Students excel in Maths Competition

Wednesday 21 September 2022

Congratulations to students who excelled in Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition

The results of this year’s Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition have been announced, with a number of students excelling in the regional event.

Year 5 winners

• Equal first: Kathy Li, Central Coast Grammar School
• Equal first: Brian Zhang, Central Coast Grammar School
• Third: Jonah Jo, St Philip's Christian College, Waratah

Year 6 winners

• First: Jaydon Miao, Central Coast Grammar School
• Second: Pin-Ling Wei, Singleton Public School
• Equal third: Leonardo Legovich, Maryland Public School
• Equal third: Lohith Pathala, Central Coast Grammar School

Newcastle Permanent Chief Technology Officer, Jodi Stapleton, presented major award winners with their prizes at Newcastle Permanent’s head office on 21 September, while District Awards were presented at local branches across NSW.

Mrs Stapleton congratulated all entrants for challenging their numeracy and problem-solving skills.

“Students from 339 Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, North Coast, Northern Rivers, Central West, and New England North West primary schools sat this year’s exam and we have some talented young mathematicians in our region,” said Jodi.

“This exam tests numeracy and problem-solving skills which are so vital for success in school, work and life.

“We use maths every day to manage our finances and other problems. STEM skills are now recognised as vital for many of the most rewarding jobs of the future.”

Students are given 45 minutes to complete 35 questions without help from calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.

First place winners received a complimentary $250 Newcastle Permanent account, second place winners $150, and third place $100. District Award winners received $50.

All participating students received a high distinction, distinction, merit or participation certificate.

The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition is the largest and longest running competition of its kind in Australia. More than half a million students have registered to participate since it started in 1981.

Are you smarter than a primary school kid?

Check your knowledge against questions from this year’s exam. Remember, no calculators, rulers or other instruments.

1. Q. Ali wants to save $20 each month for a year. After 7 months she finds that she has only saved $15 per month. How much will she have to save each month from now on to achieve her goal?
   (A) $20 (B) $23 (C) $25 (D) $27
2. Q. All the odd numbers between 6 and 30 are multiplied together. The last digit of the answer is:
   (A) 3 (B) 5 (C) 7 (D) 9
3. Q. It is true that 22 × 24 × 26 × 28 = 384 384 Which of the following is not a factor of 384 384?
   (A) 36 (B) 21 (C) 11 (D) 8

Answers:

1. (D) 9
2. (B) 5
3. (A) 36