Teens captivated at the exhilarating year 10 fun maths day

142 teens from east Anglia region explored mathematics outside the GCSE classroom

Schools from across the East Anglia region visited Colchester Campus for a mathematics enrichment day.

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, UoE and Advanced Mathematics Support Programme welcomed 11 schools from across the East Anglia region to experience different applications of mathematics beyond the scope of the classroom.

Students were shown the maths of money games; an interactive talk by Rob Eastaway on the mathematical tactics to help you win - or at least not lose so much - in games involving money. The students also played a hands-on maths game where the objective is to build a dragon by answering maths questions. They were given tours of our beautiful Colchester Campus and ended the day with an invigorating keynote talk on the Creation of Numbers by Ben Sparks.

Year 10 students from Harwich and Dovercourt High School, Woodlands School, Saffron Walden County High School, Westcliff High School for Girls, Clacton Coastal Academy, Thomas Lord Audley, The Stanway School, Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Debenham High School, Stoke High School and The Gateway Academy all enjoyed the day.

Year 10 Students from schools from across East Anglia playing a game where they are building the longest dragon by answering maths questions.

The schools reported that their students left the session better informed about A-level mathematics and potential career paths it can lead to. The feedback highlighted positive experiences, such as the Dragon quiz, which was praised for its effectiveness in fostering teamwork among new people. Both students and teachers found the presentation on the Creation of Numbers by Ben Sparks captivating and inspiring.

The feedback also indicated that the session provided a clear indication of careers involving maths, with connections to the real world and evidence supporting the idea that mathematicians have good prospects in securing high paid jobs. Additionally, students found value in the final presentation, highlighted by students dicsusing the origin of numbers on the bus home.

Overall, the sessions left students feeling inspired and excited about their future with mathematics! The possibilities related to careers in mathematics and university subjects were well-presented, with both presentations being described as excellent, thought-provoking, and rewarding. Students were excited about mathematics and shared their newfound knowledge with others.