Mathematics

Mathematics is a vital element of STEM education and related careers. Students at Stanborough have numerous opportunities to take part in extracurricular maths activities and competitions from Year 7 through Year 13.

Students who show an interest in and aptitude for mathematics are entered in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Maths Challenges at the appropriate level each year. The top performers nationally are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and the highest scorers qualify for additional follow-on rounds. Over half of the Stanborough students entered each year earn certificates and we normally have at least one follow-on round qualifier from each challenge. Very occasionally, outstanding performance in follow-on rounds has led to invitations to join external mentoring schemes and prestigious summer schools.

A number of students in each year group are selected to represent the school in team mathematics competitions. In Years 7 and 8, two teams of four students compete in the Hertfordshire County Team Challenges and these have gone on to the final of the competition on several occasions. A mixed team of Year 8 and Year 9 students take part in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge Regional Final each year, which is always very competitive. We also enter two teams in the AMSP Year 10 Team Maths Competition and one in the UKMT/ AMSP Senior Maths Challenge each year.

In addition, we send two Year 9 students to the Royal Institution Maths Masterclasses which take place at the University of Hertfordshire each year.

Trips are also a regular occurrence in maths. Students attend Maths Inspiration shows as well as other popular lectures, such as those hosted by the London Mathematical Society and the Cambridge Science Festival. Students regularly attend Year 10 and Year 12 Enrichment Days organised by the Advanced Maths Support Programme and the Millennium Maths Project.

A maths enrichment club meets weekly to enable students of all ages to work on extended projects, play mathematical games and solve mathematical problems and puzzles.