The primary focus of the Maths sessions is to enhance pupils’ confidence in working with numbers, encompassing divisibility tests, sequences, triangular numbers, square numbers, and Fibonacci sequences.
Our approach involves exploring problem-solving techniques and strategies for breaking down complex mathematical challenges. We look at how these aspects of Mathematics occur in nature and where possible we integrate this knowledge with visits to the nearby University Botanical Gardens and the Lapworth Museum, both conveniently situated within walking distance from KEHS.
Time: Friday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3.00pm from November 2024 to May 2025
Location: Sessions can be held either at King Edward VI High School for Girls or at your school, depending on the distance.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact the Partnerships team at partnerships@kehs.org.uk.
Maths Competitions
Over 190 teams compete each year in our two Maths Challenges for able mathematicians in Year 4 and Year 5.
These challenging and fun competitions are designed for teams of four mathematicians, and take place within one afternoon, beginning at 1.30pm and finishing by 3pm at King Edward’s School. There are a series of heats held throughout a term, and the winning team from each heat progresses to the grand final of their competition.
There are two elements to the competitions. The first is a crossnumber, which involves team members working together to solve as many clues of a mathematical crossword as they can. The second element is a relay race, in which the team splits into two pairs, with each pair having to solve a mathematical puzzle before passing on the next puzzle to the other half of their team.
The overall winner from each year group is awarded the Borcherds Shield, named after a former pupil of King Edward’s School who was awarded the Fields Medal, the mathematical equivalent of the Nobel Prize.
Further details on the entry requirements for each competition and how to enter a team are available below.
Year 4 Maths Challenge
The next Year 4 Maths Challenge for state schools will take place in the autumn term 2024. The competition taking place in the autumn term is for state schools only. There will be a competition for independent schools in February 2025.
It is the aim that some questions should challenge the children but there should be plenty that are accessible for all competitors. Apart from a reasonable level of numeracy, very little mathematical knowledge is assumed. However, it would be helpful if the children are familiar with:
- What it means for a number to be divisible by another number.
- What it means for a number to be a multiple of another number.
- The meaning of the digits of a number.
An example Year 4 crossnumber, complete with instructions and solutions is available for download below. Please read the advice on the first page and pass it on to your pupils.
To register for the Year 4 Maths Challenge, please complete the form below.
Year 4 Maths Challenge - register your interest
Year 5 Maths Challenge
The Year 5 Maths Challenge will take place in the spring term 2025. The competition taking place in the spring term is for state schools only. There will be a competition for independent schools in June 2025.
It is the aim that some questions should challenge the children but there should be plenty that are accessible for all competitors. Apart from a reasonable level of numeracy, very little mathematical knowledge is assumed. However, it would be helpful if the children are familiar with:
- Square numbers
- Cube numbers
- Square root
- Prime numbers
- The meaning of the digits of a number
An example Year 5 crossnumber, complete with instructions and solutions is available for download below. Please read the advice on the first page and pass it on to your pupils.
To register for the Year 5 Maths Challenge, please complete the form below.
Year 5 Maths Challenge - register your interest
“Thank you for a wonderful day at the competition yesterday, we had a lovely day. Staff and pupils at KES are always so welcoming”.
Visiting Primary School Teacher
Maths resources
Primary teachers frequently enquire about finding questions at a similar level to the ones we use to challenge their top mathematicians. Check out our maths resources below for some suggestions.
nRich
nRich is a great website with lots of rich exploration tasks.
The Primary Maths Challenge
The Primary Maths Challenge (written by the Mathematical Association) usually contains a good range of puzzling questions, starting reasonably straightforward and gradually getting more difficult. You may want to consider entering pupils at your school for the actual challenge but, either way, the set of past papers online may be helpful in your teaching.
Primary Team Maths Challenge
The United Kingdom Maths Trust (UKMT) offers a Primary Team Maths Challenge. Some of the rounds are similar to the ones we use in the Maths Challenge but there are lots of resources on offer which are at a great level for gifted primary mathematicians.
UKMT Junior Maths Challenge
The UKMT Junior Maths Challenge is usually aimed at Year 7 but most of the questions are accessible for able Year 6 pupils.
Sumaze
If there are any other resources that you use and think we should add to the list please contact us at: outreach@kes.org.uk.
