Galileo stated that Mathematics is the language of the universe.  Physicists need that language to “read” matter and energy.  Musicians need it to “read” rhythm and harmony.  As pupils progress through Colfe’s School we in the Maths Department help them to deepen their understanding of that language.  We aim to use a variety of teaching styles and activities to ensure that, year on year, Colfe’s pupils become better mathematicians. Maths is taught in classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, and, when appropriate, we make use of the department ICT suite or one of the school’s dedicated ICT rooms.

There is also a strong emphasis on the challenging aspects of the subject. Each year we enter competitions run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT). These Challenges, at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level, as well as the Team Challenge, provide an opportunity for pupils to compete against children from all over the country. They also provide healthy competition within the school as our pupils vie for the coveted gold certificates.  Results of these competitions are regularly reported in the News section of the website.

In the summer term we run a Master class for Year 5 students from local schools as well as an outdoor enrichment afternoon for Year 10. Additionally, we host outside speakers and run sixth form trips each year.  

Suggested further reading:

Years 7 - 11   
Horrible Maths series

Sixth Form   
Does God Play Dice? - Ian Stewart
Nature’s Numbers - Ian Stewart
Chaos - James Gleick
A Beautiful Mind - Sylvia Nasar