and it gives the primary school children a great insight into life at Richmond School.” Head teacher Ian Roberston added: “It is a big step up for the primary school children and all the students have worked exceptionally hard, for which they should be proud of themselves.”