Plymouth College in national maths challenge final for second year running

Published: 06 April, 2011

A team of mathematicians from Plymouth College are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust's Team Maths Challenge for the second year running.  Joe Andrews, 13 from Fowey, James Wall, 13 from Noss Mayo, Paul Vallis, 13 from Plympton and James Douie, 14 from Saltash, qualified after beating 22 schools to retain the Devon champions' title.

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 Plymouth College pupils have made it to the national final again", said mathematics teacher and team mentor, Rob Groves.  "The boys equipped themselves really well and remained calm and focused under pressure. 

"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.  It allows them to see how maths can be applied to real life situations".

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