Since registering last September, pupils from Primary 7 have been competing in the Scottish Mathematical Challenge.  This is a problem solving competition for individual pupils in Scottish secondary schools and upper primary schools.  It’s been running since 1976, with the aim to promote mathematics as a source of interest and pleasurable achievement.  Marks are, therefore awarded for explanations of answers (clarity, creative and innovative) as opposed to simply getting the correct answer.

The competition is divided into four divisions: Primary and Secondary (Junior, Middle and Senior).  Each year there are two rounds of problems for Secondary schools and three rounds for Primary schools, with the winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze Certificates announced in May.  In June, winners of the Gold and Silver certificates are invited to a prize-giving ceremony at Edinburgh University, Moray House School of Education, to receive their awards.

The great news is that in our first year of competing, we had three overall winners:

Emma Barrett – Gold Certificate winner

Ethan Robinson – Silver Certificate winner

Freya Harkness – Bronze Certificate winner

The standard across Scotland was extremely high and it was great to see our ‘wee’ school up there performing alongside some of the more famous educational establishments: George Watson’s College, George Heriot’s and St George’s.

Well done to all our participants, and to our winners, for all their hard work, commitment and dedication during those indoor breaks and lunches!