Over 400 students in Orange to take part in annual Newcastle Permanent Primary Schools Mathematics competition

The year 5 and 6 students from 10 primary schools will sit a 35-question exam with zero help from calculators, rulers or any other mathematical instruments.

Newcastle Permanent branch lending manager Shaun McNiven said the competition is a rite of passage for primary school children.

"Our primary school mathematics competition provides students with an opportunity to gain invaluable problem solving skills without relying on tools and technology-such as a calculator or ruler-a great asset in today's world," he said.

"We're really excited to see so many students in Orange taking part and wish everyone good luck as they take part in the 40^th annual exam on Wednesday."

Throughout regional NSW, 16,915 students from 287 schools will sit the exam next week.

Last year, two students from Orange achieved 100 per cent in the exam for a share of first place in the year 6 division including Cudal Public School student James Lawry and Kinross Wolaroi School student Bonnie McPhee.

Awards will be presented to the top performers in each region later in the year.