BOYS outperformed the girls in this year’s national Mental Mathematics Marathon that targets pupils in Standard Four at the primary school.

Twenty-nine of the 40 finalists in all eight educational districts are boys.

In the first round, 724 pupils from 367 primary schools participated in the Mathematics Marathon. A record number of 374 pupils qualified for the semi-finals.

The final round and prize giving ceremony was held at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre, McBean, Couva on Friday last.

The Mental Mathematics Marathon, now in its 12th year, aims at promoting excellence in Mathematics by engaging pupils in healthy competition.

Over the years boys have dominated the finals and the top three places.

However, last year, Alexa Mae Garcia from Atwell’s Educational Institute placed first in the marathon.

The marathon is funded jointly by the Ministry of Education and corporate sponsors and is organised by the Ministry’s Mathematics Curriculum Facilitators.

The 40 finalists were:

Basdeo Abhekesh
Bharat Alexandria
Mike Alyssa
Halfhide Andrew
Calder Anyse
Rajkumar Aqueel
Hosein Arshad
Mohan Brian
Ramnarine Chamalee
Mohammed Cory
Adams Daniel
Roberts Dernel
Wilson Dexter
Mitchell Enrique
Thomas Hakeem
Jagnanan Hema
Smith Jeremy
Garibsingh Jessica
Khan Jonathan
Smith Jonathan
Bhagaloo Keeval
Ramkhalwhan Kevon
Ghany Mas’ud
Maturasingh Matthew
Ramesar Matthew
Zhou Mioting
Kandhai Nadia
Gangoo Nicholas Ravil
O’Neil Patrice
Roopchand Sanjay
Mohess Sarojani
Indar Shane
Johnson Shaquille
Harris Sherwyn
Baksh Sidique
Baldeo Stefan
Bharath Sumita P.
Bridglal Yabindra
Jadoonanan Yanic
Hosein Zayn