Registrations soar for Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition

MORE than 13,000 students from over 200 schools across the Hunter will put their numeracy and problem-solving skills to the test this week in the 45th Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics Competition.

The competition is one of Australia’s largest and longest-running primary school mathematics contests, giving participants a unique opportunity to shine.

Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said the number of registrations and participating schools was the highest he had ever seen.

“We’ve seen a surge in registrations this year and I think that really points to the importance of developing numeracy and problem-solving skills, which is something that the competition emphasises,” he said.

“Maths plays an important role in everyday life, from time management to cooking.

“These skills are pivotal for kids to have, and this competition offers an exciting and challenging way to showcase those abilities.

“The Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition has become a long-standing tradition for many schools and families across the Hunter, and we look forward to seeing the impact that this initiative continues to have on our communities for years to come.”

The competition structure will see Year 5 and 6 students tasked with 35 challenging questions and 45 minutes on the clock.

The questions include practical math skills and problems that are inspired by real-life scenarios, and in keeping with tradition, the competition remains consistent in its rules – no calculators and no rulers.

This year’s competition will be led by Dr Peter Howley, a national and international leader and award winning academic, educator and practitioner in statistics, systems thinking, process improvement, and integrated STEM.

Also the creator and coordinator of many leading national STEM education initiatives and resources for schools, and a mathematics curriculum officer for the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority, Dr Howley is delighted to lead the iconic competition.

“With students establishing career interests in their primary school years, the importance of positive engagement with mathematics cannot be overstated,” Dr Howley said.

“I am an advocate for providing opportunities for children that enhance their educational development.

“The competition plays a valuable role in expanding students’ experiences and learning, as it uniquely supports and complements traditional educational activities and is all about offering kids the opportunity to give maths a go in potentially new contexts, no matter the outcome.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to take on the stewardship of this historic competition, and it is fantastic to see so many schools and students eager to take part in this year’s competition – I look forward to watching it challenge and inspire the next generation of mathematicians.”

Since the competition began in 1981, it has seen over half a million participants and has become a beloved tradition across NSW primary schools.

The 2025 competition will again be rolled out in its successful hybrid format, allowing some schools to participate on paper while others compete online.