What's Happening in Swindon, England…

Young mathematicians from primary schools across Swindon have battled it out in a national competition this week.

Teams of pupils from Ferndale, Oakhurst, Tregoze and Lainsmead primary schools took part in the semi-final stage of the National Young Mathematician Award.

Operating since 2009, the competition aims to encourage children to enjoy maths challenges and is run by Explore Learning, a tuition provider, together with the University of Cambridge’s NRICH Project.

Schools from all over Britain put forward teams of four pupils – each comprising two girls and two boys – who put their heads together to solve a series of mathematical conundrums.

According to the Swindon Advertiser, the assistant centre director of Swindon’s Explore Learning, Lauren Webb, said that the local contestants did a ‘fantastic’ job in getting picked to represent their schools and making it to the semi-final stage.

She called the children’s attitudes ‘amazing’ and said they demonstrated enthusiasm and a flair for maths problems.

Lainsmead’s team scored the highest in the competition, and its members will find out next week whether or not they will progress to the final, where they will battle it out against the five other teams with the highest scores.

The grand finale will be held next month at the University of Cambridge. Many schools showcase the names of winners, in any competition, using professional services such as poster printing, in Swindon and other Wiltshire towns and villages.

Explore Learning’s head of curriculum, Carey Ann Dodah, called the accolade “fantastic” and said that the competition presents an opportunity for youngsters to work together as a team.