In Maths we will focus on problem solving which means doing non-routine, challenging mathematical tasks that require essential concepts and methods to be understood and applied in a variety of contexts. 

Practicing problem solving develops a pupils’ ability to explore, reason and communicate their findings, along with mastering technical skills as a useful by-product of the process. The percentage of marks allocated to problem solving in Maths A level continues to rise, while the STEP, TMUA and MAT exams used by Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities to assess new entrants all use problems solving style questions.

By year groups, participants will study:

Years 3-6 

Children will solve problems from Primary and Junior Maths Challenges and from the Kangaroo Competitions involving arithmetic, geometry and combinatorics. They will explore various approaches for solving challenging problems.

Years 7-8 

Participants will explore problems from the Junior Maths Challenges and from the Kangaroo Competitions mainly about perimeter and area of different shapes, about the clock and tables involving geometry, combinatorics and algebra. 

Pupils will have to write down their ideas step by step to reveal the logical structure behind their solutions.

Years 9-12 

Problems from the Junior Mathematical Olympiads and from the Intermediate Maths Challenges, Kangaroo and American Maths Challenge about sequences from introductory questions to advanced tasks will be offered to participants. 

Pupils will learn how to handle periodic sequences, recursions, arithmetic sequences. They will have to use algebra creatively to answer the questions. Pupils will meet several questions about angles, where the clever application of algebra is needed and tackle by questions about the fundamentals of combinatorics involving sets. 

Pupils will have to write down their ideas step by step to reveal the logical structure behind their solutions.