Welcome to The Challenge
The 2009/10 Challenge started in May and there are already hundreds of schools taking part. The Challenge is now in its 9th season and, if the emails we receive are anything to go by, it is more popular than ever. Our aims are simple; to help raise standards of achievement in mathematics across an age range of 9 to 16, to help motivate students generally and to show students of all abilities that maths can be fun! Using tried and tested software that simulates the setting up of a racing car, students will encounter a variety of mathematical tasks (some practical) in an effort to win a series of races! The competitiveness of the Challenge will keep your students focussed for months! Just look at what is covered...
- Percentages
- Multiplication, Division
- Calculator work (or not!)
- Decimals, rounding, context
- Ratios, chance, risk, strategy
- Angles, measurement, scale
- Speed, distance, time
- Maths modelling... what happens if?
- Team strategy, working together, emotional intelligence
- Interpreting graphs, statistics
- Data handling
- Opportunities for pupil independent learning
- And that is without getting creative for one moment!
The Challenge is now recognised as something that not only motivates both the students and teachers who take part, it also brings a freshness to the teaching and learning of mathematics across the board. Indeed, from teacher feedback, it has become clear that the Challenge, and what it is achieving, is stretching way beyond the maths classroom and into all walks of school life!
Sponsors of The Challenge.
Recent News
25th June 2009 / The 2008/2009 National Final Results
What a fantastic day we all had! 96 students, 74 adults, Mick Waters talking to us all and everyone going home with something to remember the day by - it doesn't get much better than that! Full details (with over 200 pictures) can be found by clicking on 'The Races/National Final' link.
27th May 2009 / News from Barcelona
We visited P. S. Jordi s/n, La Roca del Vallès, Barcelona and raced around the Hungaroring track with some of the pupils and their teacher, Paquita Terrada. Click on the main 'News' button to see some pictures.
15th May2009 / News from the Shetlands!
Baltasound Junior & High School on the island of Unst confirmed today that they will be taking their rightful place at the National Finals on June 25th. To get to the Finals they will have to
drive to Lerwick ( approx. 2 hours with 2 roll-on, roll-off ferry trips), sail overnight with Northlink Ferries to Aberdeen on the 23rd, get the train from Aberdeen to Birmingham and overnight stay on the 24th to get to the Final itself on the 25th! Another overnight stay on the 25th, then a train back up to Aberdeen in time to catch the overnight sail to Lerwick with Northlink Ferries on the 26th. All they have to do then is drive home on the 27th! Phew - what fantastic determination and all in the name of mathematics! We can't wait to meet you all!
9th May 2009 / The Semi Final
The three 2008/9 semi finals took place today. Click on 'The Races' to see if your school has qualified for the 2009 National Finals!
6th May 2009 / School Motivation Days
We had a fantastic time with the students at Kirkby Sports College. See the 'News' page for a report and some pictures.
15th April 2009 / New Site Launch
Our new improved website is launched. It features more accessible content and information
6th April 2009 / Training Courses
Summer Term training venue details are published.