BUDDING mathematicians at Rowde Primary School, near Devizes, have enjoyed remarkable success in the recent World Class Tests.

The tests are designed for the top ten per cent of children in mathematics and problem solving.

These are the children expected to get at least a high level five or level six in their key stage two standard attainment test.

Headteacher David Ball explained: "Children take two one-hour tests which comprise paper and computer-based questions.

"They require the children to apply creative thinking and logic by demonstrating their ability to respond to completely unfamiliar information and communicate their thought processes clearly.

"They are much more difficult than the SAT tests the children take at the age of seven and 11.

"Yet not only did every child pass the test, but almost all of them gained a merit or distinction in both the problem solving and mathematics sections."

Last year 96 per cent of Rowde pupils achieved level four or above in their key stage two SATs test and the school is one of only a few primaries in Britain which offer World Class tests to their children.

The school is also a centre to which other children in the South West, whose schools do not offer the tests, can go to take them.

For more information on the mathematics tests, contact Mr Ball at Rowde Primary School on (01380) 723991.