School children put their brains to the test in the 2008 Primary Maths Challenge

The team from Canon Peter Hall Primary School put their brains to the test. Pictured are Liam Peacock, Tim Parkin, Luke Tetley and Jay Fraser.

SCHOOL children from across North East Lincolnshire put their number skills to the test in the recent borough-wide Primary Maths Challenge.

Some 56 pupils, all from Year 6, converged at Grimsby Town Hall to take part in the grand final, putting their knowledge of equations, number sequences, geometry and co-ordinates to the test.

Around 32 schools initially entered the competition, which whittled down the hopefuls to just 14 teams for the final showdown.

Now in its sixth year the contest, organised by North East Lincolnshire Council, put each team of four pupils through two rounds of mathematical puzzles.

Victorious were a team from St James’ School, comprising Jack Brammar, Sam Amirbashiri, Remi Simpson and Max Vasey.

This fabulous four fought off tough competition to take the title, making proud their maths teacher Stuart Blackbourn. This was St James’ first time in the contest.

Team captain Remi said: “This was lots of fun and we learned lots, too. We hoped that we would win, but we didn’t expect to win. We were surprised and happy!”

Second place was taken by Old Clee Primary, and Scartho Junior School came third.

All participants received medals for their success in reaching the contest’s final. Members from the top three teams all received maths-based games as prizes.

Youngsters from St James' School with their prizes. Pictured are Jack Brammar, Sam Amirbashiri, Remi Simpson and Max Vasey. With them is maths teacher Stuart Blackbourn.