Royal Institution Secondary Mathematics Masterclasses
The aim of the Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses is to stimulate and encourage young people in the art and practice of mathematics and to develop a sense of enjoyment in the subject. These classes are not intended to match the
Royal Institution Secondary Mathematics Masterclasses
The aim of the Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses is to stimulate and encourage young people in the art and practice of mathematics and to develop a sense of enjoyment in the subject. These classes are not intended to match the school curriculum but are instead intended to widen students' areas of mathematical knowledge and interest.
The Royal Institution Mathematics and Engineering Masterclasses are hands-on and interactive extracurricular sessions led by top experts from academia and industry for keen and talented young people all around the UK. The Lancaster-based series complements activities in Cumbria, Ormskirk and Manchester, all of whom provide series for year 9 pupils, as well as providing the next step for attendees of the Primary Masterclass series in Milnthorpe.
Participants need enthusiasm and persistence as well as mathematical ability. It will be a rare student who understands all the material completely at a first hearing; sticking power is needed to come back for more and to take home the notes and try again.
Our first Masterclass series ran in Spring 2014 and have run annually since. The classes take place over six Saturday mornings and pupils in years 10 and 11 will be nominated for participation by their schools in the autumn.
The 2014 series
The 2014 programme of classes at Lancaster was organised on the theme of "Networks", looking at how pure and applied mathematicians and statisticians study interconnected systems. Four of the classes were delivered by academics from Lancaster University and two by guest speakers from outside the university.
In the classes, the pupils looked at how mathematics can solve problems from the practical, such 