Stratford Public School student, Brady Farley loves mathematics; in fact, it's his favourite subject.
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So, it's not surprising that he'd put his hand up for any opportunity to be tested, and thank goodness he did, because his recent results have been outstanding.
The year six student was recently awarded a major prize in the Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition and top honours in the Mathematical Olympiads.
With the Newcastle Permanent competition, he was among over 19,000 students from over 340 schools in regional NSW. His results saw him receive the Great Lakes District Achievement Award, being one of the three top performing students in the district, which saw over 200 year five and six students sit the test in August.
According to Stratford school relieving principal, Amy Sansom out of all the students who enter the competition only 73 receive prizes of this calibre. Brady also received a high distinction award coming in the 99th percentile.
He had a similar outstanding achievement in the Olympiads which he competed in as part of the Barrington Public School team, placing in the top 20 per cent.
"It was an amazing achievement for Brady and our small school. It helps to show that small schools can and do provide an excellent education for our students," Ms Sansom said.
"Brady has always had an aptitude for maths and shown a real enjoyment in the subject. We have nurtured his love of maths and helped him develop his abilities.
"All the staff and students were really proud of Brady's achievement."
For Brady, he's just plain excited.
"No one from my family has ever won an award this big before," Brady said.
"I really enjoy maths; I like that there is a process to follow to get to a single answer."
Brady will be heading to Gloucester High School next year and after that, he's planning for a career as an engineer.
Did you know?
Newcastle Permanent's Primary School Mathematics Competition runs with no calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments allowed. The 35-question paper is designed to put the maths and problem-solving skills of senior primary school students to the test.
