Inspiring girls into Mathematics action
On Thursday 3 December our AS Level and A Level Mathematics students visited the University of London Institute of Education for a day learning about ‘Maths in Action’. The intention of the show is to bring the theoretical study of Mathematics to life, and to highlight the range of applications and careers on offer to those studying Mathematics at this level. The show consisted of a series of lectures, the most interesting for the girls being ‘The Joy of Stats?’ by Jenny Freeman. Jenny explained how statistics are manipulated, mis-applied and often not representative of the facts being discussed. The girls found this very interesting and are now determined to delve deeper in to the data behind statistics they hear, for instance, in the news.
Another popular talk was given by Simon Singh, who told the girls about Andrew Wiles’ seven years of isolated study, trying to prove Fermat’s theorem. Mathematicians have been trying to find proof of Fermat’s theory for 2000 years, so it was fascinating to hear from Simon the ups and downs of Wiles’ time working on finding the solution. The trip was an excellent way for girls to see real-world uses of their learning in Mathematics.
On Monday it was the turn of our GCSE Mathematics students to be inspired by the subject. Most of our Year 11 Mathematics students, accompanied by two keen Year 10 girls (Daisy M. and Gigi D.) attended the ‘Maths Inspiration’ event at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge.
By all accounts this was an amazing event. The first talk, ‘Maths in a Spin’ by Hugh Hunt, was very entertaining and highlighted the use of Mathematics in aeroplanes, satellites, the military and many other applications. Olivia S. was invited to go on stage to help demonstrate Newton’s laws of linear motion – using water bottles and tennis balls to wow the audience with mathematical rules playing out in practice. The second speaker, Katie Steckles, as well as acting as an inspirational female role model for our girls, explained that many of the government’s set challenges, for which £1 million rewards are offered, are mathematical challenges!
The final and most fascinating session was given by Matt Parker, ‘Maths and Meerkats’. Matt spoke about how mathematics is essential for 3D animators, through setting parameters and constraints. The audience was invited to set constraints to instruct a ‘live’ meerkat. Vector mathematics was used for controlling the direction of the eye – which links in with Year 11 students’ current learning on vectors. Ellen J. in Year 11 answered lots of questions posed by the speakers – well done Ellen!