More amazing success for pupils
The team of Baptiste Mazars, Juan Rajagopal, Jerry Zhao and Alicia Zhou emerged victorious from the United Kingdom Maths Trust Team Challenge regional heat.
A total of 12 schools across the region took part in the event, and the team will now head to Lindley Hall in London for the national finals in June.
Working well as a group, the four started the competition strongly in the group round and crossnumber challenge, and found themselves occupying a top three position heading into the afternoon.
They continued their exceptional teamwork and surged clear of the other schools after the shuttle round and relay, which propelled them into top spot ahead of Ruthin School and Ysgol John Bright, who finished second and third respectively.
Mr Richmond, said: “It is so nice to see pupils enjoying working on their mathematics and problem-solving with one another, doing something that they don't always get the opportunity to in the day-to-day classroom situation.
“Well done, too, to the runners-up, Ruthin School, and to Ysgol John Bright who gained third place.”
Mr Smith also expressed his delight at the news, and added: “It is excellent to see this sort of academic success.
“We are a school which prioritises learning and a love of that learning. These talented pupils and their maths teachers are to be congratulated for their efforts and the hard-work which goes into preparing for such events.”
No fewer than 28 pupils achieved certificates from an Intermediate Challenge that was run by the United Kingdom Maths Trust, after taking the special test earlier this year.
At the highlight of the school’s success is Juan Rajagopal, who earned a Gold certificate, a place at the Grey Kangaroo stage and Best in School despite only being in Year 8, something Mr Richmond described as a “phenomenal” achievement.
Imogen Camp, Caitlin Qu and Ioan Peake-Jones also achieved gold and will now compete in the Pink Kangaroo.
A host of pupils were rewarded for their hard work with a Silver certificate, with Carol Chen, Eddie Farrell, Gowri Pradeep, Will Sissons, Amy Yue, Jerry Zhao and Alicia Zhou all achieving the impressive accolade.
Rounding off the triumphs were Abhishek Bathula, Holly Battersby, Tallulah Batley, Zac Blomeley, Alan Chan, Matthais Fiorita, Jamie Lavery, Edward Patrick, Nicholas Fiorita, Miles Poller, Eric Boon, Bijou Rajagopal, Ryan Roche, William Stewart, Caitlin Teece, Celina Wiedenmann and Richard Wolfendale, who all secured a Bronze certificate for their efforts.
This success is the latest in a long line for our Maths Department, with the school recently crowned UKMT Junior Team Challenge regional winners to book their place in the national finals in London.
Lower Sixth pupil Emily Li gained a place on the British Mathematical Olympiad squad last year, while eight pupils achieved Gold certificates from the Trust’s Senior Challenge.
Mr Smith, said: “To hear about such academic success is a credit to the pupils and the Mathematics Department.
“These pupils are involved in so many other areas of life too. They prove that it is possible to combine scholarship with all the other elements of our 5Ls Rydal Penrhos education.”