Four Year 6 children from a Whitton school attended the final of The National Young Mathematicians' Award on January 9 at Cambridge University.

The competition involves the children solving a series of problems that challenge their mathematical thinking but also require them to work well as a team, sharing their ideas and presenting their findings.

Alina Callender, Harry Jungi, Laith Read and Lottie Phillips 6M from Nelsons Primary School passed two rounds before making the final, becoming the first from the school to do so.

They had an 90 minutes to solve the problem and present their findings. When the task was complete, they were given a tour of the university and enjoyed an talk from Bobby Seagull.

The school said that, while the students didn't win, they worked incredibly hard and should be so proud of their achievements and reaching the final.

Assistant Head Sian Ward added: "After each round, the children listened carefully to their feedback, acted on it and improved and this was noticed by the judges.

"They worked as a team, supporting and guiding each other as well as challenging each other’s’ mathematical thinking. They were an absolute delight to take to each round and the school is incredibly proud of them. Well done.

“We are delighted to reached the final. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and responded well to the feedback from judges to improve their performance in each round.

"Their hard work and commitment to learning has been rewarded and we look forward to the final at Cambridge.”

Alina, one of the students who took part, said: "The maths competition was an amazing experience. We were all really excited because this was the first time the Nelson maths team had made it to the final.

"The challenge was quite hard but we all worked really well and tried our hardest. Bobby Seagull talked to us about maths and then they gave out the prizes.

"We all got trophies and a bag full of maths/science related games and books for us to enjoy. Overall the whole day was really fun and I am so proud of all of us for making it to the final at Cambridge University."