It is difficult to get children to think for themselves and solve problems when they are learning mathematics. We teach them the skills they need, but then need to provide them with situations where they use those skills and bring their knowledge together to do so.
Finding a rich resource of accessible problems can be a challenge and that is where the Primary Mathematics Challenge comes in.
For 20 years the Mathematical Association has provided a paper aimed at motivating and engaging pupils with the process of mathematical problem-solving.
There are 25 questions in the paper, the first 20 of which are multiple-choice. Teachers award certificates to the pupils who do well within their school. The most able mathematicians will be invited to take part in the Bonus Round later in the year.
The PMC is excellent value for money – £11 buys a pack of 10 question papers, together with certificates and answers and notes provided for the teachers.
- For information, visit www.primarymathschallenge.org.uk, call 0116 221 0014 or email pmc@m-a.org.uk