ONE hundred and twenty students at the Bewdley School took part in the UK Mathematics Trust junior maths challenge.

Charlotte Blakiston, of year eight, was named best in school and best in year with her gold award.

Students had been preparing for a number of weeks before the challenge and practised by working in groups to solve the problems with chocolate prizes as an incentive.

The maths challenge aims to broaden and deepen the students' maths knowledge, giving them the confidence to tackle more difficult problems.

On the day, the challenge was completed individually and consisted of 25 problem-solving questions. By question 16, pupils lost marks for incorrect answers.

Head of Maths and ICT Fiona Wilmot said: “The maths department are very proud of the achievements of all the learners that took part, and particularly those who gained certificates. The questions were demanding and really challenged them.”

Other students that gained a gold award were year eights Morgan Ife and Kate Collingridge and year sevens Ben Rumley, who was named best in year, and Alex Duigenan.