In August, 18,847 Year 5 and 6 students sat the 35-question exam paper at 316 primary schools within the Hunter, Central Coast, Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, New England and Central West regions.

Ben’s High Distinction put him earned him the Mudgee District Year 5 Award, making him one of just 69 students – from the close to 19,000 who entered – to take home a prize.

Mudgee Public School’s Daniel Pegg also received a High Distinction, with eight other students picking up distinctions.

Newcastle Permanent chief people officer, Felicity Laczina, said the Maths Competition presentation was a highlight each year for herself and the students who participate.

“A big congratulations to Ben for his excellent work taking out the first place award for his school. You, your families and schools can be very proud,” Ms Laczina said.

“I’m very proud to meet and congratulate the bright young people who show themselves to be passionate about maths and its everyday application. It’s clear they have an aptitude for maths and we’ll no doubt see big things from them in the future.

“The increasing number of schools participating in recent years shows it continues to be very popular with students, and reinforces the relevancy of mathematics in the school curriculum.”

Different to typical tests, Newcastle Permanent’s Primary School Mathematics Competition challenges students to complete the exam without using calculators, rulers or geometrical instruments.

The top 150 Year 5 students are invited to attend an intensive two-day Mathematics Camp in March 2019, where they have the opportunity to hone their skills and meet other students with similar interests and abilities.  

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