This week Collyer’s hosted a regional advice and guidance conference, aimed at preparing gifted and talented students to study degree level Mathematics at the nations’ top universities.

Sue Poulton, Head of Mathematics at Collyer’s, explained: “A number of the elite universities, including Cambridge, Warwick, Bath and Imperial, require a pass in STEP Maths papers for students wishing to take a Maths-related degree. The aim of the day is to support our most able mathematicians to pass STEP on the road to fully reaching their potential.”

Students and staff travelled to Collyer’s from Brighton and Hove VI form College, Burgess Hill School for Girls, Christs Hospital, Hurstpierpoint, Lingfield NotreDame, Reigate VIth Form College, Sussex Downs, the Weald and Worthing VIth Form to take part in the conference.

Rob  Etteridge, Assistant Subject Leader for Mathematics, was delighted: “The Collyer’s students have really enjoyed this fantastic opportunity to work with other colleges on content beyond the syllabus. The event has been hugely successful”.

Peter Mitchell, formerly chairman of Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI) for the United Kingdom, led the introductory sessions on STEP Maths. The regions top maths teachers and students then took part in elite-level mathematical exercises throughout an action packed day.   

Nick Robins, who helped to co-ordinate the event, said: “It is a great opportunity for staff and students to work on some really tricky Maths problems together and also for staff to get expert advice about preparing candidates for these STEP papers. We thought it important to share this expertise with staff and students from other institutions and we have really enjoyed working with them.”

Principal Dr Jackie Johnston, was proud to host the maths conference: “We have an extremely strong reputation for Mathematics and it is a great honour for Collyer’s to host this event. Hopefully it will help to make sure that the region’s most able mathematicians reach their considerable potential.”