On Thursday 7 November, 20 of the College's A Level mathematicians took part in the annual UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge, a national competition with 200,000 pupils taking part from across the UK as well as from abroad. The challenge, run by the UK Mathematics Trust, is a 90-minute, multiple-choice competition which "encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems".
Shiplake pupils picked up 13 certificates this year, ranging from bronze (top performing 60%) through to gold (top 10%). F Focosi, T Fox, S O'Brien and T Wilkinson all received Silver Awards, placing them in the top 30% of all results.
In addition to a Gold Award in the first round (top 10%), M Waller scored highly enough to be invited into the next round of the competition, for the best 7,000 participants, at the end of Novemeber. His achievement of a Merit score in this round places him in the top 1,000 pupils worldwide. Mr Richard Curtis, Assistant Head Sixth Form and teacher of mathematics, praises the candidates: "Big congratulations to M Waller and, indeed, to all our mathematicians for the strongest showing in this elite competition for many a year."
Headmaster Mr Howe adds: "In last year's Senior UKMT Challenge we received one silver and ten bronze, so this year's results are a real improvement. Well done to everyone who took part."
