Chepstow pupils score in final of maths awards
AFTER weeks of hard work, tough mathematical training and three days of intense competitions, Ffion Hillman, Anna Boyle, Wilfred Green and Aidan Kitching from St John’s on-the-Hill in Chepstow have been named runner-up team in the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards.
The Grand Final took place at the University of Cambridge, with teams from hundreds of schools across the UK entering.
The children from Chepstow took part in two heats where they battled against four secondary schools from High Wycombe, Nottingham, Altrincham and Rugby.
Despite fantastic efforts they were pipped at the post by a team of four from Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby.
The annual competition is organised by tuition provider Explore Learning, and NRICH and University Challenge Legend Bobby Seagull is the ambassador for the event.
Matt Allen, head of maths at St John’s on-the-Hill, said: “It has been such a fantastic, inspiring day.
“The children have spoken nonstop about the challenge. A great event, in an outstanding setting.”
Bobby said: “A massive congratulations to St John’s on-the-Hill for doing so well in this year’s competition! They were so close to victory, but undoubtedly should be proud of their amazing efforts.
“I was so impressed by the level of teamwork, mathematical thinking and diligence shown by the runnersup. I am confident that they have bright mathematical futures ahead of them.”
Charlotte Gater, head of curriculum at Explore Learning, said: “We had the highest number of entries this year and so the team of four from St John’s on-the-Hill have done amazingly well to be runners-up and get some of the highest scores in the country.
“We hope this gives them the confidence to value their strengths, inspire their fellow schoolfriends and consider a career in maths! Perhaps we have got a future Stephen Hawking or Bobby Seagull amongst them.”
■ Schools can enter for the next contest by visiting www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngmathematicians