Maths challenges add up to a day of fun and learning
Event stretches and develops pupils’ thinking
PORTSMOUTH High School hosted 12 primary and junior schools for a day of mathematical challenges.
The visiting girls from Years 5 and 6 faced mathematics challenges covering numeracy, shape and space activities.
Paul Goldbrum, the head of mathematics at Portsmouth High School said: ‘It gives girls the chance to apply their mathematical skills to a wide range of differing challenges.
‘This stretches and develops their thinking to be able to see complex numbers in a different light.’
The 12 schools that took part in the day included Cottage Grove, Emsworth, Fernhurst, Hambledon, Jessie Younghusband, Lyndhurst, Newbridge, Oakwood, Solent Juniors, St Jude’s, Westbourne House and Portsmouth High Prep School.
Laura Peterkin-Aldred, a teacher from Solent Junior School said: ‘This has been a lovely opportunity for strong and confident girls from across the city to come together to challenge themselves across a wide range of maths problems.’
Year 10 girls from Portsmouth High School were partnered with visiting schools, serving as the teams’ mentor.
Tilly Barker, 15, from Portsmouth High School said: ‘It was fun to get to know the girls and work with them. The girls from Newbridge were really smart and it certainly challenged my maths.’
The winning team from the day was Oakwood. Richard Bax, from Oakwood, said: ‘The girls have relished the challenge and thoroughly enjoyed getting to grips with the interesting mathematical problems. It has been a great event.’
The day included group rounds where participants had to collaboratively answer questions and relay rounds where basic algebra, amongst other skills, was required.