The Snail and other inspirational questions

As a Cabinet Member you get involved in some difficult and complex issues - especially in a County like Cambridgeshire which is so poorly funded. But I do sometimes get to do things that are an absolute pleasure. Today was a perfect example. I was invited to give out the prize at the end of the Year 5 Maths Challenge event, the climax of which was at Duxford Air Museum today.

I arrived just at the start and, from the word go I saw enthusiasm and talent - some of the questions really took some thinking about. Such as:

'A snail is trying to climb a 1 meter high wall. He climbs 30cm each day and slips back 20cm at night. How many days does it take for the snail to reach the top?'

Now if, like me, you did a straight 100/(30-20) and came up with 10 you would be wrong. But many of the groups (of 10 year olds remember!!) got it right. The answer is 8 by the way.

All I can say is it was a privilege to play a tiny part in that event and it was heartening to see such clever kids. My congratulations to everyone who took part.

I know this isn't my usual sort of post - but I have decided I want to occasionally be a bit more positive in this blog.