Maths is Fun at Ashford School

• Maths Competition Questions

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What is the largest whole number that divides 54, 90 and 189 exactly?

Questions such as these proved no problem for the youngsters who packed Brake Hall for the annual Year 5 Maths Competition.

"Parents are saying they didn't know Maths could be such fun," said Ashford School Head of Maths, Dr Susan Childs. "It was a great event that has now been running for 10 years. A real challenge to the children and they absolutely love it."

This year's event featured 25 teams from 17 local primary and prep schools. The competition is run like a television game show with the score being displayed live on a big screen.

Teams of four work together on 20 questions in just 20 minutes. But they are not given all the questions at once. When they have answered one question they send a team member to the front with the answer. If it is correct, they are given the next question; if not, they can try again or pass.

"With time so short, excitement quickly mounts and the atmosphere is electric," added Dr Childs. "This year we had a very close finish with the winners, Yardley A, getting all 20 questions correct with just 37 seconds to spare."

Second place went to Junior Kings A team with 18 correct, and tied third were Saltwood and Sutton Valence A team with 15 correct."