By Miss Beukes (Mathematics Teacher)

On Wednesday, our Year 11 students attended the Maths in Action trip at the University of Warwick, where they explored mathematical concepts and gained valuable insights to support their studies. Throughout the day, they engaged with experts and discovered new approaches to problem-solving.

One of the most useful sessions was led by an examiner, who shared key advice on exam techniques. The students learned how to approach questions effectively, avoid common mistakes and maximise their marks, helping them feel more prepared for their upcoming GCSEs.

Dr Nicole Cozens introduced the students to the wonders of astronomy, demonstrating how mathematical techniques can be used to estimate the number of stars in the sky and determine their distance from Earth. This thought-provoking session showed the practical applications of maths in understanding the universe.

Dr Emily Grossman explored statistics in the media, encouraging students to question the figures they see in the news and recognise misleading data. This session strengthened their ability to think critically and interpret information with greater accuracy.

The students also explored probability with Alison Kiddle, discovering how mathematical principles influence everyday decision-making. From understanding lottery odds to recognising patterns in chance, they gained a deeper appreciation of probability in real life.

Matt Pritchard combined magic and geometry in a session on optical illusions, revealing the hidden mathematics behind what we see. Meanwhile, Zoe Griffiths took them on a journey through spherical geometry, uncovering surprising connections between shapes and the physical world.

Throughout the trip, our Year 11s engaged fully with the sessions, showing curiosity and interest in the topics explored. It was a valuable experience, and we hope they will find the knowledge gained useful in their studies.