Pocklington School children’s maths challenge adds up to a fun day out

Young maths wizards from Pocklington and the surrounding area enjoyed a day of problem-solving at a Primary Team Maths Challenge held at Pocklington School.

Twelve teams of four, drawn mostly from Year 6, represented local primary schools in a range of mathematical activities designed to help develop their teamwork and communication skills as well as stimulate their interest in maths.

The day-long challenge on Tuesday March 19th used questions provided by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT), a charity which organises competitions and enrichment activities for school-age children. Teams made a mathematical poster on the subject of area, then competed over five rounds of numeracy and logic puzzles.

Clare Bracken, Head of Maths at Pocklington School, said: ‘The idea was for children to enjoy a different approach to maths and be invigorated by working together to work out problems and brainteasers. There was lots of fierce concentration – but also many smiles – and I was extremely impressed by how well the teams worked together. We have some very talented young mathematicians in our area.’

She added: ‘Thanks to all the schools for taking part, for their teachers for accompanying the children, and to our Pocklington School A level mathematicians for helping to supervise the event.’

All pupils received a UKMT certificate and the day’s winning team, Kirk Ella St Andrews CP School, were presented with Go Figure!, the children’s book about numbers by TV presenter Johnny Ball.

Mr Church, headteacher at Kirk Ella St Andrews CP School said: ‘I am very proud of our team who were excellent all day. I would like to thank Pocklington School for hosting such a great event that showcased the talented children we have across the authority.’

The schools taking part were: Wilberfoss CofE Primary School; Warter CofE Primary School; Bugthorpe CofE Primary School; St Martin's CofE Primary School, Fangfoss; St Mary & St Josephs, Pocklington; Melbourne Primary School; Elvington CofE Primary School; Sutton upon Derwent CofE Primary School; Kirk Ella St Andrews CP School, Dunnington CofE Primary School, Pocklington Junior School.