Nearly 17,000 students from over 350 primary schools participated in the annual Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Competition, marking its 45th year. The event took place on October 21, 2023, at the Newcastle Permanent Centre of Excellence, showcasing the mathematical talent of young learners from the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers, Central West, North West, and New England regions.
In the Year 6 division, standout performers included Ethan Eldhose from Warnervale Public School and Tahsina Meherush from Gosford Public School, who both secured first place. Following closely, Nuraiz Ahmed from Gosford Public School and Roy Kim from Kariong Public School earned second place honors.
The Year 5 division also saw impressive achievements, with Beau Maher from St Phillips Christian College taking home the second place award.
Recognition and Growth in Participation
During the award ceremony, Jessica Burgoyne, a representative from Newcastle Permanent, presented the major award winners with their accolades. Alexandria Baldwin, Regional Manager at Newcastle Permanent, expressed pride in the students’ successes and the increasing participation rates this year. “Congratulations to the students and their teachers for the outstanding efforts,” Baldwin stated. “We are thrilled to see a significant increase from last year in the number of students and schools participating in our competition from across the state.”
Baldwin highlighted the importance of the competition in fostering essential skills. “We are incredibly proud to continue our support of a competition that tests students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while also encouraging resilience and curiosity in mathematics.”
A Legacy of Excellence in Mathematics
The Newcastle Permanent Primary School Maths Competition, which began in 1981, has established itself as one of Australia’s largest and longest-running maths competitions. Since its inception, more than half a million students have participated, making it a significant event in the academic calendar for primary schools across the country.
This year’s participation underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing mathematical education and encouraging young minds to excel in challenging environments. As the competition continues to grow, it not only highlights individual achievements but also emphasizes the collaborative efforts of teachers and schools in nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers.
