Sum success for maths champ Harvey (From Western Telegraph)

Sum success for maths champ Harvey

2:50pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in News

A 12-year-old boy’s mathematical talent has added up to sum success in a challenging national event.

Harvey Yau, a year seven pupil at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland, has achieved a bronze medal in the Senior British Mathematics Olympiad, despite being one of the youngest taking part.

He was among 1,400 young mathematical wizards – most of them sixth-formers – to tackle the three-and-ahalf hour paper, and emerged in the top 7%.

“We’re exceptionally proud of Harvey’s achievement,”

said Dyffryn Taf headteacher Robert Newsome.

“He’s already on the GCSE maths course, and is studying A-level modules, so we thought this would test his mettle. Our school is keen to recognise talent and to give it the opportunity to flourish.”

Harvey’s mathematical prowess had previously been encouraged at Narberth CP School, from where he was ‘borrowed’ last summer to join Dyffryn Taf’s Team Maths Challenge team alongside his sister Corinne, now in year ten, and two other pupils. After winning the Welsh regional section, they went on to come tenth in the UK.