National final for mathematicians - 17/3/10

Published: 17 March, 2010

Plymouth College pupils James Douie (13), Paul Vallis (12), Kevin Vandabona (13) and Ali Wass (14) are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust's Team Maths Challenge.  They qualified for the national event after beating 19 other schools in the Devon competition.

Open to pupils in Years 8 and 9, the boys have been training for the challenge during their lunch breaks since the start of term.  The competition combines mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and offers pupils another way to express and develop their enjoyment of mathematics. The Devon event was divided into four sections - crossnumber, group, head-to-head and relay. 

"I am delighted that the boys will be going to London for the national final", said mathematics teacher and team mentor, Rob Groves.  "Their performance in the Devon competition was spot-on, particularly when they scored full marks in round one. 

"This is a great competition for young mathematicians to be involved in as it advances their appreciation of mathematics by going beyond the school curriculum".

The national final takes place at the Royal Horticulture Society in London in June.

Photograph L to R: Kevin Vandabona, Ali Wass, Rob Groves, Paul Vallis, James Douie.