A group of able and talented GCSE maths pupils enjoyed a stimulating day of mathematical activities at Keele University on Tuesday 23rd September.
After walking through the campus to the Dorothy Hodgkin Building the pupils were welcomed by 'Student Ambassadors', who are all Keele maths undergraduates and then it was straight into a carousel of workshops.
The first session highlighted the use of maths in industry and was led by Jenna Pearce of Bentley Motors in Crewe. The video clips of this luxury brand and its motor racing activities made many of the group a little envious, but also amazed at how maths permeated every aspect of the company. Pupils were soon immersed in costing calculations and spatial awareness problem solving tasks of the type that Bentley purchasing and logistics staff do on a regular basis.
The second workshop had everyone on their feet as Richard Stakes of Keele University led a fascinating probability game of 'Sit Down To Win'. There was a highly competitive atmosphere as staff and pupils alike tried out different playing strategies and had to consider carefully their attitude to risk. Once the winner had claimed their box of maltesers, the logic involved was explained using probability tree diagrams, an important aspect of GCSE maths.
As they entered the next workshop pupils were intrigued to discover the solitaire boards and marbles laid out on the tables. A quick explanation soon had everyone puzzling over their own sets as they tried to jump marbles and end up with just one left in the middle. Keele maths lecturer, David Bedford, demonstrated four key moves which pupils then used successfully to solve the problem.
The final session on 'Maths in the Simpsons' was presented by Manchester mathematician, Katie Steckles, and it was fascinating to discover just how many Simpsons script writers are highly qualified mathematicians and take every opportunity to include snippets of maths in the adventures of Homer. Pupils learnt all about Mersenne primes, perfect numbers and narcissistic numbers which gave an excellent introduction to more advanced maths.
In the afternoon the students attended a lecture by Colin Wright, the famous juggling mathematician. His highly entertaining presentation, including five ball juggling whilst lecturing, highlighted to students how maths occurs literary everywhere and often in the most unlikely contexts.
The very enjoyable and thought provoking day was organised by the Further Mathematics Support Programme and aimed to encourage pupils to consider the benefits of studying maths at a higher level after GCSE.
Mrs C Tilt
Head of Mathematics
