BRAINBOXES from St Joseph’s School reigned victorious at Swindon’s Mathematics League on Wednesday, beating seven other local schools.

The competition, which started in January, came to a close at Nova Hreod school in Moredon.

Pupils from Isambard, Lydiard Park, St Joseph’s, Dorcan, Nova Hreod and Riverside participated in the event in teams of four.

The students, from years seven and eight, have battled it out in four progressive rounds throughout the year.

Hilda Lloyd, maths teacher at St Joseph’s, said: “We won three out of the four rounds in the league. We are thrilled to have such brilliant mathematicians in the school.”

Darren Barton, Nova Hreod’s principal, stressed the importance of extra-curricular activities. He said: “It’s about developing a passion for mathematics, and working collaboratively with each other as a team. The children are opting in to do maths in their spare time because they enjoy it.”

The competition has grown since it was introduced last year, when just three schools took part.

Organiser Lindsey Ford, who teaches maths at Nova Hreod, hopes more schools will join in next year.

She said: “Another two schools have already shown interest in taking part in the next league. Maths is not something that should be kept in the classroom.

“Kids are always proud to represent their school in sports competitions, and maths should be no different. It helps to increase their engagement in the subject.”

The winning team and runners up received trophies, with every team given a participation medal.