Press Office

April

Treasure hunt adds up to a world record

photograph

Children who took part in a record breaking maths-based treasure hunt on the Quayside have just received official recognition of their success.

Newcastle University’s Steve Humble (aka Dr Maths, pictured), who organised the event last summer, visited Walkergate Community School in Newcastle today (Wednesday) to hand over the certificates from Guinness World Records.

Walkergate were joined by other children from primary schools across Tyne and Wear for the record attempt on 9 July 2014.

In all, 1001 children took part in the biggest-ever treasure hunt, beating the previous record attempt of 466 participants in 2012.

"It's great news that we have achieved the Guinness World Record for the Largest Treasure Hunt, which helped children investigate mathematical learning outside the classroom,” says Steve Humble. “I’d like to personally thank the 1001 children from the local primary schools who took part in this event. It was a wonderful day and a great achievement worth celebrating.”

This record attempt was supported by Newcastle University’s Institute for Social Renewal.

A video was made of the record breaking attempt.

Leading on from the success of last year's event, Newcastle University is organising a Numbers Festival this summer from 27 June to the 5 July 2015, designed to promote a greater understanding of maths, around the theme of people’s favourite number.

published on: 1 April 2015