On Friday 14th March, better known as Pi Day (3.14 in the American date format), Year 8 students from across Cumbria Education Trust’s secondary schools gathered at The Queen Katherine School (QKS) for an exciting day of mathematical challenges.
A total of 11 teams, representing five secondary schools, took part in the competition:
- Kirkby Stephen Grammar School (KSGS): Team Emonds, Team Green, and Team Mango
- The Queen Katherine School: QKS Girls and Queenie Yummi Pi
- The Whitehaven Academy (TWA): The Pi-ineers and The Mega Mathematicians
- William Howard School (WHS): Algebra Avengers and Fibonacci Force
- Workington Academy (WA): A Good Day to Pi Hard and Pi Hard with a Vengeance
The teams tackled six rounds of challenging maths problems, including a logic problem, a cross number puzzle, and a high-speed shuttle round. Each round tested different mathematical skills, from problem-solving to strategic thinking and teamwork.
The competition remained incredibly tight, with only 20 points separating first and last place. Right up until the final round, the leaderboard shifted as teams battled to solve each challenge.
After an intense day of mathematical prowess, the final standings were:
3rd Place: QKS – Queenie Yummi Pi
2nd Place: KSGS – Team Green
1st Place: WHS – Algebra Avengers
Chris McAree, CET School Improvement Maths Lead, commented, “What a great day of problem solving between 11 teams from across the trust. It was really pleasing to see the students use their knowledge so well across the varied rounds, and even better that each round was won by a different team. Every student who took part can be very proud of the way in which they applied themselves but ultimately only one team could win. The honours went to the Algebra Avengers from William Howard, but every student who took part showed a great deal of resilience and exceptional mathematical skills.”
A huge congratulations to all participants for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and impressive problem-solving skills. The event showcased the incredible talent of our students and their passion for mathematics.
Events like Pi Day are incredibly beneficial for students as they promote a love for learning, encourage teamwork, and develop critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way. By applying their mathematical knowledge in a competitive setting, students gain confidence and resilience – skills that will serve them well in their academic journey and beyond.
