STUDENTS and maths teachers from St Killian’s College recently took part in a fun roadshow facilitated by Sentinus, experts in the enrichment and enhancement of STEM subjects, (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics).

The event was held to celebrate the Maths Department achieving ‘Outstanding’ status during a recent school inspection.

The inspection report noted that the college has a culture which focuses “on the continuous improvement of the pupils’ learning experiences in mathematics” and this was evident in the enthusiasm with which all participated in the roadshow.

Working in pairs, students from Years 9 and 10 tackled a series of fifty or more maths puzzles and competed within a fixed time.

This lively and engaging approach helps explain the inspectors’ comments about the quality of mathematics in St Killian’s being ‘outstanding’ with strengths including “the pupils’ enjoyment of the subject”, “the outstanding levels of achievement in public examinations” and “the very high expectations of the teachers who instil in the pupils a belief that, with hard work, they can experience success in mathematics”.

St Killian’s achievements stand in stark contrast to the national trends that indicate falling levels of numeracy.
As opportunities for rewarding careers become increasingly concentrated in knowledge-based occupations where mathematics is essential, the college is helping provide a head start for its students.