It all added up to a closely fought contest to find the first Maths Mastermind of 2018 at Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate.
And the competition could not have been closer with level pegging at first and third places.
The standard was high as contestants took their turn in the big black chair to answer quick-fire Maths questions against the clock.
With the stop watch set at one minute, quizmaster teacher Amy Lane and each contestant were under the spotlight on the main school hall stage in front of pupils staff and families.
Pupils in each class from Years 3 to 6 had selected their times tables champion using the same competition rules as the final.
When the scores were added up it emerged there was a tie for top spot with 37 correct answers in a minute by Lewis and Jamie. A close second on 36 was Toby, with George and Jake sharing third place.
The winners received vouchers and all competitors received a commemorative certificate for their effort.
Miss Lane said: ”It is very tough trying to focus when you are put on the spot in front of the whole school and the questions are coming at you very fast. The competition was very close and congratulations go to all who took part.”
he event is designed to promote children’s recall of times tables and multiplication facts – key to many areas of mathematical success.
Weekly class competitions are held enabling children to achieve bronze, silver, gold, diamond and platinum level for how many questions they can answer correctly in one minute. They collect reward badges as they go through the levels.
Maths Mastermind is held three times each school year and the next challenge is in the summer term.