NAILSEA SCHOOLS BATTLE IT OUT IN MATHS COMPETITION

Year 5 pupils from five local primary Schools tested their Maths knowledge in the first Interschools Mathematics Competition which was held at Nailsea School on Monday 28th June 2010.

Teachers from Nailsea School had previously visited the schools to give them a taste of what was to come at the competition.

Pupils from Golden Valley, Grove, Kingshill, Wraxall and Northleaze Primary Schools were very excited to be in the auditorium of the new Nailsea School building for the event. For many it was the first visit to what could be their secondary school in a couple of years.

The competition consisted of eight Maths challenges that teams from each school faced to collect points for their school. Wraxall School finished first with a confident performance in the ‘Addition Pyramid’ and were delighted. The audience was full of pupils enthusiastically cheering on their classmates, clapping, shouting and singing. Northleaze took an early lead with the other teams snapping close at their heels. All the teams then battled through other challenges such as the ‘Origami Turtle’, ‘Magic Squares’ and ‘How Many Triangles’.

There were huge cheers as a score update was revealed and Northleaze and Golden Valley were neck and neck! With less than 10 points between all the schools it was anyone’s prize. The teams and their supporters were more determined than ever with it all to play for in the last challenge. So in the deciding ‘Maths Words’ challenge the pressure was on the teams and they were cheered on louder than ever by their schools!

Tension was high as the results were revealed in the traditional reverse order. Northleaze were the champions and will receive an engraved shield which will be used in forthcoming annual competitions.

Everyone involved had a great time and the event was deemed to be a great success. Mrs Tinkler, Mathematics Faculty Team Leader commented: “The pupils maths skills were impressive in solving some very challenging puzzles in this a close and well fought contest, well done to everyone and we look forward to next year’s contest.”