This week pupils in the X1 maths sets got the chance to attempt the GCHQ Christmas challenge 2025. Created by GCHQ (the Government and Communication Head Quarters), who are usually tasked with protecting the UK from cyber threats and hackers.
This year's Christmas Challenge features seven puzzles designed to test everything from codebreaking and mathematical analysis to lateral thinking and creativity – the same blend of skills GCHQ use every day to keep the country safe.
Working in teams of 4, pupils spent time looking at each of the 7 puzzles, showing resilience and determination in the face of some very difficult questions. The maths department where very impressed by how many puzzles pupils were able to complete and bringing those answers together pupils were able to attempt the final puzzle, though no individual team was able to get the final answer by themselves.
By attempting and completing the challenge pupils embodied our Turves value of self motivation as we strive to build the resilience of pupils through the maths curriculum. Anyone who took part in the challenge should be very proud of themselves and we look forward to the next challenge next year.
