Challenge: Mathematics

On Thursday 5 November a group of nearly 40 students from Year 11 and Sixth Form (as well as one Year 10 student, Daisy M.) took part in the global Senior Maths Challenge. The challenge is taken worldwide on the same day, and forms the first stage of the series of challenges offered by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. This stage of the challenge consists of a paper of multiple choice questions which involve complex problem solving and the application of lateral thinking skills – all without using a calculator or any other measuring instruments.

Daisy M. (the only Year 10 participant) gained a bronze certificate, along with five other students in Year 11 and Lower Sixth. There were six silver certificates and four gold certificates awarded. Lower Sixth student Yinuo M. achieved the highest score from our Lower Sixth entrants, and Ellen J. achieved the highest score from our Year 11 entrants and, in fact, the whole school. Yinuo and Ellen are both invited through to the next stage, the British Maths Olympiad (the highest level to progress to at this stage), and Grace Y. in Year 11 has been invited to the Senior Kangaroo stage. Well done girls – and good luck to all on Friday 27 November on sitting the next stage papers.

In February our Year 9 and Year 10 students will have the opportunity to take the Intermediate Maths Challenge, and Year 7 and Year 8 students will attempt the Junior Maths Challenge in April.