Bunbury tops problem-solving contest

A cohort of South West students spent a Friday night flexing their problem-solving skills earlier this month at the annual Have Sum Fun mathematics competition.

The event was held at Bunbury Catholic College where teams of students from Years 7-10 worked together to solve a series of difficult questions.

Schools at this year’s challenge included Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, Grace Christian School, Bunbury Senior High School, Australind Senior High School and Frederick Irwin Anglican School from Mandurah.

Bunbury Senior High School took home the top award for the Year 9 and Year 10 division which head of mathematics Tyril Houghton said was a great achievement.

“There was quite a lot of pressure but the kids enjoy the competition,” she said.

“It was just fantastic to see the collaboration and as a public school, it was a great feeling to have won.”

Year 9 student Norah Harkin said the team felt triumphant over their win.

“It’s an eye-opening competition for academically gifted students so we’re all devoted to maths and it was even better feeling when we were announced as number one,” she said.