Mathematics Enrichment Trip: Oxford University 

 

Mathematics Enrichment Trip: Oxford University 

There is something about appreciating a subject, a discipline, for not only its usefulness in everyday life but its beauty that piques curiosity, instils confidence, and resilience in the learner to pursue it: Mathematics.

The Glyn Mathematics department had planned to provide our students an enriching learning experience that takes place beyond the confines of the classroom and the adhesive or screen-bound A level textbooks. Further, with our students intending to explore and undertake a STEM academic pathway up to university level in mind, a first-hand taster experience was called for. So, on the 13th May, we decided to take thirty-two of our keen A level mathematicians to Oxford University’s Mathematics Institute and Balliol College to do just that: appreciating their subject at our nation’s, and arguably, the world’s finest institution.

 

The words of Sir Isaac Newton ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ was most apt for the occasion when our students arrived, gathered outside the Andrew Wiles Building - named after the Field Medalist Sir Andrew Wiles - stood and admired the penrose tiles, constructed and designed by Professor Sir Roger Penrose. Both world-renowned Oxford mathematicians who have served academia with distinction.  

 

The penrose tiles: a set of aperiodic tiles.

Mathematics is everywhere in the building: the two ‘crystals’ spanning the north and south atria’s  light wells.  

Dr James Munro, Mathematics outreach coordinator and undergraduate tutor delivered his lecture on chaos theory.

 

Lunch at Balliol College’s dining hall. Students were served a sumptuous two-course meal - main and dessert, no less.

If I had a penny each time ‘Hogwarts’ was mentioned…

 

A tour of Balliol College after lunch, led by Jack Robinson, the admissions coordinator.

The verdant college grounds were teeming with spring’s finest blooms.

 

  A moment to gaze on the magnificence that is Balliol college’s chapel.

  

 

Being shown around the college’s halls of residence, premises and facilities by two current maths students from Balliol College, Oxford, our students also had the opportunity to inquire about the life of a mathematics student at university, their hopes and aspirations after university.

 

The tour of the campus was then followed by the admissions talk for Oxbridge, delivered by Jack Robinson, the admissions coordinator:

They were informed of the college system, application timeline, how to write a strong personal statement, super curriculum, the interview process, and life at university. 

Students were shown a list of sources they could use for their super curricular preparation.  

 

The day ended with lots for them to ponder and consider, and smiles nonetheless!

This trip was made possible by the diligent and generous Zoe Hart, Dr James Munro, Jack Robinson who were excellent ambassadors and representatives of Oxford University; our own Ms Stokes and Mrs Prime who were an incredible help and support in ensuring that the students had a safe,  c , and memorable experience. Mrs Garrod, headteacher, and, our stand-by duty officer for the day. Mrs Smith and Buckland for their administrative genius. Mrs McKenna, Mr MacGregor for their patience and guidance throughout the school trip organisation process.

 

Yours sincerely,

Samson Yap