Information for Parents
How to prepare your child for the Lion Cubs Mathematical Contest (Ages 7–14).
Dear Parents & Guardians
Thank you for your interest in the Lion Cubs Mathematical Contest (LCMC). The best way for your child to participate is by joining their school's team. Please ask your child's mathematics teacher whether the school hosts the contest and how your child can be included.
If the school is not yet participating, you are warmly invited to download and share our School Invitation Letter with them. Many participating schools first joined thanks to proactive parents!
Participation Format
Individual Online Participation is not available for the current session. All students must be registered and administered through their participating school by an appointed teacher or coordinator.
If your child's school is not yet registered, please share our official invitation letter with the headteacher or head of mathematics. Schools can easily register a team in minutes through the Teachers Portal.
Why It's Worth It
The contest presents students with creative mathematical problems that differ from standard classroom drills, helping them develop critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving resilience.
To support preparation, TWO full practice papers with detailed mark schemes are provided to participating schools for each age group upon registration.
Tips for Supporting Your Child
Focus on Problem-Solving, Not Speed
Encourage your child to read questions carefully and draw diagrams or make sketches when tackling unfamiliar problems.
Keep It Fun & Low-Pressure
Celebrate the thinking process rather than just the final answer. Mathematics competitions should build curiosity and enjoyment.
Practice with Past Challenges
Work through practice puzzles together. Ask your child to explain their thinking out loud.
Seven Age Groups
Questions?
Have questions about school participation or the contest format? We're here to help.
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