The Year 9 and 10 students totted up some impressive totals in the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, which tasks young people at secondary schools across the country with solving 25 multiple-choice maths problems within an hour.

“In the UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, students are tested on problem-solving and mathematical thinking, rather than just routine classroom maths,” explained Connie Loizou, Head of Maths at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Questions cover familiar topics, such as numbers, algebra, geometry, ratio, and probability, but in unusual and clever ways,” she continued.

“Most problems require logical reasoning, pattern spotting, and deduction – not long calculations. There is negative marking for incorrect answers, to discourage guessing, so students must think carefully.

“Questions get progressively harder, with the final few stretching even the strongest mathematicians.”

Of the 123 Springwood students taking on the challenge this year, 31 achieved Bronze Certificates, 14 attained Silver, and an outstanding four were awarded Gold, including Nichita Apostol, Xavi Smith, David Croitoru, and Ava Smith.

In addition, three high fliers were invited to take part in subsequent rounds of the competition, with Nichita Apostol and Hartley Elden qualifying for the Grey Kangaroo, and David Croitoru going through to the Cayley Olympiad.

“High-scoring students can qualify for follow-on rounds, such as the Grey Kangaroo, Pink Kangaroo, or Cayley Olympiad, which involve even deeper problem solving,” said Ms Loizou.

“As follow-on rounds to the Intermediate Maths Challenge, the Grey and Pink Kangaroos are 60-minute, 25 multiple choice challenges. The Cayley, Hamilton, and Maclaurin Maths Olympiads are two-hour challenges, consisting of six Olympiad-style problems.”

The contest has become a regular event at Springwood, with our students rising successfully to the challenge every year.

“We are delighted to celebrate their excellent achievements,” added Ms Loizou. “It demonstrates their resilience, logical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills in a very challenging national competition.

“These results reflect the students’ hard work, determination, and enthusiasm for mathematics. Well done to everyone who took part.”