Tournaments and the Challenge
Tournament Practice
Before taking part in the regional Heats, you want as many students as possible to experience the competitive environment of the tournament. Not only will this give your pupils an exciting maths activity to participate in, but it will also help you choose who you want to represent your school at the Heats and the Grand Final.
This year we will be offering all schools the opportunity to attend a practice event, which will feature all of the elements of the Heats and Finals but in a 90 minute session. These will take place in easily accessible large central locations, you will be offered space for 2 teams of 5 students to take part. Or could be arranged within your borough or MAT if sufficient schools have signed up. If you would prefer, you can set up your own practice tournament, in-school or between your own schools group.
To support the set-up of an in-school tournament, we have prepared a set of resources, which will give you the same experience as attending one of the practice events. Full details are in the Guidance for Schools. Click the links below to access:
- In-school Tournament Presentation: a presentation that can be used on the day of your in-school tournament.
- Materials for the practice event.
- How To Run an In-school Tournament Video: a step-by-step video guide on how to run your in-school tournament.
In-School Tournament Presentation
In-School Tournament Scoresheet
How to Run an In-School Tournament Video
Selecting Your Tournament Team
After running your in-school tournament or attending the practice event, it is time to decide which 5 students will be in the team that you take to the regional Heats and Grand Final. You may be tempted to select your team before you’ve held an in/inter-school tournament – don’t do this! Why? The events are the tip of the iceberg! The most important part of the programme is the fantastic way in which pupils engage with and practise the activities, developing their strategies, their teamworking skills and speed.
After your practice event or in/intra-school tournament, you may be surprised by the students who have grown in their maths confidence and are great problem solvers, resourceful and able to keep their team focused. Others will surprise you with their speed at solving Target Maths cards. You may decide not to choose your quickest but those who have grown in confidence or would gain most from the experience. So, hold back until after your tournament!
When the time comes to select your team, there are some rules you must please stick to.
Your five team players must be:
- Year 7, 8 or 9 students – your team can be a mix of all year groups.
- Students are only allowed to enter the tournament once, so we would recommend older students, so that for, example year 7 students can be involved for longer but join a team in year 8 or 9.
- A combination of boys and girls in the ratio 3:2 – no single sex teams allowed (unless you are a single sex school).
Regional Heats & The Grand Final
All schools participating in the Jack Petchey Foundation Count on Us Secondary Maths Challenge will be invited to take part in the Heats, taking place regionally in host schools across London in late-April/early-May. The Heats are exciting events where pupils have lots of fun with maths and teachers can connect with other London schools taking part. If you would like to host a Heat at your school, please let us know!
The top scoring school teams from the Heats then qualify for the Grand Final held at a Prestigious Central London Location at the end of June or early July.
