Maths Success!

This year we ran the Intermediate Maths Challenge from the UK Mathematics Trust. This national competition is a 60-minute, multiple-choice paper written for pupils in Year 11 or below. One of our students, Albert Marsh, has shown true resilience in preparing for this challenge. Albert is the youngest student at FICS to take part in this competition which encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to stretch students even in year 11.

Correct answers score either 5 or 6 marks whilst incorrect answers lead to a penalty of either 1 or 2 marks being deducted. The level of the competition is so challenging that this year a score of 37+ equated to a bronze award, 52+ secured a silver and 72+ was gold. Albert scored a fantastic 105 in total, not only securing a Gold certificate and the best mark in FICS but he has also been invited to participate in the follow-on round for pupils in Year 9 and below, the Cayley Olympiad, in March.

Only 500 of the highest performers in the IMC are invited to take part in the Cayley Olympiad from more than 100,000 students sitting the paper, so this is a huge achievement. 

The Cayley Olympiad paper is a 2-hour challenge consisting of six problems requiring full written solutions. The follow-on round will no doubt be a stimulating and rewarding experience for Albert, as it has been designed to stretch the highest-attaining young people. Good luck for the next round, Albert!

Attached are last year's questions so that interested readers can have a go at answering them.