News and Social Media

Maths in March
20th March 2025

March has been a busy month for the Maths Department. Read below to see what activities students have been taking part in to increase their mathematic skills and knowledge!

Maths Team Challenge in Bath 2025 

On Monday 17th March, four UC4 students represented College at the prestigious Maths Team Challenge in Bath. This exciting competition brought together talented young mathematicians from various schools, fostering a spirit of problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. 

The Challenge 

The competition featured four challenging rounds designed to test students’ mathematical reasoning and collaboration skills: 

  • Round 1: Would I Lie to You? – A test of mathematical intuition and logic. 

  • Round 2: Cubes and Ribbons – A hands-on approach to spatial reasoning. 

  • Round 3: Broken Calculator – Encouraging creative numerical problem-solving. 

  • Round 4: Calculator Relay – A fast-paced test of accuracy and efficiency. 

Each round was crafted to challenge and inspire young mathematicians, providing a platform for students to work collaboratively in groups of four. The tasks not only tested their problem-solving abilities but also encouraged critical thinking and teamwork. 

Representing the College were Yara, Alice, Ella, and Elicia, who competed against 20 other schools in a fiercely contested battle of wits. Demonstrating skill and determination they excelled in each round, ultimately earning the award for best performance in multiple rounds. More impressively, they emerged as the overall champions, securing first place in the entire competition! 

Students left the event feeling inspired, motivated, and eager to further explore the world of mathematics. The experience underscored the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and strategic thinking, leaving a lasting impact on all participants. 

A huge congratulations to Yara, Alice, Ella, and Elicia for their outstanding achievement! Their dedication and enthusiasm are a testament to the power of learning in a supportive and stimulating environment. We are incredibly proud of their success and look forward to seeing them continue to excel in future mathematical challenges. 

The International Day of Mathematics: Celebrating Pi Day 

On 14th March, the Mathematics Department at CLC celebrated the International Day of Mathematics with a series of exciting activities centered around the fascinating mathematical constant Pi (π). This day, observed globally, acknowledges the vital role mathematics plays in our daily lives, with 14th March being chosen specifically for its numerical representation of 3/14, which corresponds to the first three digits of Pi (3.14). In honour of Pi Day, LC1 students were given the chance to explore Pi in a hands-on, creative way. 

The day featured a range of Pi-themed activities designed to engage students and help them better understand the significance of Pi in mathematics. One of the highlights was the creation of a Pi Information Sphere, a fun and artistic project that allowed students to visualise the concept of Pi and its relevance to various mathematical applications. The activity not only made learning enjoyable but also provided a deeper insight into how Pi is used in geometry and other areas of maths. 

Another exciting part of the celebration was the hands-on measurement of circumferences. Students took measurements of different circles, using these real-world examples to understand how Pi relates to the geometry of circles. This practical exercise allowed students to see Pi in action, reinforcing its importance in mathematics. 

In addition to these activities, students participated in the Pi Word Challenge, where they had to come up with as many words as possible that start with "Pi." This fun and fast-paced challenge had students thinking creatively while adding a playful element to the day. 

Perhaps one of the most humorous moments of the event came when students were tasked with writing Pi-ku poems, inspired by the traditional Japanese haiku. These short, three-line poems offered students a chance to express their creativity while incorporating the theme of Pi. The Pi-ku poems added a light-hearted and funny twist to the event.

Students were also challenged with problem-solving tasks, including calculating Pi and answering questions about its properties. These exercises provided a great opportunity for students to apply their mathematical skills and tackle complex problems in a fun, interactive way. 

The feedback from LC1 students was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the activities and how they had gained a deeper understanding of Pi and its significance in maths. The event not only allowed students to have fun but also served as a valuable learning experience, fostering new skills and enhancing their understanding of mathematical concepts. 

Overall, the International Day of Mathematics at CLC was a resounding success, offering students a unique and enjoyable way to celebrate Pi and the world of mathematics. The activities helped highlight the importance of mathematics in our daily lives and sparked curiosity about its applications. Here's to making learning fun and discovering the wonder of math through Pi! 

 Mrs Wilczynska, Teacher of Maths

Book an upcoming Open Day to find out why we're ranked the Best in the South West