Year 8 Students at University of Leeds Maths Competition

This week, Year 8 students from our academy had the exciting opportunity to attend a local Maths Competition held at the prestigious University of Leeds. The event, designed to challenge and inspire young mathematicians, offered an enriching experience filled with problem-solving, teamwork, and a glimpse into the future of mathematics.

The day kicked off with an engaging warm-up activity—a unique word search that combined numerical calculations with wordplay. Students first solved equations to determine numerical answers, then located the-out versions of these numbers in the puzzle. This creative start set the tone for a day of innovative mathematical challenges.

The main event was the highly anticipated competition, which comprised four intense rounds. Participants tackled questions on fractions, shapes and patterns, and even code-breaking, testing both their logical reasoning and creative problem-solving skills.

Adding to the excitement, staff from the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) delivered an inspiring talk about the role of maths in shaping the future. They highlighted the diverse career pathways to those with strong mathematical skills and emphasised the importance of mathematics in an increasingly data-driven world.

While our teams didn’t bring home the trophy, the students gained invaluable teamwork experience and showcased their ability to apply their knowledge to a range of practical and challenging problems.

The trip was a wonderful opportunity for our students to see maths in action beyond the classroom and to connect with peers from other schools who share their passion for the subject. A huge well done to all who took part—you’ve made us proud!