Pupils prove their maths credentials in competition

Yuki Yamada, 18, Angus McIntosh, 17, Alex Feng, 17 and Leonel Liang, also 17, all study A-level maths and made up the team of four representing the college.

The students had excelled in the regionals after they did very well in an earlier maths challenge, where they were all awarded a gold certificate, along with fellow student Yolanda Tang.

Competing against 11 other schools from across the region, they were thrilled to take third place.

Angus McIntosh, age 17, said ‘It was a really fun day but a challenge competing against other schools.

‘I’ve enjoyed working with my team mates, and it was particularly enjoyable beating our local rivals Portsmouth Grammar School.’

Alec Powell teaches the boys maths at the school.

He said: ‘I am very proud of the boys and they have worked extremely well as a team.

‘They were worried they hadn’t done well, but were pleasantly surprised when they were awarded third place.

‘I knew they could do it as they always work hard in class and are very worthy winners.’

St John’s College, in Osborne Road, Southsea, was founded in 1908 by a Lasallian community of brothers established by John Baptist De La Salle, the patron saint of teachers.

It is an independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged two to 18.

Children come from around the world to study there.