Hundreds of students from 16 Port Stephens schools, equipped with only a pencil and their smarts, were due to sit the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition on Wednesday.
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About 19,000 primary school-aged students from 323 NSW schools were due to put their mathematics and problem solving skills to the test for the competition, in its 37th year.
This year’s paper had 35 questions, which years 5 and 6 students were to solve without calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.
Newcastle Permanent CEO, Terry Millett said the competition promotes the fun of overcoming maths challenges, while teaching students fundamental life skills.
“Many adults would find the exams challenge their own problem solving abilities,” Mr Millett said.
Schools taking part in Port Stephens:
- Anna Bay Public School
- Tanilba Bay Public School
- Tomaree Public School
- St Michael's Primary School
- St Philip's Christian College, Salamander
- Soldiers Point Public School
- Medowie Public School
- Salt Ash Public School
- Wirreanda Public School
- Medowie Christian School
- Grahamstown Public School
- Irrawang Public School
- Karuah Public School
- Raymond Terrace Public School
- Seaham Public School
- St Brigid's Primary School
Sample question from 2016 Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition exam:
When Archie walks he takes 3 steps to go 5 metres while Sylvie takes 5 steps to go 4 metres.
If they start walking from the same point, with Archie walking East and Sylvie walking West, how far apart are they after each has taken 300 steps?
(A) 260m (B) 740m (C) 775m (D) 900m
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
