Number knowledge adds up for Perse mathematicians at regional finals

Perse maths teams accomplished an incredible one-two at the regional finals of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge in Milton Keynes.

Competing against 12 other sides from across the region, the Perse pupils worked in teams of four to solve a series of challenges.

The team of Marcus (Year 9), James, Daniel and Yixuan (all Year 8) achieved a perfect score across all four rounds to win the competition, with Maito, Matthew (both Year 9), Benjamin and Rachel (both Year 8) runners-up just a couple of points behind.

Among the challenges were the very tough cross-number – a numerical version of a crossword – a mathematical mini-relay, and a race against the clock, with two pairs from each team alternately answering questions and running to the opposite end of the room to hand over the next problem.

Perse maths teacher Vesna Kadelburg, who co-ordinates the school’s participation in maths competitions, said: “In the final round, one of the teams achieved a rare feat of completing all 30 questions in the time available, while the other team just ran out of time for the final two questions, but it was a fantastic achievement from both teams in finishing first and second.”