Iconic maths competition rings in 40 years with half a million students
- Aug 17, 2020
- 2 min read
Hunter students are making history next week as they take part in the 40th annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition.
An impressive 11,797 year 5 and 6 students from 160 schools in the Hunter will be sitting the exam on Wednesday, 19 August 2020.
Bringing the total number of NSW students that have taken part in the maths comp to more than a half a million, since its inception in 1981.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis said the Newcastle Permanent’s Primary School Mathematics Competition has been significant annual event in schools and the community for the past 40 years.
“Newcastle Permanent’s Primary School Mathematics Competition is a rite of passage for primary school children.
“The 35-question exam follows a model that has been successful since 1981, and continues to be relevant today.“
Our Primary School Mathematics Competition encourages students to challenge their minds with no help from mathematical tools. It provides students with an opportunity to gain invaluable problem solving skills without relying on tools and technology—such as a calculator or ruler—a great asset in today’s world!
An impressive 16,915 students from 287 schools throughout regional NSW will sit the exam next week. Compared to the 2,337 students from 70 schools recorded for the first exam in 1981, the annual maths competition continues to strive.
“Forty years on from its humble beginning, I’m overwhelmed by the participation numbers. Both locally and throughout our regional footprint, it’s clear the competition is unmoving in its significance within the community,” Bernadette said.
“We’re really excited to see so many students in the Hunter taking part in this important and educational initiative, and wish all participants good luck as they take part in the 40th annual exam on Wednesday,” Bernadette said.
The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is the largest and longest running competition of its kind in Australia, challenging year 5 and 6 primary school students across northern and central west NSW.
Awards will be presented to the top performers in each region later in the year.
Last year, the Hunter recorded great results with three Newcastle students achieving 100% for a share of first place in the Year 6 Division, including New Lambton Public School’s Samuel Lane, The Junction Public School’s Lucille Healy and Jake Dahl from St Philip’s College Waratah. Tighes Hill Public School student Dimitri He took out first place in the Year 5 Division, setting the challenge for fellow students.
