There is a question that sits at the heart of every great maths lesson: not what is the answer, but how did you get there? It is the difference between a pupil who has memorised a procedure and a pupil who genuinely understands mathematics and logical reasoning.
This May, a global maths competition is putting that question front and centre. Magma’s Global Solutions Competition invites K-12 classrooms from around the world to compete not just on correct answers, but on the quality of their thinking, the clarity of their reasoning, and the depth of their mathematical understanding. It is a global celebration of mathematics and creativity, aiming to unite pupils all over the world.
The Global Solutions Competition is Free for Everyone
For two weeks in May, classrooms around the world will compete by doing what great mathematics is all about: showing their thinking, not just their final answers. Pupils work through age-appropriate problems, submitting solutions that demonstrate their reasoning process. And it is that process, not merely the result, that counts toward their score.
The competition is open to all K-12 classrooms worldwide, it is completely free to enter, and problems are available in multiple languages and schools. Also, you do not need to be a Magma customer to take part.
Registration is now open, and the competition takes place between 4 and 15 May.
Apply now by clicking here.
Win a Trip to Stockholm During Nobel Prize Week
Magma wants to recognise teachers and pupils that are passionate about problem solving and mathematical thinking. That is why the global winner of the competition will earn a trip to Stockholm during Nobel Prize Week, one of the most celebrated gatherings of scientific and intellectual achievements in the world. National champions will be celebrated with classroom pizza parties, Amazon gift cards and Magma swag.
How Magma Maths Helped Scottish Teachers See a 90% Improvement in Maths Performance
Magma Maths is an award-winning digital mathematics platform used by schools around the world, combining handwritten answer technology, instant feedback, and live teacher analytics. Teachers see not just whether an answer is right or wrong, but the thinking behind it – allowing earlier intervention, more meaningful feedback and a deeper understanding of each pupil’s mathematical mind. With over 15 000 curriculum-aligned problems, text-to-speech support, and multilingual accessibility, it is designed together with teachers to work for every learner in every classroom.
When piloted across schools in the Scottish Borders, 90% of teachers stating it improved pupil confidence in maths, and 80% reported reduced marking workload.
“I can now have 25 levels of differentiation happening in one class because it’s easy to set up,” said one Head Teacher. Another described it as “certainly one of the best apps we’ve been able to access – quick to set up, intuitive, and easy for teachers to start using.”
For pupils, the experience was equally compelling. Many highlighted the combination of instant feedback and the freedom to work at their own pace. “I feel more confident trying harder questions now,” one pupil said.
These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect a platform designed from the ground up around how children actually learn: through practice and personalised feedback, that builds confidence and engagement in the classroom. You can read more about the pilot here.
Curious about Magma Maths? Request a demo today.
