High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge
High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge
Qualifying Test: Wed. 22 April 2026 at 10:00 Final Test: Thu. 2 July 2026 at 10:00
The High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge is a national mathematics competition in Malta organised by the Directorate for STEM & VET Programmes. It is designed to identify and nurture talented young mathematicians, particularly students in Year 5 and Year 6.
Our school proudly participates in this competition every year, encouraging students with a strong interest and ability in Mathematics to challenge themselves beyond the classroom and develop higher-order thinking skills.
Purpose of the Competition
The High 5 Challenge focuses on:
Developing problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
Encouraging creative and logical reasoning
Providing opportunities for students to engage in rich mathematical tasks beyond routine computation
It is specifically targeted at gifted and motivated learners, helping them reach their full potential in Mathematics.
Structure of the Competition
The competition is organised in three main phases:
Phase 1 – Qualifying Test
Students are nominated by their school and sit for a national qualifying test.
A large number of students participate at this stage.
Approximately the top 50 students progress to the next phase.
Phase 2 – Workshops & Preparation
Qualified students attend a series of after-school workshops where they:
Work on challenging mathematical problems
Develop heuristic and reasoning skills
Explore concepts such as spatial thinking and logic
Build a portfolio of tasks and activities
These sessions often take place over several weeks and may include a Maths Camp experience.
Phase 3 – Final Competition
The final stage includes:
Individual challenges
Team-based problem-solving tasks
Students compete at a national level, showcasing their mathematical abilities.
When Does It Take Place?
The programme is held annually.
Schools are typically informed about the new edition around October each year.
The different phases (qualifying test, workshops, and finals) take place throughout the academic year.
Participation and Selection
Students are usually selected by the school based on their mathematical ability.
A preliminary selection or internal assessment may be used before entering the national qualifying phase.
The competition involves students from many schools across Malta and Gozo, making it highly competitive.
Why Students Should Participate
Participation in the High 5 Challenge helps students:
Build confidence in Mathematics
Experience real-life problem-solving situations
Collaborate with other talented students
Prepare for future STEM opportunities
It is an excellent opportunity for students who enjoy Mathematics to extend their learning beyond the curriculum.
Our School’s Involvement
Our school takes part in the High 5 Junior Mathematicians Challenge every year, supporting and encouraging students to participate and excel.
We are proud of all students who take on this challenge and represent the school, demonstrating enthusiasm, dedication, and a passion for Mathematics.