Maths competition

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 408, 15 October 1991, Page 6

Maths competition

BY

JO

HOWIE

Twenty eight children from Waiouru competed in the Wanganui mathematics competition last week, with over 200 children from the Wanganui area participating. Last month, Waiouru's standard three and four, and Form one and two children entered the Ohakune Mathlectics competition and dominated most categories. Because of this success Trish Masson, the coordinating teacher, conducted daily maths sessions to educate the children for three weeks

in preparation. "We only took the children who wanted to go, so those volunteers were keen and motivated. The students completed 80 questions a week as part of their preparation which they wouldn't normally have done." "Amongst the 28 children, we had six teams of four and four reserves. We put in two standard four teams, two form one teams, and two form two teams. Most of the questions were logic thinking, common sense, problem solving

type of questions." Trish and Tania Cohen, Waiouru's form one teacher, who helped Trish over the three weeks, were both involved in judging. Trish said even though Waiouru failed to secure a place, they would have come in the top third. "The experience is good for the school. We're isolated as it is, its great for the kids to compete and meet others from different schools and the children are keen to compete again next year.