In the past few weeks, mathematicians from Year 8 top set have taken part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Junior Mathematics Challenge.
It is a 60-minute problem solving challenge encouraging mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in mathematical technique.
To recognize the highest performers in the challenge, the top 50% of participants are awarded certificates of Bronze, Silver and Gold. The top 1,200 students in the UK take part in the fiercely contested Junior Olympiad to represent the UK against the rest of the world, and the top 10,000 students who win a gold certificate qualify to take part in a further challenge, the Junior Kangaroo.
This year Pitsford Pupils achieved excellent results, with Bronze awards for: Gabriel F, Avanish J, Ellie P. Silver awards for Sam D and Nalin S, and a Gold award for Olivia M. Best in School was awarded to Finn M. Well done all.
Not feeling as though they had been punished enough, the Gold and Silver candidates wanted to take part in the Junior Kangaroo, and performed excellently, with Nalin coming top of the crop.
I am very pleased with their performances and if you are wondering how hard the questions are, here is a sample one:
During a particularly troublesome lesson, the following conversation occurs:
Pam: “I always tell the truth.” Quentin: “Pam is lying.”
Roger: “Both Pam and Quentin are lying.” Susan: “Everyone is lying.”
Terry: “Everyone is telling the truth.”
How many people are telling the truth?
A 0 B 1 C 2 D 3 E 4
If you want to know the answer, ask one of the award winners (it is B!).
More information can be found here.
Written by Mr Stoner, Head of Maths
