Top-Three Result for St Leonards at National Maths Final

Tuesday, 25 November 

At the end of November, a team of four pupils headed to Glasgow to take part in the Enterprising Maths Scotland National Final.

After a strong performance in the Enterprising Maths Fife interschools challenge during Maths Week Scotland in September, Euan M, Tristan C, Maya A and Sophia Z, accompanied by Mr Gough, represented St Leonards at the National Final. Sophia shared her account of the day below:

“On Tuesday, 25 November, me and three other pupils from our school took part in the Enterprising Maths Competition Final. This was an amazing opportunity for us to gain more experience in competition maths style questions, and also an amazing opportunity to branch out and make friends with people from other schools.

When we got to the Science Centre in Glasgow for the competition, we started with some warm-up quizzes, and swiftly proceeded to the team questions, where our St Leonards team did very well and collaborated together successfully. After this, we did the puzzle/game section of the competition, which was in my opinion the most challenging part. After this, which I felt was the highlight of the trip, we got to explore the Science Centre and try the different activities on offer, which was also a good chance for everyone to socialise and get to know each other better. After the Science Centre exhibition, we did the maths relay where we worked together in pairs to complete the competition. In my opinion this was an interesting section where the answers were more about speed and accuracy than detailed working. I feel like the competition created a positive and energetic atmosphere.

Overall many achieved outstanding results, with top-performing groups distinguishing themselves through their own ways. However, I feel regardless of ranking, all participants demonstrated significant mathematical skills and commitment. In the end, our team placed 3rd overall, achieving an outstanding result. The Enterprising Maths Competition Finals were a resounding success, providing students with valuable opportunities to challenge themselves, broaden their mathematical insights and experience competitive problem-solving. The event highlighted the importance of teamwork, collaboration, flexibility and perseverance, which are skills that are essential not only to mathematics but across all areas of learning. This competition would not have been possible without the support of the Maths Department, and a special thanks to Mr Gough, who was the main teacher in organising this opportunity.”

To come 3rd out of 53 schools is a brilliant result, and the team should feel proud of how they represented St Leonards. Sophia’s reflection shows what really mattered on the day: real collaboration, focus, and a genuine appreciation for the challenge.