For those students who enjoy maths and are either identified in class as more able or who challenge themselves independently, there are opportunities to stretch their love of maths further within the department.
UKMT
All of the upper groups will get the opportunity to take part in the UKMT Maths Challenges throughout the year.
The challenges are split into three age groups:
- Senior – Years 12 and 13
- Intermediate – Years 9, 10 and 11
- Junior – Year 7 and 8
Each challenge involves answering 25 multiple choice questions in 1 – 1 ½ hours and is sat in school under normal exam conditions. Pupils fill in the answer sheet in B or HB pencil and the Challenge is marked by UKMT using an optical mark reader. UKMT aim to return the results to schools within six weeks, but where we have a valid email address we will email the results within three weeks.
High performers
The top 40-60% of students nationally receive a gold, silver or bronze certificate in the ratio 1:2:3 and each institution receives a Best in School certificate. Around 500 of the highest scorers in each school year are invited to take part in the Mathematical Olympiad papers. A further 1000-6000 pupils from across all year groups are invited to sit either the grey or pink European Kangaroo papers. These are one-hour papers with 25 multiple choice questions, taken by pupils from over 30 countries worldwide.
High scorers may additionally be invited to participate in one of UKMT summer schools.
Pupils who obtain the top score in their school may be invited to one of UKMTs “Best in School” events.
Team Maths Challenge
The Team Maths Challenge (TMC) is a competition which gives pupils the opportunity to tackle a variety of engaging mathematical activities while developing teamwork and communication skills.