Children aged 10 and 11 have once again shown that they are capable of solving mathematical problems which prove too difficult for many adults.

The children, from all the western primary schools, were given a very limited time to solve a series of sometimes very complicated questions involving algebra, geometry, logic and mathematics when Peel’s QE2 school hosted the annual Maths Olympiad, sponsored once again by Nationwide International.

Teams were given a set time to answer the questions set by the new Head of Mathematics Olivia Graham who said she was “very impressed” by the high standards achieved by the primary school children.

She said, “We didn’t want to make it too difficult, but at the same time we didn’t want to make it too easy either. It was my first time involved in the Olympiad, and I have to say I was very impressed by the standards.”

Teams from Foxdale, St John’s, Ballaugh, Peel Clothworkers’, Marown, Michael and the Bun Scoill took part in the Olympiad, with victory going by a narrow margin to Peel Clothworkers’ School, with St John’s runners up and Kirk Michael third.

The three winning teams all received individual prize vouchers from Nationwide International, plus a trophy for the victorious Peel Clothworkers School to be displayed in their school for a year, presented by Nationwide International’s marketing manager David Findlay.

He said, “The Maths Olympiad is clearly a very popular event, and I am grateful to Queen Elizabeth High School, Ms Graham and her 6th Form students for the considerable amount of time they gave to putting this event together, and for supervising the competition itself.

“There was a really good atmosphere in the hall throughout the day, and a wonderful team spirit. Nationwide International is delighted to be involved in such a great event.”

Photo - The winning Peel Clothworkers’ School team with QE2 Head of Mathematics Olivia Graham and David Findlay of Nationwide International.