Teenagers from across the Eastern region began their A-level studies at the specialist sixth form, which has been created by multi-academy trust the Eastern Learning Alliance, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. It will focus on pioneering learning and increasing diversity in the field of maths.
The state-funded School offers 16-19-year-olds with an exceptional aptitude and passion for maths-related subjects a unique environment in which to learn, and an innovative curriculum that will include talks from University of Cambridge lecturers.
All students will study maths and further maths, and then choose from physics, chemistry, biology or computer science A-Levels. The School – in Cambridge’s Mill Road – joins a nationwide network of maths schools, one for every region of England, announced by the government.
The principal aim of maths schools is to help prepare more of the UK’s most mathematically able students to succeed in maths and related scientific disciplines at top universities, regardless of background, and address the UK’s skills shortage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
Clare Hargraves, Head of School at Cambridge Maths School, said: “We are delighted to be opening the doors of Cambridge Maths School to our inaugural student cohort this week. Providing the opportunity for young people with a true passion for mathematics to work collaboratively every day in pursuit of excellence has always been our mission, and it’s been great to see our students immerse themselves in our challenging curriculum from day one.
“Our expert staff are just as excited to start our journey together, and we are so pleased to continue working alongside the University of Cambridge as we embark on the academic year ahead. It is a true privilege to be the headteacher of this remarkable school, and we look forward to a really successful first year together.”
Among the first cohort at the School, A-level student Hawin said: “The Maths School has been a great opportunity to access super-curricular activities that I would not otherwise have been able to experience, and to nurture my passion for STEM subjects alongside others.”
Fellow student Mahir added: “Maths schools are amazing places to make friends and be surrounded by like-minded people.”
The Cambridge Maths School has been developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge, with Cambridge academics supporting the School in creating its curriculum, and sharing their experience in widening participation and outreach work, through the Millennium Mathematics Project. University mathematicians are also among the School’s governors, providing leadership input.
Professor Colm-cille Caulfield, Head of the Department of Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge (DAMTP), said: “Education is transformative, and this School can do enormous good – particularly in encouraging more students from underrepresented groups, including girls, to study maths post-16. One of our key focuses will be helping students to develop the essential skills needed to make the step from school to university, and truly think like a mathematician.”
Professor Julia Gog, Professor of Mathematical Biology, who will be one of the School’s governors, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see Cambridge Maths School open in Mill Road, and it was great to have a chance to meet some of its very first cohort. It’s clear there is already a real buzz here, with great excitement from staff and students alike. We’re looking forward to working with them all!”
Professor Bhaskar Vira, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Cambridge, said: “The University was delighted to support the creation of the Cambridge Maths School, and its opening is a truly exciting moment. This collaboration with the Eastern Learning Alliance builds on our work with schools around the country, to support teachers and pupils through outreach and learning, and create further bridges between academia and the wider community - local, regional and national.”
Reproduced courtesy of the University of Cambridge.
