THE numbers add up for a group of maths maestros from Greenock after they claimed second place in a UK counting competition.

Children from P3C at Aileymill Primary were runners-up in the Sumdog counting contest and also finished as the top Scottish class from almost 650 taking part.

Each child answered 1,000 maths questions over a six-day period.
Over 15,500 pupils across the UK participated but it was a case of ‘count on us’ for the A-team from Aileymill. 

Teacher Ashley McColl said: “The children actually had a day less due to a bank holiday weekend, so that shows the commitment and the extra work they did at home.

“Every single child completed the questions and gave up their play-times voluntarily.

“A school in England won but we were only 16 points behind them and the next best-placed team in Scotland finished eighth.

“We’re over the moon with them, so thrilled.

“The children are chuffed to bits and the whole school is delighted for them.”

The challenges involved sums and graphs to puzzles and number-themed games.

Miss McColl said: “There were all sorts of different games.

“It was very appealing to them and they all wanted to play.

“They have a love of maths and a buzz for learning.”

Depute head teacher Angela Ferrier added: “We are very proud of the pupils.

“It’s been very much driven by Miss McColl and she’s really fired up interest in maths in her class.”