Last August, over 18,000 primary students from a record 337 schools across regional NSW sat the 36th annual Competition, with this year’s shaping up to be even bigger.

The competition was popular in Central West NSW last year, with 16 schools participating in 2016.

The competition saw a total of 316 local year 5 and 6 students tested their math mettle in the 35-question paper completed without the use of calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.

Newcastle Permanent’s branch lending manager, and one of the key organisers of the event, Sam Watson said he wanted local schools to show the rest of the state what they could do while having fun with maths.

“I’m so proud to be a part of the Central West NSW community and I believe that we have exceptional primary mathematicians in our region, so I’m urging all our local primary schools to get on board,” he said. 

“The Competition is for all skill levels and encourages students to become enthusiastic about maths, challenges them to rely on their problem solving skills and creates a fun opportunity to experience the way we use maths in real-life settings.

“The top performing students in each region are invited to our annual awards presentations to celebrate their achievements with their family and other maths whizzes, with selected young mathematicians invited to attend the annual Maths Camp to further enhance their mathematical talent.”

Last year saw Aidan Hargraves of Mudgee Public School receive the Mudgee District Award for the competition.

Registrations for the competition close Friday, May 12 2017, and more information can be found at www.newcastlepermanent.com/community.