STUDENTS and maths teachers from St Killianâs 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 âOutstandingâ status during a recent school inspection.
The inspection report noted that the college has a culture which focuses âon the continuous improvement of the pupilsâ learning experiences in mathematicsâ 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 inspectorsâ comments about the quality of mathematics in St Killianâs being âoutstandingâ with strengths including âthe pupilsâ enjoyment of the subjectâ, âthe outstanding levels of achievement in public examinationsâ and âthe very high expectations of the teachers who instil in the pupils a belief that, with hard work, they can experience success in mathematicsâ.
St Killianâs 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.