Every year our Y7/8 students, plus students from the 6X Maths class participate in the Otago Problem-Challenge. This is a mathematics problem-solving competition aimed primarily at children in Y7 and 8, and has been offered to schools throughout New Zealand for the past 29 years.

Students participating in the competition attempt to answer 5 questions in 30 minutes on each of 5 problem sheets, which are completed in Terms 2 and 3. This allows students to practise and develop strategies for solving problems. All year groups attempt the same problem set and there are separate awards for each of those levels.

All students taking part receive a certificate of participation. Those in about the top 10% in each year will receive certificates of excellence and those in the next 25% or so will receive certificates of merit.

This year, 512 schools and 21688 students participated throughout NZ. At TCGS, we had 88 students participate with 33 students achieving a merit award and 22 students achieving an excellence award. In addition, we have 5 students who have been invited to participate in the Final Challenge on 29 October.

We wish Marco (Y7) Zoe, Liam, Harry, and William G (Y8) well for this final Challenge.

A special mention to William G (Y8) who will receive a $25 book token for getting in the top 1%. He was 1 mark shy of a perfect score!

Congratulations to the students who have worked hard throughout this challenge in their maths sessions and to the teachers who have helped students to develop strategies and skills for successful problem-solving.