The participating college teams competed across three distinct levels of competition, strategically structured according to prior attainment to maximise both competitive balance and inclusivity. The competition consisted of two challenging rounds designed to test both logic and speed. The first round featured a Tarsia maths puzzle, requiring teams to work collaboratively to solve interconnected problems, followed by a high-energy Kahoot quiz in the second round.
The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Rachel Lancaster, Patrick Geary, Vice Principal of Coventry College, and Vishvaraj Chauhan, Insights Manager from Coventry City Football Club.
Martin Newton, Assistant Director for the MEI spoke on the event:
The MEI FE Maths Challenge Regional Final for the Midlands expertly run by Coventry College at the CBS arena was an excellent event, Students loved it, teachers loved it and we at MEI loved it. There were such high levels of engagement. If you ask me why it works, I suggest it is because the students are surprised at finding themselves in a maths competition. The students in the competition often have negative memories of maths. After this event, they now have new happier memories of maths which they will remember for ever.
The winning teams from each three levels have now progressed to the National Finals of the MEI Maths Challenge and also enjoyed a unique opportunity of having their photograph taken in the arena seats, highlighting the incredible achievement they have made
Matthew Kendrick, Maths Lecturer at Coventry College said:
“We were delighted to host the regional finals of the MEI Maths Challenge at such a fantastic venue. The event provided a brilliant opportunity for students to showcase their mathematical skills, build confidence and enjoy a competitive but supportive environment.
“Bringing together learners from across the region also highlighted the importance of collaboration and celebrated the talent within further education.”
The MEI Maths Challenge is aimed at encouraging enthusiasm for mathematics, developing problem-solving skills, and inspiring students who are working towards gaining a Functional Skills maths qualification or a grade 4 in maths GCSE.
Coventry College was proud to support an important initiative that promotes academic excellence and provides students with enriching experiences beyond the classroom. We are event prouder to announce we were the winners of the second level and will be progressing on to the finals.
