Frequently asked questions

Will SCIPS arrange pick-up and drop-off to the hotel?

For teams who need to book accommodation overnight and do not have their own method of transport in Penang, we can support in arranging pick up and drop off between school and the Jen hotel. There will be an additional charge for this.

How is payment made?

Once teams are confirmed and any additional transport requirements are given to the host school, SCIPS will send out invoices. These should be paid by Friday 31st January and can be done by bank transfer.

What do children need to wear?

On Friday children should wear school PE kit to the event. On Saturday children should either wear school uniform or their PE kit. On both days, it is suggested that children wear trainers with sports shorts/trousers as elements of the challenge will be physical.

Staff are advised to wear PE kit on Friday and then normal school attire on Saturday.

Who will create the questions?

Attending schools are invited to prepare questions for 4 rounds and SCIPS teachers will create questions for 4 rounds. The registration form has a question asking participating schools which round they would like to prepare. The host school will contact them to let them know if they need to prepare the whole round or the responsibility will be shared with another school.

Will food allergies and medical requirements about my group be collected?

Yes - after you have registered, you will be sent a google doc allowing you to provide participant details including food choices, allergies, travel/flight details, pastoral needs and privacy requirements (photos, names etc) etc.

How many staff do I need to bring to the event?

We would like a minimum of one adult per eight children but understand adult numbers will be dependent on school trip ratios.

Is this competition for mixed ability students or should I be bringing the higher ability students?

This event is aimed at children who are passionate about maths and will contain challenging tasks which require a secure understanding of Year 5 maths content.

Will professional photos be taken? How will they be shared?

We will have a photographer (not professional) throughout the challenge and will take an official photo of the competitors on both days and will share this afterwards by email or by sharing the drive folder.

Will SCIPS be organising something for the students to do in the evening on Thursday and Friday?

The evening activities are down to the accompanying teachers however we are happy to support you with ideas if you need them. The hotel is near a large shopping mall and the heritage area of Georgetown with plenty of local food courts - there is a cinema within easy walking distance, a range of restaurants and there is also a pool in the hotel.

Will SCIPS provide a Risk Assessment for all activities before the event?

SCIPS will provide a Risk Assessment for any activities that are not taking place on the school site. This can be found on this site and will be updated shortly before the challenge. For activities at school, we expect them to fall under the normal school evaluation RA. SCIPS will not provide a Risk Assessment for the hotel and any evening activities that schools wish to participate in. There will be a disclaimer at the bottom of the RA indicating the following:

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the lead adult in each school group will dynamically risk assess the situation, taking appropriate action where needed with the sole goal of safeguarding the Adults and Pupils within their group.