Mathematics
We hope to instil in pupils a sense of wonder at how Mathematics explains phenomena in the real world, while helping them become more confident, resilient, resourceful, creative and collaborative, and better problem-solvers, too.
Each year we receive a new cohort of Year 7 students who have been selected, in part, on the basis of their mathematical ability. They are enthusiastic, confident and used to succeeding in Mathematics. As a department, we see it as our responsibility to ensure that they remain engaged with the subject and continue to excel as they are presented with increasingly demanding challenges.
To do this, we seek to develop confidence and accuracy in their use of mathematical language and techniques to produce solutions to problems. By requiring rigour in such work, we build resilience and resourcefulness. Creativity is nurtured through encouraging boys to find alternative solutions, and we provide opportunities for them to cooperate and work as a team.
In all of this, not only do we aim to inculcate that sense of wonder and an enjoyment of mathematical theorems for their own sake, but also a life-long love of learning Mathematics among all our pupils.
Practically speaking, we achieve this partly through thorough preparation for examinations and competitions, so that boys experience the enjoyment that comes from being successful. We also expose pupils to interesting and perplexing puzzles that sometimes challenge their preconceptions and understanding about the subject.
At the end of their studies, all boys should have the mathematical skills to pursue further studies and then to enter the world of work, regardless of the nature of their ambitions. For some, this will mean they have a solid understanding of GCSE Mathematics, while others will have acquired the tools required to be competitive in the international world of mathematics in academia.
The subject-specific material of Mathematics equips QE boys for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics. The new A-level concentrates more than ever on the widely applicable mathematical modelling process. Moreover, the general skills gained from logical thinking and problem-solving extend to many other careers, such as Law.
We provide special preparation for STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper), the Mathematics examination used to test applicants to Cambridge and Warwick universities.
Technology is important in Mathematics lessons. Boys are taught to use calculators, graph-sketching software and geometry software, while IT is also used extensively for numerical methods and statistical analysis.
QE boys participate successfully, and in large numbers, in the various UK individual Maths Challenges and follow-on Olympiad and Kangaroo rounds. Pupils take part in the UK Team Challenges, the Hans Woyda Maths Competition and the Maths Bombe and Ritangle online competitions. A very extensive set of extra-curricular opportunities and special events is also provided. These include the: Year 7 Maths Fair; Year 8 Maths Circus; Year 9 Maths Battle; Year 11 Show; Year 12 lectures; and the Maths and Élite Maths clubs.
Old Elizabethans: Lifetime achievement award for Mathematics work
Old Elizabethan Malcolm Sabin (1952-59) has had an illustrious and varied career, working in the aircraft industry, in engineering and in academia. He graduated from Cambridge with a first-class degree in the Mechanical Sciences Tripos and, among his other academic qualifications, was awarded a PhD from Leeds University in 1998.
A pioneer of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), since the late 1970s he has concentrated on research and teaching. In 2012, he was presented with an Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) gold medal at the Royal Society in recognition of his life’s work and contribution to Mathematics - the latest in a string of awards presented to him. Two constructions bear his name, Powell-Sabin splines and Doo-Sabin subdivision. Dr Sabin, a Chartered Mathematician, has published extensively on mathematical topics.
Old Elizabethans: Making his own path
High-flyer Drew Williams took an unusual step for a QE leaver – he opted to enter the world of work straightaway, rather than going to university first.
Drew (OE 2005-2012) joined multinational professional services firm EY (formerly Ernst & Young) and has since rapidly advanced to the position of Audit Senior and qualified as a chartered accountant. An Ambassador for EY’s School Leaver Programme, he advocates that pupils should at least consider alternative career routes after A-levels.
Among his many achievements at QE, Drew earned straight A*s in his four A-levels – which included Mathematics and Economics – and was captain of both the First XV (rugby) and the First XI (cricket) teams.
Head of Mathematics: Ms Jessica Steer
After studying Pure Mathematics at Oxford and starting her teaching career at La Sainte Union, a girls’ school in Camden, Ms Steer joined QE as Head of Mathematics in 2014.
“At university, I particularly enjoyed logic, set theory, topology and analysis. I love problem-solving and logical thinking: tackling maths problems is one of the only activities that totally absorbs my attention, and I could enjoy solving a problem for hours.
“I like working at QE because there are so many staff and students who share my interest in the subject. It is so nice to see students’ enjoyment in a problem and their commitment to extra-curricular Mathematics. I love it when people want to study the subject at university.”
The Mathematics department is part of the Prince’s Teaching Institute. It is taking part in a research project with education company Pearson in connection with the new A-level. The department regularly welcomes trainee teachers from School Direct and Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) courses.
Upper School pupil: combining logic and creativity
“My favourite part of Maths is the ‘show that...’ questions, those which require proof,” says Tanishq Mehta. “They require a combination of creativity and logical reasoning, which is extremely satisfying once a solution is achieved.” Mehta is studying both Mathematics and Further Maths at A-level and has particularly enjoyed encountering fresh aspects of the subject. “New concepts such as differentiation and integration have allowed me to tackle many fresh and more interesting problems.”
Mehta also credits his development in Mathematics with the opportunities on offer at Élite Maths and at the Royal Institution Queen Mary Mathematics lectures, where he was introduced to quantum mechanics and number theory, which he chose as the topic for his Extended Project Qualification. Mehta, who is planning to read Mathematics at university, has yet to decide on his future career.
Lower School pupil: finding elegant solutions
“What I find satisfying about Maths is that I need to use all my skills to solve a question,” says Maxwell Johnson. “What may seem like the simplest question may, in fact, require a great deal of logic to answer. It makes solving a problem or finding an elegant solution incredibly satisfying.”
Maxwell ascribes his progress in the subject partly to the opportunities he has had to take part in events such as the prestigious Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition and The Maths Challenge, run by the UK Mathematics Trust. He says he hopes to be studying Mathematics for years to come.
“I am a member of several clubs at School – VEX Robotics and LAMDA public speaking, as well as the Élite Maths Club. I like Eton Fives and take Music lessons too.”
