Overview

A series of maths problem-solving sessions designed to give students the confidence to apply for university courses that require or take into consideration achievement in an admissions test.

These regular classes offer students the opportunity to develop mathematical problem-solving skills through discussion and collaboration. They are designed to help students to develop strategies and confidence when tackling unfamiliar problems in maths and will help with preparations for taking advanced papers such as the MAT, TMUA, and STEP examinations.

At the same time, the problems used in the course are fun and rewarding. Attending the sessions will greatly enrich students’ mathematical experience and help them to develop a better understanding of A level Mathematics.

Aims

• To develop initial strategies when dealing with maths problems
• To develop confidence when dealing with maths problems
• To develop resilience when dealing with maths problems
• To provide some initial information about the problem solving involved in University Admissions Test
• To provide a platform on which to build secure problem solving techniques

Content

The course covers a wide range of mathematical disciplines with problems. These can include

• Algebra: the difference between two squares and other identities
• Geometry: angles, triangle and circles
• Number: digits and divisibility
• Algebra: forming and solving equations
• Combinatorics: systematic counting
• Number: prime factorisation, fractions and irrationals
• Algebra: sequences and series
• Number: indices and logarithms
• Algebra: quadratics, cubics and other polynomials
• Geometry: trigonometry
• Combinatorics: further systematic counting and placement
• Geometry: coordinates and vectors
• Calculus: curve sketching and differentiation
• Calculus: integration
• Combinatorics: the binomial expansion

Materials and equipment

Students are asked to bring a refillable water bottle, something to write with and something to write on. All other class materials will be provided.

Students may wish to bring a snack to have before or after each class. There is a drinking fountain located near the classroom for students to use to refill their water bottles.

Other information

The following problems provide a taste of the sort of problem solving that will be encountered in the classes:

Problem 1: How many primes greater than two can be found that are one less than a square number?

Problem 2: How many pairs of integers can you find that satisfy the equation \(x^2–y^2=45\)?

Eligibility

Any year 12 student, studying maths A level, from a state-funded school is eligible to attend. You do not need to be taking further maths. Please note that there will be an initial cap on the number of student places per school, to give as many schools as possible an opportunity for their students to attend. This means your application may be added to a reserve list

Students from fee paying schools are welcome to apply for a place and will be added to a waiting list. Places will be granted, if they are not taken up by students from state-funded schools.

Study schedule

Participant feedback

"Great support from both teachers. They allowed students to try many different ways for a question and suggesting alternative methods rather than giving the students the answer"


"The classes have been excellent. The teachers were very helpful and extremely knowledgeable about mathematics. They were also very excited about the subject. The problems were very interesting. This has been an excellent way of going through the topics and preparing for university"

Key facts

• Reference:#13478
• Audience:Students
• Target year:Year 12
• Curriculum focus:University admissions tests, A level Mathematics, A level Further Mathematics
• Mathematical focus:Pure, Reasoning, Problem solving
• Event format:Face-to-face
• Duration:20 hours
• Region:West Midlands
• Fee:Free