Wow. How many primary schools or intermediates can say they have 3 of New Zealand's top problem solvers in Mathematics in the same class? Merrin School can.

This year, the year 6, 7, and 8’s in Mr Barr’s top math class took part in the Otago Problem Solving (OPS) challenge. Out of Mr Barr’s class, Ethan (Yr 8), Jhetro (Yr 8), Woojin (Yr 7) and James (Yr 7) made it to the final challenge. It consisted of 20 complicated math questions, 15 multiple choice and 5 free response questions. 

Everybody worked hard and did a great job. Ethan, James, and Woojin got into the top 30 placings in New Zealand out of 25,789 students. Ethan came first in the Year 8 competition, Woojin came third place in the Year 7 competition and James came 15th equal [tied with 9 other students! (This tells you you how hard the competition was)]. That was a Distinction, still a very good result. Jhetro finished in the top 30% of students who sat the exam.

Good job to all the students who participated in the five Otago Problem Solving challenges. Everyone who participated did well and deserve to be recognised.

Results