Numbers add up for students
Youngsters from Seaham School of Technology have been crowned top maths whizzes.
Teams of budding mathematicians came together to take part in this year’s annual East Durham Schools Maths Challenge, aimed at inspiring students in the important subject.
The event, which took place in The Lubetkin Theatre at East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus in the town’s Willerby Grove, saw nine teams of four battle it out for top mathematical honours.
The teams from Apollo Studio Academy, Dene Community School and St Bede’s RC School in Peterlee were joined by youngsters from Easington Academy and Seaham School of Technology, to take part in the annual event.
Presided over by East Durham College governor Fred Harrison, the Year 10 and Year 11 students took part in six fiercely competed rounds, which included a mixture of maths questions and difficult problem-solving tasks.
Seaham School prevailed with an impressive winning score of 44 points in a tight contest, finishing just one point ahead of runners-up Easington Academy with 43 points.
The winning team from Seaham School was made up of Year 10 students, one girl and three boys, Charlie Vardy, 15, Reece Simpson, 15, Thomas Soady, 14, and Jarryd Robinson, 14.
Jarryd, one of the delighted winners, said: “We really enjoyed being part of the maths challenge.
“We really enjoyed the practical tasks as our strengths were really tested, but it was great to be able to come together and work as a team and it’s a fantastic feeling to be taking back this trophy.”
Suzanne Duncan, principal at East Durham College, presented the trophies to the winners.
She said: “Now in its 32nd year, the schools maths challenge is always an outstanding event, I’m delighted that you’re all in the college taking part in the maths challenge again.
“The maths challenge is a great way to help instil the spirit of competition and teamwork, but also brings some fun to this incredibly important subject.”
She went on to praise the young people who took part, saying: “I’m delighted with the enthusiasm the students have shown and the judges were very impressed with their academic knowledge and ability to use their initiative.
“Congratulation to the winners and I would like to thank all the local schools for taking the time to take part in the event.”