PENCILS and brains were sharpened as the Wellington School Maths Challenge once again attracted huge numbers of children.

More than 250 students from 63 primary schools took part in the challenge and enjoyed the competitive spirit on on Saturday, November 30.

Now in its 29th year, this annual event is aimed at children aged 10 or 11 from schools across Devon and Somerset. Schools are invited to enter a team of four pupils who work together to solve 25 questions in one hour.

Their problem-solving skills are put to the test with a range of tasks which are based on principles from across mathematics.

The scene at the Maths Challenge – 63 schools competed!
The scene at the Maths Challenge – 63 schools competed! (Photo: Wellington School)
The scene at the Maths Challenge – 63 schools competed!
The scene at the Maths Challenge – 63 schools competed! (Photo: Wellington School)

Maths teacher Peter Buckingham, who has run this challenge for almost two decades, said: “We were delighted to see so many enthusiastic and talented mathematicians working together and pitting their wits against each other. This event has grown over the 29 years we have been running it and it is always good to see new schools joining in.

“These young mathematicians have impressed us all with their enthusiasm. They have successfully solved problems by working together and sharing their methods.”

The winners took home books, puzzles and the satisfaction of having risen to the challenge.

This year, the challenge was written by former Wellington School student, Lydia who attended the event as a student over fifteen years ago. After leaving Wellington School, Lydia gained a first-class honours degree in Mathematics from Merton College, Oxford and gained her PhD at the University of Bath.