by Peter Barnett

A racing team from Chatham House Grammar will represent Kent in the national finals of Jaguar Cars Maths in Motion challenge for the fifth year running.

Starting from a line-up of more than 1,000 schools nationwide, the final at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Museum in Warwickshire on June 25 will see just 36 teams compete for the championship titles.

Racing in the senior category, Craig Burns and Christopher Hewett will put all their mathematical knowledge and skills to the test as they plot the race plan for their car using specially designed computer software. This will include the track layout and distance, pit-stop checks and tyre changes, engine performance and fuel consumption.

Teacher John Tebbutt who oversees Maths in Motion at Chatham House said: “The boys really get hooked on the competition. It's a great way to involve mathematical strategy, and it also develops a range of life skills associated with decision-making and teamwork.”

Chatham House runs its own in-school competition throughout the year, mirroring the Formula 1 season and circuits, with points awarded for drivers and race teams.

National Maths in Motion organisers Brian and Wendy Richardson recently presented the top five racing students with their prizes.

The school has also worked with St Peter’s Junior School in St Peter’s, Broadstairs, for the last three years. Mr Tebbutt and students Craig Burns and James Pemble have helped the junior racers every Friday after school as they race towards the end of their season in the next few weeks.

Last year the Chatham House Maths in Motion team was praised for an “excellent contribution” to the specialist Schools and Academies Trust achievement show at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium in London.