A WEYMOUTH secondary school opened its doors as it held its annual maths challenge.

Budmouth College, in Weymouth, welcomed in pupils from primary schools around Weymouth and Portland for the popular event.

It sees teams of six completing four tasks and competing against each other.

Tasks include code breaking, problem solving and algebra as they look to claim top prize.

Competing in the event were year six pupils from Southill, Wyke Junior School, St Augustine’s, Chickerell Academy, St George’s, Bincombe Valley, St John’s, Portesham, St Nicholas and St Laurence and Holy Trinity primary schools.

The challenge has been running at Budmouth for more than a decade with 70 pupils taking part in this year’s event.

Stuart Dennis, key stage three co-ordinator at Budmouth said: “They love it, there’s a different atmosphere in different rooms, some are really lively and some are really thoughtful.

“It develops team building and problem solving skills.”

As well as putting on a challenging morning of learning for the pupils, the event allows Budmouth to link up with the primary schools and give some students a first chance to see the secondary school as they prepare to move next year.

Mr Dennis said: “It’s all about creating links between the college and local primary schools. These are year six students who are considering Budmouth as their secondary school.

“It’s about reaching out in to the community and linking with other schools. It is a chance to give some students a first opportunity to visit the school.”

After a tough morning of competition, the competitors waited expectantly to see who would be declared this year’s winner.

Coming in first place was Holy Trinity Primary School, with St Augustine’s taking the runner-up spot and Wyke Junior School coming in third.

The challenge was originally designed to try and make the subject more exciting and dynamic.