York Mathematical Excellence Club - York ISSP

Now in its eleventh year this club brings together the best mathematicians in years 8 and 9 from across the City of York. The programme concentrates on mathematical discussion, research and enrichment leading to a group research poster competition at the end of the year. Throughout the year school students are supported by students from the University of York who act as mentors and coaches as well as service as mathematical role models.

Aims

To promote mathematical discussion and enrichment to the best mathematicians in York.

To show school students where maths can take them.

Background

In 2013 the Head of Maths of York schools requested something be started for G&T students across the city. Alan Easterbrook, City of York Council Maths Advisor, called a meeting and included the local independent schools and the University of York. A group was formed for the academic year 13/14 and it has run each year since. After the closing of the CYC Maths team the group was transferred to York ISSP in 2015 and has since been led by Bootham School’s maths department with support from maths colleagues in other schools.

Resources

We use the expertise of Bootham's maths department and other maths teachers from across York as well as students and facilities from the University of York.

 

Impact

Over the past decade the Maths Excellence Club has encouraged numerous students to take mathematics further including A level Maths and Further Maths. It has also helped at least 5 of the student coaches gain a place on maths teacher training courses.

Pupil Involvement

Between 2 and 6 students attend from each of the partnership schools and work in mixed school groups, each assigned a University of York coach. They work together throughout the year, in person and on a dedicated Google Classroom, including creating the poster in the May event. This is judged by an expert panel of judges who have included Professor Ed Corrigan FRS (Former Head of Maths at the University of York), Alan Easterbrook (Cofounder of the club) and Leanne Shaw (University of York Volunteering Office and former maths teacher).

Ed Corrigan commented “As ever, the participants were creative and engaging, which was a joy to see. It is a wonderful event and I hope it will continue.”

Frequency

The club meets half termly between November and July.