A mathematical celebration: the UK schools mathematical challenge

Abstract

On the surface the UK SMC does not look much like a “celebration”. It consists of a one hour multiple choice paper aimed at 30-40% of 13 and 14 year olds, and is taken each year on the first Thursday in February.Well, what would one be willing to accept as a celebration? The London Marathon has certainly captured the public imagination. Few of us can deny the emotional appeal of watching, or joining with, other human beings who are pushing themselves far beyond what is normal in everyday life. Mathematics usually evokes an equally strong emotional reaction, except that most people respond negatively. And among those few who respond positively, even fewer (in the UK) have traditionally relished the harsh glare of mathematical competition. How is it then that the UK SMC, now in only its third year, attracts a far larger entry than the London Marathon and has plans to expand to five times its present size? (The 1990 entry was roughly 42 000 from 770 schools.) Quite apart from any mathematical advantages, the scale of such an event offers youngsters a unique opportunity to participate in something truly national—a rare instance of school mathematics overcoming its instinctive introversion by becoming conscious of a challenge shared with others.