University Challenge star wants to inspire children at national maths awards

UNIVERSITY challenge legend and now TV star, Bobby Seagull has been made an ambassador for a national maths competition and aims to inspire the next generation of number crunchers.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Oct 2018, 17:59 BST
Updated 10th Oct 2018, 19:09 BST
Bobby SeagullBobby Seagull
Bobby Seagull

The Explore Learning competition is aimed at school children in both primary and secondary schools across the UK where teams of four compete against other teams across the country to be crowned the National Young Mathematicians of the Year.

Schools are invited to enter teams to a regional heat in Whiteley to tackle maths problems with the chance to make it to the national final held at the University of Cambridge where Bobby Seagull will present winners and runners up with their prizes. 

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He is well known for his appearances on University Challenge and currently presenting BBC2 show '˜The Monkman and Seagull Genius Guide to Britain' alongside fellow University Challenge contest Eric Monkman.

Bobby, who is currently studying a Doctorate in Mathematical Education at the University of Cambridge, said: '˜I'm really pleased to be the ambassador for this year's National Young Mathematicians' Awards. Maths is in my blood and I'm thrilled to be able to inspire the next generation who might one day study at the University of Cambridge themselves '“ and perhaps appear on University Challenge.

'˜Maths is such an integral part of our everyday lives and having competitions like this really encourages children to see the importance of it and excitement that it can bring. I can't wait to celebrate the children's success with them.'

The first rounds will take place on Wednesday November 7 and Thursday November 8 at Explore Learning in Whiteley Shopping Centre while the semi-finals will happen in December and with the top five teams heading to the final in January.

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Not only will this year's winners be crowed the best young mathematicians in the country, the two winning teams and eight runners up will receive prizes including a Meccano 5 Model Set, book bundles from Letts Revision and BOXER, an artificially intelligent robot.

Book bundle from Letts Revision worth £60

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning said: '˜The children absolutely love taking part in the competition and making it to the grand final at the University of Cambridge is one of their proudest moments that stays with them for life.

'˜We can't wait to see the impressive problem solving skills and fantastic teamwork that will be on display.'

Schools can enter via explorelearning.co.uk/youngmathematicians and the closing date is October 19.

 

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