Top maths pupils achieve high in national challenge

Priory's high ability maths pupils have tested themselves in a national maths competition – and won certificates for their amazing results. 

The best performing pupils in Years 9-11 have taken part in the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. 

The top-scoring 50 per cent of participants were awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and then around 8,000 are invited to take part in the next stage, the Grey Kangaroo for Years 10 and 11, and Pink Kangaroo for Year 9s, with the Priory group awaiting their results on this. 

Four Year 9 pupils got through to the Grey Kangaroo round at Priory while five Year 10 and 11 pupils took part in the Pink Kangaroo challenge. 

Year 9 Favour admitted she was shocked to see a Silver Badge on her desk. 

“I took part in the challenge and was surprised to see I had got a Silver certificate, I got 65 marks and did much better than I expected.” 

Year 11 Ben was the best performer for Priory with a staggering 98 out of the 135 marks available. 

“It was answering tough maths questions in an hour and it was a mixture of algebra, geometry, trigonometry and more.” 

Preston achieved Gold last year in the Junior Maths Challenge and he was best in Year 9 with 87 marks. 

“It really tests your brain, it’s harder than normal school work.” 

Sam also earned Gold last year in the Junior Maths Challenge and said: “It does challenge you, there is a wider variety to what you learn in class and you have to know more.” 

Taylor was best in Year 10. 

Maths teacher Mr Hunter said: “It is a national test for our higher ability pupils. It pushes them a bit more and gives them something to sink their teeth into. It’s greeted with enthusiasm by the pupils. They want to test themselves and they are always asking when the next stage is!” 

Pupils at Priory can study Further Maths as well as Maths in their GCSEs.