Secretary of State for Education awards prizes for Exeter Mathematics School competition

The overall winners, from The Royal High School, Bath, demonstrated their mathematical and communications skills by providing a solution to ‘Bezout’s Buckets’ in an entertaining fashion.

The competition, which was open to all secondary schools in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset saw teams of year 10 and 11 pupils explain the solution to a challenging mathematical problem in a five minute video. Over 40 entries were made from 18 different schools. 

The University of Exeter, in partnership with Exeter College, will be one of the first institutions to open a state-funded specialist mathematics school for sixth form students as part of a national programme for mathematically talented 16-19 year olds. The schools are opening in response to the government’s plans to improve mathematics education in the state sector.

Professor Janice Kay Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at the University of Exeter said: “Many congratulations to all the prize winners of this excellent competition held by the Exeter Mathematics School. Exeter is a thriving centre for the development of skills in mathematics - so vital for the UK economy. This competition is the first of many celebrating the abilities of the students of the South West.”

Molly Spalding, Jasmine Qian and Jasmine Pearce, students from The Royal High School, explained how Euclid’s algorithm can be used to determine when a solution is possible for the Bucket Problem.   

The students spoke of how the competition inspired them: “We loved this assignment because it allowed us to be creative in the use of mathematics. Lots of maths competitions are classroom based, and written, but we were motivated by the opportunity to communicate in an artistic and imaginative way”.

Further prizes will be awarded to schools across the South West in a celebration and enrichment day on the 16th December. In second place, Churston Ferrers GS, Torbay produced an excellent video explaining Pascal’s Problem of Points and ISCA school, Exeter came third with their solution to the Bridges of Konigsberg.

Kerry Burnham, Head of Exeter Mathematics School, said: “We are delighted that so many students across the South West participated in this competition. The judges were both entertained by and impressed with the level of creativity, mathematical insight and enthusiasm demonstrated by many teams.”

Nicola Cologne-Brookes, Head of Maths at The Royal High School said “The girls were amazing. After initial brainstorming they really flew with the task, and needed very little input from us. We are proud to be part of a school where girls are not afraid to throw themselves into mathematical challenge.”

Rebecca Dougall, Headteacher at The Royal High School said: “Maths is thriving at our school with over half of our sixth form studying the subject. We are so proud of the Jasmines’ and Molly's success in this prestigious competition. There's lots of anxiety about girls and maths but it's flourishing here at The Royal High.”

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Congratulations to the pupils from The Royal High School, Bath, on being the winners of the Exeter Maths School competition. They tackled the challenging Bezout’s Buckets problem and I was very impressed by the clarity, creativity and confidence of their solution.

“Young people are competing with talented minds from all over the world for places at top universities and for top jobs. That is why we need specialist maths free schools such as Exeter Maths School. They will develop the talents of exceptional young mathematicians and ensure they can compete in the global race.”

The school will open in a newly refurbished listed building in the heart of Exeter city centre in September 2014. It will cater for students with a passion for mathematics and provide them with a rich and challenging curriculum, preparing them thoroughly for study at University and beyond. Its outreach programme supports and motivates mathematically talented pupils across the four counties of Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.

The winning video:

Details about how to apply to Exeter Mathematics School are available on the website. The deadline for applications is 31st January 2014.