Maths summed up at Trust talk

Maths whizzes from across West Norfolk enjoyed a day of talks and challenges when a multi-academy trust held its annual Maths Symposium.

The West Norfolk Academies Trust​ High Achievers Maths Lectures day was open to top Maths students from across the Trust’s four secondary schools, including Marshland High School in West Walton, St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement, Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, and Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, which hosted the event.

“Year 11 students across the four secondary schools in the Trust spent half the day in the Peter Hopkins Hall where they received short lectures from some Springwood maths staff, and they then had opportunities to solve problems on content that was covered in the lectures,” explained Connie Loizou, one of the Springwood Maths Teachers who was involved in the day.

“The content was aimed at students who are aiming for the top grades at GCSE and looking to go on to study A Level Maths.”

Around 110 students took part in the event, which was organised by WNAT Gifted & Talented Coordinator Ben Coote, who delivered a lecture, along with Springwood’s Head of Year 13 Luke Rawling and Assistant Head of Year 12 Lucy Edwards.

“The day started with an introductory talk followed by three maths lectures, each lasting 30 to 40 minutes,” said Mr Coote. “There were then refreshments in the Sixth Form canteen, The Cabin.

“The aim of the lectures was to stretch and challenge students with a focus on GCSE and A Level cross-over topics in Maths.”

It was the third time that the Maths Symposium had taken place, alongside similar WNAT events focusing on Science and English.

“It was an opportunity for like-minded students from across the Trust secondary schools to meet,” added Mr Coote. “It is likely that they will be studying alongside each other at Springwood Sixth Form next year.

“It gave the students an insight into A Level Maths, and the application of the skills they learn at GCSE.”