In August, teams of four from throughout Canterbury race against each other to answer mathematical problem solving questions in the annual Cantamath competition.

Cobham always enters a Year 7 and Year 8 team, and in the past we have been very successful at this event.

The competition consists of 20 questions that need to be correctly answered over 30 minutes. The first team to correctly answer all questions the fastest is the winner. Each team has a runner, who takes the team’s answers to a marker to check if it is correct.

At Cobham, students from the top maths class at each year level will be invited by their teacher to try out for the teams.

In addition to the fast-paced competition, all students have the opportunity to produce Mathematical displays in a variety of categories, such as 3D models, posters, games and puzzles, written work and more. These displays are usually completed as part of maths interchange and homework. We hold a Cobham Cantamath display, which parents are welcome to have a look at, and then the best are chosen to be taken to the Horncastle Arena for display and judging. Top exhibits will receive an Excellence award or Highly Commended, with 2–3 receiving the coveted Outstanding prize each year.