Northland school students world-class problem-solvers

Northland school students have taken on the world and won in an international problem-solving competition in the US state of Colorado.

Kerikeri High School took top honours in two categories, with the intermediate team also winning the grand championship prize for its division.

The senior team created teaching resources to allow students to receive NCEA credits when working on problem-solving projects, while the intermediate team focused on closer relations with residents in a nearby retirement home.

Preparation took two years, with the students dedicating Friday nights to planning and implementing the projects.

Once at the competition, they must give a presentation to the judges and discuss the projects with fellow-competitors and the public.

"They're expected to be able to independently discuss and explain their project to people who have absolutely no idea what they've been doing beforehand," said Joan Middlemiss, school co-principal.

It is the second time a team from Kerikeri has received a top honour at this competition.