Cracking the Code maths challenge for students open
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/cracking-code-maths-challenge-students-open/
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/cracking-code-maths-challenge-students-open/
The competition aims to encourage a love of maths and problem-solving outside the formal curriculum. It’s open to KS3 and KS4 students across the UK and is a 2-part competition.
(Please not that this competition has now closed.)
Cracking the Code is part of Maths Mission; a partnership between Tata and Nesta aiming to find innovative new ways to improve problem-solving and maths skills.
The 2-part challenge is delivered with online maths platform Mangahigh, an adaptive and personalised digital resource for primary and secondary school mathematics.
Competitions can be a valuable way of motivating students and improving their attitudes to maths. Charlie Stripp, Director of National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) talks about the importance of using competitions to motivate all students, not just the ‘brightest’ in his recent blog. Our pilot year evaluation report also showed how competitions that provide opportunities to apply maths in interesting contexts, and combine with other important skills like collaboration and creativity, can support improved attitudes to maths.
Our competition is about improving maths skills and attitudes and using maths creatively, and is open to students of all abilities.
“Cracking the Code exposed students to a side of maths they don’t often get a chance to experience - when maths is engaging, creative and collaborative. I witnessed some great presentations by students from a wide variety of schools and backgrounds. Their excellent work makes me optimistic about the next generation of mathematicians in the UK.”
Rob Eastaway, Maths expert, author and broadcaster
Cracking the Code Challenge 1: Game Play challenges secondary schools from across the UK to participate in an online national maths competition from the 19 March 2019 until the 29 March 2019. The aim of the competition is simple - students must complete maths games and puzzles to master maths skills and win points. The top 10 schools with the most points will be awarded monetary prizes towards maths programmes at their school. The top prize is £1000.
Cracking the Code Challenge 2: Games Design challenges students aged 11 - 14 to design their own online game by applying their creativity, use of maths and collaborative problem solving skills. The winning team will be selected in June 2019 and will have their game created online.
Schools can register for the competition and their free 10 week membership to Mangahigh now through the competition page. (Please not that this competition has now closed.)
Why should schools take part?
Download short puzzles created by students who participated in Cracking the Code last year. Use these in class and inspire your students to take part!
Students from Elgin Academy, the winners of Cracking the Code 2018
of teachers of finalist teams said that Cracking the Code has had a positive impact on students.
of student finalists reported the competition helped them see how maths can be applied usefully in a new context.
“Cracking the Code was an amazing experience for the students. As the students were across different year groups it really fostered their teamwork and communication skills. It supported them to be creative, innovative and really see a different side to mathematics. The prize money from Cracking the Code will be used to set up maths masterclasses at our school, reaching out to other schools in the region, to enable more students to experience maths as a practical, useful and engaging skill.”
Lynne Weir, Elgin Academy
