Maths Feast

On 22 March, four students from Year 10 (banner photo, above) attended the Maths Feast competition, held at Raynes Park High School.

We made our way to the school by public transport where we were greeted by a hall full of 20 tables. We were directed to ours; and it wasn't long before the feast began! In a fun first round, we answered some interesting but short problem-solving questions—our team scored 100% here. This was followed by a second round where we were greeted by multiple sheets containing mathematical scenario-based true or false statements. We almost aced this round as well, making only one mistake in the whole round. After this, the third round consisted of replicating Archimedes' method for finding a value for pi and it was insightful to see how a constant we use almost every day in maths can be derived from basic geometry, but once again: 100%.

The last round split our team of four into pairs: it was a relay round. One pair had to solve a problem and only after getting the correct answer for this could the other pair solve their problem. We were pushed for time but achieved a solid 17/20 in this round. It was an enjoyable experience competing against other schools in the area and the snacks and squash made it a genuine feast!!

Maths Olympiad Round 2

The British Mathematical Olympiad: Round 2 (BMO2) is the pinnacle of the maths challenges that UKMT hold each year across schools. Only 100 students qualify nationally, so to even to take part is a major achievement. However, Akshaiyram (Year 13) not only qualified but managed to get almost full marks and was in the top 10 in the country. This is a remarkable achievement and Akshaiyram was invited to Trinity College Cambridge for the prestigious UK team training camp for the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Here are a few words from Akshaiyram about the BMO2:

The Olympiad took place over three and a half gruelling hours, and each question required a level of ingenuity and problem-solving skills that were not usually seen within the A level course. What made the experience particularly rewarding was the need to prove my answers with real rigour, and to demonstrate precise reasoning. This process of logically unwinding complex problems and realising the solution was deeply satisfying. While the competition was undoubtedly challenging, the skills and strategies I developed by taking part in BMO2 and other Olympiads have been invaluable. I am extremely glad that I've had the opportunity during my time at Wilson's to take part in this.

Akshaiyram