Primary school pupils from across Aberdeen will be gathering today at the University of Aberdeen for one of the highlights of the primary schools mathematical calendar.
Over 70 pupils from City schools will compete in the regional Enterprising Mathematics Challenge, organised to promote maths as a source of interest and achievement among younger children and to encourage their enthusiasm for maths.
The competition is the fourth of its kind and has been organised jointly by the University of Aberdeen’s School of Education, Aberdeen City Council, and SETPOINT Scotland North. The event, which is being held at the University’s Elphinstone Hall, will see the 11 and 12-year-olds work their way through a series of challenges against the clock, with the relay challenge providing a spectacular finale to the day.
Helen Martin, Lecturer in Mathematics Education at the University of Aberdeen and one of the event organisers, is looking forward to tomorrow’s event. She said: “We are really hoping to inspire the youngsters about mathematics in a fun and informative way. This is an exciting opportunity to make available to primary schools a very successful competition that was previously only open to secondary pupils. We have had great feedback from schools which participated in previous years and have been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from schools this year.”
Amy Sinclair, Curriculum Support Teacher for Maths (5-14), said: “We are pleased to be working in conjunction with the University of Aberdeen and SETPOINT Scotland North on this exciting venture.”
“The children will be working on challenges as part of team which require them to think in a manner which is logical, creative and enterprising. They will take part in active, practical maths in a range of activities including races, puzzle challenges, strategy games and interactive quizzes. It will be an exhilarating day which I am sure the children will enjoy.”
All primary schools in Aberdeen have been invited to enter a team of three Primary 6 or Primary 7 pupils to take part in this year’s challenge. All participants will receive certificates of participation with prizes awarded for the best poster and the overall winning team will be presented with the Challenge trophy.
Vivien Ellins, SETPOINT Scotland North Co-ordinator, added: “We are delighted to be taking part again in the Enterprising Mathematics Challenge. From creative work to problem solving and strategy, this event illustrates the enjoyment that can be found in mathematics. ”