Senior Team Maths Challenge Regional Win

On Wednesday 28 November, a Bancroft’s team of Alex, Swasthi  and Sonya (all L6) captained by Soumya (U6) took part in the regional heats of the Senior Team Maths Challenge held at Queen Mary University of London.  In a large, competitive and strong field St Paul’s Girls and JAGS were placed second, an indication of the mathematical calibre of the competitors.

The Challenge consists of three rounds: the group round where the team works together on questions; crossnumber where the team is split into pairs and solves the puzzle using clues and,  finally, a shuttle round where the team works in pairs passing answers back and forth.  The Bancroft’s team had an extremely strong start, obtaining perfect scores in the first two rounds.  In the final round they held onto their 100% record right up until the final five minutes, but their past performance in the Challenge meant they had already done enough to win.

The Challenge provides fantastic enrichment opportunities for the finest young mathematicians nationwide, helping them to develop their teamwork skills whilst being challenged and stimulated by the great range of mathematical problems set. The materials are produced by the UKMT (UK Maths Trust), with the AMSP (Advanced Maths Support Programme) also assisting with the running of the events.

Despite not expecting to win, the Bancroft’s four were elated when they were announced as the winners.  This is the first time for several years a Bancroft’s team has won a regional heat in the Senior Team Challenge and they are now looking forward to the national final which will be held at the Royal Horticultural Hall in Central London on 5 February. The winners from each of the regional heats around the UK compete for the national trophy. This event is always fiercely contested and, in addition to the three rounds at the regionals, it also incorporates a Relay round and a National Poster round.