The Primary Mathematics Challenge

The Primary Maths Challenge takes place during the week 11th - 15th November 2019

The Primary Mathematics Challenge is a fun and exciting mathematical Challenge aimed at pupils in years 5 and 6 England and Wales, P6 and P7 in Scotland, and Years 6 and 7 in Northern Ireland.

The PMC is not designed to be just another test in the school year.  We are of the belief that the PMC encourages enthusiasm, boosts confidence in mathematics and shows the different way questions can be asked. We believe in the importance of Problem Solving as a means of helping pupils develop their reasoning skills.

The PMC is designed to make pupils think outside the box. The questions asked are not necessarily subjects that have been covered in the curriculum by this time but the questions can create a great starting point and lead to discussions later in the year. We try to make sure the questions are not heavily reliant on formal mathematical knowledge, but can be solved by logical reasoning.

  For the November paper the teachers decide how the certificates be awarded. Decisions are therefore an 'in-school' task. The spirit of the PMC is that, in each school, there will be a number of gold, silver and bronze pupils who deserve certificates. We know every school has pupils of varying ability so we do not want to limit the achievements of any pupils taking part. One gold, two silver and three bronze certificates are provided in each pack and a 'Took the Challenge' certificate is provided for everyone. We have listened to your feedback and we will provide a certificate of participation to every pupil.

After the November results are collated and moderated, high scoring pupils are invited to take part in the Bonus Round. Whereas the November Challenge is an in-school Challenge, the Bonus Round sees pupils competing on a worldwide level (we have many overseas schools taking part in PMC and we are pleased to note that the number increases year on year!)

    There is no extra charge for the pupils entering into the Bonus Round. Everything you need is sent directly to you in January. Pupils take the Challenge in school. There is one day in February allocated for this challenge and the OMR papers have to be sent back to us swiftly; so they can be marked electronically by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust at the University of Leeds.

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