Further Maths Conference 2012

The Sixth Form College, Solihull hosted its annual Further Mathematics Conference on Wednesday with nearly 140 Year 10 and 11 students from local schools Small Heath, Hall Green, Arden School, Saint Martin’s, Alderbrook, Park Hall, Swanshurst, and Lode Heath Schools, as well as CTC Kingshurst Academy and Concord College in Shrewsbury!

The event is an afternoon of mathematical activity and is designed to inspire and enthuse students with mathematics. There was a variety of talks and practical workshops involving some interesting and diverse applications of the subject, such as the mathematics behind projectiles, number theory and codes, and even modelling the “Platonic solids” with balloons!. 

Our keynote speaker was Rob Eastaway, who gave a fast-paced and fascinating talk entitled “From Lampard to the Olympics: The Hidden Maths of Sport” which covered many sports and included clips of some great sporting moments to illustrate the relevant mathematics! Other sessions were presented by Ewan Russell, from Keele University, Phil Chaffe, from FMSP (Further Maths Support Programme) Staffordshire, Ruth Fairclough from Wolverhampton University and a few teachers from the college.

Mathematics is well provided for at the Sixth Form College. At present, there approximately 600 students studying Maths-related A level courses at the College, either Mathematics, Further Maths or Statistics. A new A level in Use of Mathematics has also been added to the curriculum this year.

Isabel Cooper, Mathematics teacher at the College and organiser of this event, said: “This is the sixth year we have run this conference and it keeps going from strength to strength. Once again we must thank all the speakers for giving their time to be here and also the schools who were able to give their students the opportunity of participating in this mathematical enrichment event.

“It was wonderful to have so many enthusiastic young people attending. Everyone seemed to enjoy the afternoon; I hope the students found it interesting and informative, as well as helping them to appreciate how important Mathematics is in  everyday life, and how it is a key to future employment."