What another successful week in Primary 7.
First in, were the results for the Scottish Mathematical Challenge and we had great success.
The Scottish Mathematical Challenge (SMC) is a problem-solving competition for individual pupils in upper primary schools. The competition began in Session 1976-77, with the aim of promoting mathematics as a source of interest, pleasure and achievement.
Pupils from all over Scotland are split into regions. We were in the Lothian region which covered West, Mid and East Lothian as well as the City of Edinburgh.
Three papers were issued to pupils in September, November and January. Each paper consisted of three questions, with each question worth a maximum of four marks. At the end, the maximum points available to each individual were 36 marks.
Based upon these marks, a grading system was applied, and Gold, Silver and Bronze categories were determined. This year we had the following successes:
- Emma Barrett – Gold Award
- Ethan Robinson – Silver Award
- Freya Harkness – Bronze Award
The news gets even better. The top winners will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the University of Edinburgh in June, so watch this space.
On Monday, we also participated in the James Young High School Science Fair. The aim of the Science Fair is to give pupils an awareness of science and a greater understanding of how to conduct a science experiment, with particular reference to the:
- aims of the experiment;
- methods used;
- hypothesis;
- final conclusion;
Again, at the end of the evening, we had winners in four different categories:
- Arya Mortazavi & Finley Robertson – Most innovative experiment (How reliable is a Martian Rover)
- Ella Haken, Gianpaolo DiCiacca, Finlay Slater – Best Presented experiment (How teeth decay in different liquids)
- Callum Bruce, Cara McMillan, Charley Stirling & Zach Forfar – 3rd Prize overall (How colour effects the way you think drinks will taste)
- Ethan Robinson & Fraser Watson – 2nd Prize Overall (Is Mental or Physical exercise better for you?)
Every ‘scientist’ received a certificate for their hard work, whilst the winners also received a scientific prize in recognition of their project, presentation and final report.
The staff at James Young commented on the pupils’ commitment to the project, with one teacher saying,
“I’d be glad to get this from my Higher Class!”
Overall, a very big well done to each and every one of you. You have all worked extremely hard and have displayed such a great attitude towards your work.
Next stop……….Easter holiday for a break, then Dalguise!
Mr H!
