Hosts take honours at school maths and science challenge

SIX schools took part in the 2024 Stem Challenge at St Mary’s Prep School in Henley.

Teams of year 4 children from St Mary’s, Peppard, Badgemore, Trinity and Sacred Heart primaries and Nettlebed Community School were involved.

The teams were set a number of challenges, including creating perfect polygons and a series of increasingly difficult questions designed to really test the children’s understanding of mathematical concepts.

Caroline Dowling, head of maths at the independent prep in St Andrew’s Road, said: “It was wonderful to see the teams working together to solve the challenges.

Our year 5 and 6 science and maths champions had helped to create the science activity for the competition — to build a fairground ride using a battery, switch and other materials.

“We are always looking for ways in which to stretch our most able and talented children and it was great to welcome so many children from other local schools.

“I was very impressed with the level of work by all the children that took part — and delighted that team St Mary’s won.”

Each year, St Mary’s children take part in the UK Maths Trust Challenge, an assessment typically aimed at children in senior school, with resounding success. Last year, the school achieved a number of bronze and silver awards.