Almost 12,000 Hunter primary students from years five and six, attending a combined 160 schools in the region, sat the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition exam on Wednesday.
More than half a million students have taken part in the 40 years the competition has been running.
"Newcastle Permanent's Primary School Mathematics Competition is a rite of passage for primary school children," Newcastle Permanent's CEO, Bernadette Inglis said.
"The 35-question exam follows a model that has been successful since 1981, and continues to be relevant today.
"Our Primary School Mathematics Competition encourages students to challenge their minds with no help from mathematical tools. It provides students with an opportunity to gain invaluable problem solving skills without relying on tools and technology-such as a calculator or ruler-a great asset in today's world."
The competition is the largest and longest running competition of its kind in Australia, challenging year 5 and 6 primary school students across northern and central west NSW. Awards will be presented to the top performers in each region later in the year.
Last year, the Hunter recorded great results with three Newcastle students achieving 100% for a share of first place in the Year 6 Division, including New Lambton Public School's Samuel Lane, The Junction Public School's Lucille Healy and Jake Dahl from St Philip's College Waratah. Tighes Hill Public School student Dimitri He took out first place in the Year 5 Division, setting the challenge for fellow students.
