Record number of Mid North Coast students test their maths skills

OVER 2000 students from more than 55 schools across the Mid North Coast challenged their numeracy and problem-solving abilities this week, during the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition.

Starting Monday, Year 5 and 6 students brimmed with excitement as they prepared to showcase their mathematical talents.

This year’s event followed a strong performance from the Mid North Coast in 2024.

Standout local students from last year included Emilia Perri from Tacking Point Public School, Dexter Van Mill from Port Macquarie Public School, and Finn Brunsdon from St Columba Anglican School.

Recognised as one of Australia’s largest and longest-running primary school maths competitions, it offers students a unique platform to demonstrate their numeracy and problem-solving abilities.

Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said this year set a record.

“We’ve seen a surge in registrations this year and I think that really points to the importance of developing numeracy and problem-solving skills, which is something that the competition emphasises,” he said.

“Maths plays an important role in everyday life, from time management to cooking.

“These skills are pivotal for kids to have, and this competition offers an exciting and challenging way to showcase those abilities.”

Students are challenged with 35 thought-provoking questions and given 45 minutes to complete the test.

The problems focused on practical mathematical concepts and real-life applications and, true to tradition, no calculators or rulers were allowed.

Leading this year’s competition was Dr Peter Howley, an award-winning academic and nationally recognised expert in Statistics, Systems thinking, Process improvement, and integrated STEM.

Dr Howley, who has led numerous national STEM initiatives and worked as a mathematics curriculum officer for the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARS), said he was honoured to oversee the prestigious event.

“With students establishing career interests in their primary school years, the importance of positive engagement with mathematics cannot be overstated,” he said.

“I’m passionate about creating opportunities that enrich children’s educational journeys.”

The competition offered a valuable extension to classroom learning, allowing students to explore mathematics in new, practical contexts, regardless of the outcome.”

Since its inception in 1981, the competition has attracted over half a million participants and is a favourite on the NSW education calendar.

The 2025 competition returned in a hybrid format, allowing some schools to compete on paper and others to participate online.

By Rikki WALLER